The University of Alabama is altering several game days ahead of Saturday’s football game against Georgia as severe weather and high winds are expected to impact parts of central Alabama.
The game is expected to proceed as scheduled at this time, but university officials are urging fans to closely monitor weather conditions and make informed decisions regarding travel and lodging.
These changes come as tropical storm watches are in effect across much of central Alabama, amid strengthening conditions in the Gulf of Mexico. Forecasters are warning of potentially damaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding and possible tornadoes over the weekend.
The National Weather Service in Birmingham issued watches for many counties, including Jefferson, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, Bibb, Chilton and Talladega. Wind gusts could reach 55 mph in the Birmingham metro area, while parts of the southern part of the state could see gusts between 65 and 75 mph.
These winds could bring down trees and power lines, block roads and cause power outages.
Tailgating Changes
To reduce risk to fans and avoid damage from expected weather conditions, tailgating will not be permitted on the University of Alabama campus until noon Saturday.
After noon, personal tailgating will be permitted only in uncovered areas, weather permitting.
The university said no drop-offs or tailgate setups will be allowed on campus Friday. All tailgating supplies placed on campus before noon Saturday will be removed and discarded.
Corporate tailgating vendors, including Gameday Done Right, will not set up on the Quad due to forecasts of severe weather and high winds Friday night.
Fans may access the Quad and other gathering areas on campus after noon, but those areas will first need to be inspected and determined to be safe. The university said there will be no delivery of tailgate supplies Saturday for the Quad.
Electrical and electrical services will not be restored to the Quad until university officials determine that conditions are safe.
The university also said it could further delay operations if weather conditions warrant.
Parking and transportation
Campus parking lots and shuttle services are currently scheduled to open at noon Saturday.
Fans attempting to park on campus before the grounds officially open will be turned away. Parking pass holders who have purchased parking through Clutch! will receive direct updates if conditions change.
Shuttles will begin operating once parking lots open, unless sustained winds cause additional delays.
Visitors using off-campus parking are encouraged to check with individual parking operators for potential schedule changes.
Pre-match events canceled or modified
Several activities planned before the game were also canceled or modified due to the forecasted weather.
All activities on and around the Quad have been canceled, as have all activities in Champions Lane.
The announcement scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. at the Gorgas Library celebrating the successful conclusion of the Rising Tide 2.0 fundraising campaign was also canceled.
The Elephant Stomp is not planned at this time.
The March of Champions is expected to continue approximately 2 hours before kickoff, weather permitting.
College GameDay moves inside
ESPN’s College GameDay will take place at Coleman Coliseum.
The north and east gates are scheduled to open at 5:30 a.m., and fans will be allowed to line up at 5:15 a.m.
Due to forecasted weather conditions, queuing and overnight camping outside Coleman Coliseum will not be permitted.
Fans attending College GameDay should also be aware that only clear bags will be allowed inside the venue and will be inspected upon entry. The program’s associated field kick will take place inside Coleman Coliseum.
Fans are encouraged to watch for updates
University officials said weather conditions and game day operations could continue to change as the storm system develops.
Fans are encouraged to monitor official communications from University of Alabama News, UA Gameday and UA Safety, including social media and university apps, for updates regarding weather, parking, tailgating and other game day operations.
The university said the changes are intended to help provide a safe match environment while weather conditions remain uncertain.
Gn sports
