8 ways Alabama football home games will change for fans in 2023

Alabama football will look a little different this year, and not just because of who’s under center.

Crimson Tide fans attending home games in 2023 can expect a few changes inside Bryant-Denny Stadium including field upgrades and locker room tours, designed by UA to enhance the gameday experience. But some of the changes will cost you extra.

Their official website rolltide.com shared the changes via Twitter and other social media Monday afternoon. Read about all of the changes there, but we highlighted nine from their announcement we think you should know about.

Bryant-Denny Stadium field upgrade

The field at Bryant-Denny Stadium was completely reconstructed, UA says, adding a new subair system with natural grass and synthetic turf aprons. The system includes vacuum-assisted drainage and heated air capabilities in addition to various sensors that will measure things like moisture and temperature they say will help the stadium’s grounds crew manage the surface.

Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama-Southern Miss game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)

Locker room tours / Souvenir tickets

Fans can now purchase behind-the-scenes locker room tours on Fridays before home games for $25 per person. Alabama ticketing went fully paperless during COVID in 2020, and now UA says fans can buy a souvenir printed game ticket ($15 each). They say you can inquire about both via the Crimson Tide Access program.

Champions Lane

An extension of Crimson Tide Sports Marketing’s pregame entertainment, “Champions Lane” will be located to the northwest of Bryant-Denny Stadium on the lawn behind the Tuska statue and will include food trucks, a sound stage, lounge with casual seating, LED videoboards for fans to watch other college football games in action, Crimson Tide student-athlete autograph tent and more.

Concession upgrades

The site says five of Bryant-Denny’s highest-volume concession stands were converted to grab and go markets where fans can grab items and proceed to check out faster. Automated self-checkout kiosks will be available at several concession stands throughout the stadium, allowing fans the ability to choose the method they prefer. The site also says multiple beverage and popcorn vending options have also been added “for ease and quickness.”

Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne also tweeted in August he would soon share price reductions on concession food and drink soon, but these are not listed in this update.

Alabama Football Fans in the Stands: Ole Miss 2021 — Alabama football fans go wild from the Bryant-Denny Stadium stands during the Tide’s home game against Ole Miss Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)

Shaker bins

Fans will find shaker bins throughout the concourses of Bryant-Denny Stadium, allowing them to pick up a complimentary shaker upon entry to use for the game and return on the way out.

Honorary captain autograph sessions

For home games, honorary captains will sign autographs at the Bryant Museum starting five hours before kickoff. They will then move to The Authentic (Alabama’s player-merchandise store), located at Gate 34 on the south end of Bryant-Denny, for another autograph session 3.5 hours prior to kickoff, which will last an hour.

Perimeter enhancements

UA says the stadium’s security perimeter will be used as “an opportunity to enhance communication” with pertinent information such as general wayfinding, guest service center hotline, prohibited items and more.

Recognition and Celebration Schedule

Along with having a sponsor for each home game (listed on rolltide.com), each week will also include a recognition and celebration of Alabama athletes and others in 2023. The schedule is listed below.

Sept. 2 vs. Middle Tennessee State

Bryant Alumni-Athlete Award Recognition

Sept. 9 vs. Texas

Allstate Crossbar Classic

Men’s Basketball SEC Championship Ring Presentation

Nick Dunlap U.S. Amateur Champion Recognition

Sept. 23 vs. Ole Miss

Family Weekend

Bryant Society Recognition

Soccer SEC Championship Ring Presentation

Oct. 14 vs. Arkansas

Homecoming