Where San Diego Bama Fans Gather To Watch Crimson Tide Football
The Smoking Gun in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is the official game-day home of the San Diego Bama Fans, bringing Crimson Tide alumni and fans together for Alabama football. Here’s what to expect on game days, including the atmosphere, traditions and food and drink specials. This story was updated for the 2026 season
By Kevin Wilkeson, PubClub.com San Diego Nightlife Blogger
San Diego Crimson Tide fans are rolling intoThe Smoking Gun as it is the San Diego Bama Fans official alumni bar.
It is on Market between 5th & 6th in the Gaslamp Quarter (okay, technically East Village) just a couple of blocks from the previous alumni bar, Bootlegger. The latter was home to the San Diego Bama Fans for 10+ years but bar suddenly ended after football season when it closed, presenting the organizers with a monumental task: finding a place that can come close to replicating the “Tuscaloosa West” atmosphere of Alabama football – and on occasion, basketball – games.
“We’ve teamed up with Gary, Randy, and the entire Smoking Gun team to make this spot our official game-day headquarters… aka Tuscaloosa West!,” the organizers posted on its Facebook Fan Page, San Diego Bama Fans.
Smoking Gun, which also owns the popular barleymash on 5th & Market, was (no longer) home to the Florida Gators. The bar is an open-air establishment with a patio leading to a front section which was the Gator hangout (San Diego’s version of The Swamp tho considering UF hasn’t been very competitive of late it was more like a den of disappointment), a large square bar with tables on one side, more tables along with a couch and pool table on the other and more tables in the back. It also has an arcade, which might get some use during halftime or during blowouts.
During Alabama games, it features its Happy Hour menu which has a few pretty good San Diego craft brews for $5, along with food specials one of which is a pretty nice-looking burger for 10 bucks (a complete rundown of these specials is below) .
“We’re excited to bring the Alabama alumni into the mix and give them a home here,” said The Smoking Gun General Manager Randy Wagener. “We know they’re coming from a great spot, so our goal is to make this transition seamless and show them what makes us the right choice moving forward. We’re all about building a strong game day experience, and this is just the start. Roll Tide!”
To replicate the “Tuscaloosa West” atmosphere that made so Bootlegger popular Smoking Gun has nailed it. The sound on during is the games and before, during commercials, at halftime and after game a DJ play the “Alabama songs.” The management and DJ have learned thsse songs and why they are important to Alabama fans. There is the fight song, “Yeah Alabama,” plus “Sweet Home Alabama,” the “Rammer Jammer” cheer (but only after wins!) and the unofficial anthem of Tuscaloosa, “Dixieland Delight.” Alabama version, of course.
Plus Smoking Gun also plays other country tunes that are music to the ears of Alabama fans, among them Toby Keith’s “Oasis” song (although the Oasis bar is on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas), Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman,” Shania Twain’s “You Make Me Feel Like A Woman” and Kenny Chesney’s “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.” The DJ hasa quick finger to do all this and not miss a play.
The bartenders are lively and engaging and while most TVs are on the Alabama game, a couple of others show other games of interest to Alabama fans. Management also keeps the party going when Alabama wins big games (Tennessee, LSU and Auburn every year and also Georgia this year).
The atmosphere is awesome. It’s loud, lively, fun, friendly and is indeed “Tuscaloosa West.” More than 100 people show up for the biggest games and they – or we, I should say – are an enthusiastic and cheerful group. But we’re not obnoxious, either, and often welcome fans of other teams to watch the games with us.
2026 Game-Day Drink & Food Specials
In additon to implementing its Happy Hour for Alabama games, which involves roatating taps of beer for $5, here are 2026 game-day specials:
• FU Auburn Blaster ($8), the Alabama Slammer (Southern Comfort, Sloe Gin, Italian liqueur, and orange, $12)
• The Twisted Tuscaloosa (Reposado Tequila, Coquito Coconut Cream, Spill the Beans Coffee, whipped cream, and cinnamon, $7).
• Crimson Clucker (a crispy ghost chile buttermilk-battered chicken thigh with pepper jack cheese, bacon, pickles, and secret sauce on a brioche bun, $10.50)
• The Bear Bryant BBQ Flatbread (grilled bbq chicken, gouda cheese blend, red onions, chopped bacon, bbq sauce, and cilantro, $11)
• The Roll Tide Twists (soft pretzel sticks brushed with butter, topped with smoked salt and served with roasted poblano beer cheese and honey mustard,, $8.49) and the Bama Blaze Wings (pickle-brined chicken wings tossed in sweet and spicy maple sriracha sauce, $10.61).
Alabama Football 2026 Schedule & Kickoff Times
(All times Pacific)
• Satuday, Sept. 5 – East Carolina, 9 a.m.
• Sat, Sep 12 @, Kentucky, 12:30 PM
• Sat, Sep 19 ,Florida State, 12:30 PM
• Sat, Sep 26, South Carolina, TBD
• Sat, Oct 3 @ Mississippi State, TBD
• Sat, Oct 10, Georgia, TBD
• Sat, Oct 17 @ Tennessee, TBD
• Sat, Oct 24, Texas A&M, TBD
• Sat, Nov 7 @ LSU, TBD
• Sat, Nov 14 @ Vanderbilt, TBD
• Sat, Nov 21, Chattanooga, 11:00 AM
• Sat, Nov 28 Auburn, TBD
The Smoking Gun is located at: 555 Market St, San Diego, CA
Kevin Wilkerson is the founder of PubClub.com, an award-winning journalist and San Diego-based nightlife expert who has spent years exploring Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and other coastal communities. He has covered destinations, events and entertainment for more than two decades and received an Associated Press award for investigative journalism while working as a newspaper reporter.
Next Stops On The San Diego Party Bus:
• A Rundown Of San Diego College Fooball Alumni Bars
• Meet Manager of the Month Gary Hussey At Smoking Gun
• PubClub Classics: Gaslamp Bars & Events That No Longer Exist
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