The Crimson Pride

By: Over70

 

Why would 92,000+ fans show up in Tuscaloosa for a meaningless practice game on a nice spring day? Remember the laughter from the national media last year? Must not be much to do in Alabama was among some of the more kinder comments. Yes, folks, there is lots of things to do in Alabama on a spring day. There is a tournament quality golf course within a hours drive of most inhabitants along with fishing, boating, hunting and even baseball. So why would 92,000+ fans make their way to Tuscaloosa

to see what all know will be a meaningless practice game.

 

First of all, there is the opportunity to be back on campus once more to see the familiar landmarks, the buildings, the new construction, and to be with tens of thousands of like minded fans. It is the opportunity to sit on the quad and eat some barbeque and maybe get an autograph of a favorite player or coach.

 

Soon it’s time to go into Bryant Denny Stadium. A chill goes through you as once again you see the green grass and white lines where so many players have proven themselves on a Saturday afternoon in September and October. The players take the field and begin their warm-ups. While watching, if you look quickly out of the corner of your eye, leaning against the goal post in the north end zone, you can see a tall man in a hound’s-tooth hat, some paper rolled up in his hand, watching with steely eyes and missing nothing as his boys warm up.

 

Then the players take the field. Depending upon your age, you look for and see different things. Those over 40 look at

the young quarterback and mentally you compare him with a stoop shouldered young man from Beaver Falls, Pa. Or if he happens to be left handed, you think of a young man from Foley, Alabama

running down the side line in the mud and rain to beat Auburn

at Legion Field. You compare the linebackers to a young man from Excel, Alabama and hope that once again we have found someone who will get them if they stay between the lines. 

 

For those under the age of 40, you see the Jay Barkers, the Derrick 

Thomas’ or the Shawn Alexander’s. Memories are everywhere on this field and as you watch the game, once again you remember the players, the coaches and the National Championships. 

 

The youngsters in the crowd will not know about these memories but they see young men, bigger than life, running, tackling, catching the ball and they are beginning to make their own memories. Years from now, they will be comparing young men to the Rolando McClains, Andre Smith’s and Julio Jones’ of their youth.

 

For some who come the game, it is the only time they will get to see an Alabama team play while sitting on the 50 yard line. These are the fans who usually sit in the end zone and finally they are getting to see how the other half lives. For others, it is an opportunity to bring 3 or 4 young children and still be able to afford to eat. After all, at a regular game, it would cost several hundred dollars for an all day outing and for some

families, that is the cost of an entire vacation!

 

After the game, the score didn’t matter, as you leave the stadium, cars stop and wave you across the street. You stop at the sidewalk vendors to pick up a couple of shirts and maybe a hat or two.  Strangers smile and say Roll Tide. All is right with the world and you can’t wait until kickoff against Clemson. 

 

Why would 92,00+ attend a meaningless spring practice

game? If you have to ask, you would

never understand. RTR