Gameday Parking

by 4Q Basket Case
TideFans Moderator
**updated 9/26/2022**

[See map below for locations]

Important Note: Starting a couple of years ago, they won’t allow backpacks, ladies’ purses or any other type of opaque bag of any description inside the stadium. It’s since spread to all athletic events. Bryant-Denny, the basketball arena, the softball stadium … every single athletic event, and I’m telling you, they are serious about it no matter how much you (or she) protests.

The Parking topic might seem to be a strange place to put this warning. But it isn’t because …

If your female companion does not have one of the compliant clear plastic bags, put the purse in the trunk and leave it there. She will NOT be allowed into the stadium with it.Entrepreneurship abhors a vacuum, especially as regards Alabama athletics. So as you might expect, there are all sorts of dooded-up versions that pass muster.

The compliant clear bag above and other Gameday Gear are available 24/7 from TideFans.shop and from vendors on The Strip. Can’t you just hear the shout of, “cuuuuute!!!”

Get your compliant clear bag in the TideFans.shop (TideFans.com may receive a small commission if you purchase from this link or click on the pictures below. Thank you!)

Alabama Crimson Tide compliant Clear Reusable Bag for Gameday use and in the stadium.

Alabama Crimson Tide compliant Clear Reusable Messenger Tote for Gameday use and in the stadium.

They do allow clear plastic bags, and small opaque clutches, and clear tote bags I’m guessing for “feminine articles.” There are size restrictions on both, however, and they are enforced.

Fair warning: They’re not kidding on this and don’t make exceptions for either the clear requirement or the size restrictions. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen the male half of a couple traipsing back to the car, carrying a purse.

PARKING LOCATIONS

Regarding parking itself, unless you’re in a Tide Pride club that provides a spot, it is a legitimate consideration.

Unless you’re in a Tide Pride club that provides parking, where to park is a legitimate consideration.

Downtown Deck

The easiest solution is to park in the downtown deck, entrance on 7^th Street, between and 22^nd and 23^rd Avenue. It’s free to park, and for $1 each way, they provide a shuttle starting three hours before game time, ending three hours afterward. Or the relatively flat 10-12 block walk really isn’t all that bad.

Downtown Street

There is free parking on downtown streets,

but the pay lot you may remember as being on 6^th Street between Greensboro and 23^rd Avenue is no longer. It’s now the construction site for the coming Alamite hotel. No longer an option.

Even if you didn’t park in the Downtown Deck, you can still ride the shuttle from the Downtown Deck for the $1 charge each way.

South of Stadium

There’s a slew of student housing south of the stadium, between Hackberry Lane and Calvary Baptist Church, extending 3-4 blocks deep. A lot of them rent out spots in their yards. Cost varies depending on proximity to the stadium but is usually in the vicinity of $30 .

Not a bad option, and if you commit to a season, you might be able to negotiate bathroom privileges.

About 5-6 blocks south of the stadium is Central High School. The OFC will remember this as the former location of Tuscaloosa High School, torn down in the late 1990s / early 2000s. I think there’s a charge to park, and especially if you’re not interested in pre- or post-game Strip activities, it’s a good option. If you are, the walk isn’t too bad, just a bit generic.

University Mall has a large parking area for gameday parkers. $10 gameday shuttle to & from the mall. Not within walking distance.

North of Stadium (Limited)

Student housing neighborhood similar to the one to the south, and with similar pricing. But a much smaller area in the Caplewood / Read Street / Riverside Drive vicinity.

Personally, and especially if it’s a one-off game, I’d park at the Downtown Deck and either walk or ride the shuttle in. On the way out, I’d walk or, depending on the time of day (or night) take the shuttle or Uber back to the deck.

Clutch! App

The University is referring fans to an app called Clutch! for potential parking spots. It links businesses, other types of organizations, and individuals with people who need a parking space.

It launched in 2018, but I have no experience with this and it has no connection whatsoever with TideFans. Whatever you negotiate with the owner of the spot is between you and them. Caveat emptor. It’s shown here only as one of several parking options.

For 2022, season passes are $200 for Lots A & B & Tutwiler Deck parking, according to the app’s website. Lot A is 1 mile from the stadium; Lot B about 1.4 miles; and Tutwiler Deck about .6 miles.

Here’s a 2018 al.com article with some of the details.

Public Parking / Crimson Ride Shuttle

You can also park in spots and catch the Crimson Ride Shuttles. A bit of a long wait in line after the game down 9th Avenue by the Quad to catch the shuttles back to your car. But it’s simple and no-hassles otherwise. $30 per single game. Here’s the link and the Crimson Ride Shuttle Map.