The Crimson Tide’s A-Day Game is back this Spring after being canceled last year due to COVID-19.
The famous scrimmage game takes place after the Crimson Tide’s final spring practice. It pits the team’s offensive starters against its defensive starters. The game serves as a major off-season attraction for fans of the Crimson Tide. Over 60,000 people attended the last A-Day game in 2019.
The University of Alabama announced that it is increasing the capacity limit in Bryant-Denny Stadium to 50%, which would allow around 50,000 fans to attend the game. During the 2020 football season, capacity at events in Bryant-Denny Stadium were capped at 20%.
Jim Paige, the CEO of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, said that the game is a major boost for Tuscaloosa’s economy.
“Yeah, A-Day does have a pretty significant economic impact just because of the number of people that come in. Typically for the weekend, they stay in our hotels, eat at the restaurants, they shop in our stores. So, it’s got a significant impact,” Paige said.
Paige said that after the game’s cancellation last year, this year’s event could bring eager crowds to Tuscaloosa and that the city’s businesses will benefit.
“We are expecting a good crowd, so I think that there will be a lot more excitement maybe than ever before because I think people are just so hungry and anxious for A-Day to happen. So, we feel good about it. We feel like the hotels will be full, and restaurants and stores will be full,” Paige said.
Unlike past A-Day games, UA is charging for the 2021 event. Tickets went on sale for the public on April 10, and are $5. They can be purchased here.
