I’m going back to school.
No, not for any extra credit or degree, but for an annual tradition known throughout the South as the Third Saturday of October. It’s Alabama-Tennessee, one of college football’s greatest rivalries and as a native of Knoxville and Crimson Tide alumni, this game takes on special meaning to me.
But going back to one’s college for a game is about so much more than putting on a school shirt and cheering for the team. It’s about checking out the bars – where students and alumni seamlessly drink together – the pre-game tailgate party, going back to the student union and taking part in the pre-game traditions.
You just don’t roll in on Friday night and out Sunday morning. You stay for several days.
I am fortunate enough to have friend who has a Sky Box at Bryant-Denny Stadium so not only do I not have to deal with trying to sneak in booze, I have an excellent vantage point for the game. I call him “Bama Jerry” but also “the Hugh Hefner of Tuscaloosa” because he is always surrounded by several beautiful women. And the Sky Box reflects his outgoing personality as it has a steady stream of social people and even former Alabama players in it.
“We have the social box,” Bama Jerry says in his understated way of stating the obvious.
Joining me is PubClub.com Kentucky Derby (and other events) photographer Jack Fleming and big-time travel blogger Rick Griffin. A key part of any PubClub.com travel is to do “boots on the ground” research of the overall scene and the bars and nightlife. Two top bars in Tuscaloosa are Innisfree Pub downtown and Galette’s, the closest bar to Bryant-Denny Stadium and a big-time place to party after Alabama football games. So be sure and get on this website for some fun college bar information.
Speaking of which, be sure and check out our top college bars article at schools across the USA.
Roll Tide!!!
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