Tailgating

Alabama Crimson Tide fans tailgate prior to the game against the Missouri Tigers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

by 4Q Basket Case
TideFans Moderator
_{***updated 8/27/2022***}

Depending on your version of tailgating, it ranges from really easy to really complicated.

Fulfill your tailgating needs in the TideFans.shop

Main Quad

The primary tailgating venue is the main quad in the center of campus. There’s a lot of structure around that, though. All of the good space, and most of the marginal space, is reserved for the entire season via payment to the University.

You can do that direct from the University, or through the University-approved tailgate provider.

One that the University refers tailgaters to is Gameday Done Right. As with the Clutch! parking app, there is no connection whatsoever with TideFans. It is provided only FYI. Whatever you work out with them is between you and them, etc., etc. Caveat Emptor!

Cost varies with complexity of setup. It can be as simple as a tent and some chairs, all the way up to multiple tents, televisions, seating, tables, catering, bar staff, etc., etc.

Cost also varies with the demand for the game. For example, the cost for a non-conference game against a directional school will be less than the exact same setup for LSU or Auburn.

Get an Alabama Spatula for your tailgate !

As far as food and drink, if it’s legal in the state of Alabama, you can bring it on the Quad. They also allow open barbecue setups, though I’ve always wondered about the safety issues of a zillion kids, all on sugar buzzes, riding Razers through there.

Even if you don’t go to all that trouble, it’s still fun to stroll through the area, especially on a big game day.

There are free tailgating spots available on the Quad and other spots on campus. So, if you want to create your own “unofficial” tailgating space or in your own backyard, check University Tailgating policies and then get all your tailgating gear from our TideFans.shop.

Check out the TideFans boards dedicated to gamedays, grilling & tailgating:

Other Areas

You can set up pretty much anywhere there’s space on University property. You might not have power, and a lot of people bring their own generators. Up to you to get the food, drink and equipment there and out.

There is free Quad Tailgating on the west side of the Quad – no reservations required. First-come-first-serve. View the Quad Tailgating Map

Trash & Breakdown

The University is pretty good about having trash cans all over the place, and also deliver heavy-duty trash bags to tailgaters for free.

They’re strict about the cleanup, though. You have to be completely cleaned up and out by a designated time. Check with the University for specifics.

Street Vendors

Especially on the east side of the quad, there are lots of food trucks, selling all kinds of stuff. Mainly dogs, burgers, barbecue, ice cream and the like.

My personal favorite of these is Jim’n’Nicks barbecue (those small, sweet cornbread muffins are awesome!), but everybody has opinions.