Alabama’s Iconic College Towns
Football in Alabama is more than just a game. SEC football is a deeply rooted tradition in the South, and spending Saturdays cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide or Auburn Tigers is an event one must try at least once in their lifetime. Game day in Alabama’s two iconic football towns, Auburn and Tuscaloosa, is an unforgettable experience.
If you’re headed to a game at Bryant-Denny or Jordan-Hare stadiums, we suggest you make a weekend of it and make time to enjoy all that these college towns have to offer.
Here are our recommendations for what to see and do before kick-off:
Tuscaloosa:
Tuscaloosa is a city that was built on football, and Bryant-Denny Stadium is at the heart of the football action. The stadium has a seating capacity of 100,000, and it overflows with crimson and white on game day. The pre-game atmosphere is electric with fans gathering on The Quad for tailgating festivities.
What to Do:
This park was the site of Alabama’s State Capitol from 1826-1846. In 1847, the capitol was moved to Montgomery, and the building became the Alabama Central Female College. The building burned in 1923, and the only remaining remnants today are a part of the foundation and some small columns.
The Paul W. Bryant Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the University of Alabama’s football history. It celebrates more than 100 years of Crimson Tide football, revealed through photographs, uniforms and sports memorabilia. State-of-the-art videos display highlights of Bama coaches, players and unforgettable plays.
Where to Eat:
If you’re looking for an iconic place to sample Southern barbecue, then look no further than Dreamland BBQ, where you can feast on mouth-watering ribs, chicken, smoked sausage and all the fixins’. Patrons have been dining on the ultimate appetizer since 1958: white bread and Dreamland’s tangy barbecue sauce.
Avenue Pub
If you’re looking for a farm-to-table experience, then Avenue Pub is the place to eat. They source their ingredients from nearby farms and producers. Their dishes are crafted with locally sourced meats, cheeses and seasonal vegetables. They offer traditional pub food, along with craft beers and cocktails.
Depalma’s Italian Cafe brings the authentic taste of Italy to Tuscaloosa. From the appetizers to the desserts, each dish is meticulously crafted with fresh ingredients to provide an exceptional Italian dining experience. Located in the historic National Bank building built in 1892, the restaurant operates on a first-come-first-serve basis instead of a reservation system.
Rama Jama’s is an iconic diner located near the University of Alabama’s campus and is famous for its hearty breakfasts, juicy burgers and classic Southern comfort food. It is a traditional gathering place that celebrates the vibrant spirit of Alabama Football.
Where to Stay:
Built in 1823, the Bama Bed & Breakfast offers guests a true Southern experience with hospitality. It is located two blocks from Bryant-Denny Stadium and five minutes from downtown. The owners of the Bed & Breakfast also offer a lakeside retreat in the region.
The Jack Warner at NorthRiver
This boutique retreat offers guests a relaxing getaway complete with art and antiques, luxury dining and social settings. The hotel rests on the cliffs overlooking Lake Tuscaloosa and has a yacht club, Olympic-size swimming pool, 16 tennis courts and a Gary Player-designed golf course.
Auburn:
Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare Stadium, with a seating capacity of 88,000 is where the magic of Auburn football comes alive. The eagle flight before the games is unlike anything else in college football and is a must-see!
What to Do:
Chewacla State Park is located on 696 acres of public land and a 26-acre lake that offers plenty of relaxation, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, paddling boarding, boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. The park offers an onsite campsite and original stone cabins for overnight stays. Hike or bike the multi-use trails the park has to offer.
Southeastern Raptor Center
Learn about the birds of prey at the Southeastern Raptor Center located on the campus of Auburn University. Visitors can participate in special programming to learn about eagles, hawks and falcons on Friday afternoons before home football games. The Center is not open to the public, in general, but can be toured privately by booking a group tour.
Where to Eat:
Acre is located in historic downtown Auburn three blocks from Toomer’s Corner in the heart of Auburn. The restaurant has a genetic clone of a Toomer’s Corner oak on the premises. Chef David Bancroft heads the restaurant and is a James Beard Best Chef of the South winner as well as the 2017 winner of the Food Network’s Iron Chef Showdown. His restaurant offers dishes sourced from orchards and gardens located onsite and features farm-raised meat from local farmers.
Momma Goldberg’s, a family-owned business, has been a staple in Auburn since 1976. Their specialties are sandwiches and salads. It is a great place to catch football games in the fall. The original Momma Goldberg’s is located at the corner of Magnolia and Donahue streets.
No trip to Auburn is complete without visiting Toomer’s Drugs for their famous fresh-squeezed lemonade. Located in the heart of downtown, Toomer’s Drugs has been a fan favorite for generations.
Where to Stay:
Newly opened, the Graduate Auburn immerses you in local history and Tiger traditions with creative interiors and college nostalgia. Steps from Auburn University, it's the perfect base for exploring the town. Enjoy complimentary bike rentals, Malin + Goetz bath essentials, and pet-friendly accommodations. It’s just a 15-minute walk from the stadium.
Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center
The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center is a warm and friendly Alabama hotel that is just a short walk from the excitement of Auburn University and has a diverse array of cultural and entertainment attractions.
No matter which college town you choose to visit, game days in Auburn and Tuscaloosa promise a lot of excitement, tradition and Southern hospitality! Roll Tide! War Eagle!