The bye week is over. Alabama football is back, and it’s a big one.

LSU comes to Tuscaloosa on Saturday, so you know the stakes are high. The Tide and Tigers’ battles are always intense and important, and Nick Saban has again called for fans to bring their A-game inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Here’s what you need to know about gameday at the Capstone this Saturday. For even more information, visit the helpful UA Gameday website.

READ: 11 Saban era moments that made Alabama-LSU one of the greatest rivalries ever

ESPN COLLEGE GAMEDAY: 8-11 a.m.

WALK OF CHAMPIONS: 4:30 p.m.

GATES OPEN: 4:30 p.m.

ELEPHANT STOMP: 5:45 p.m.

KICKOFF: 6:45 p.m.

TV: CBS

ESPN COLLEGE GAMEDAY

“GameDay” will broadcast from the Quad (8-11 a.m. central on ESPN and ESPNU). The show returns to Tuscaloosa for time second time in the 2023 season after they appeared ahead of Alabama-Texas in September.

Alabama ranks second only to Ohio State as the school that has hosted the famed ESPN pregame show the most times, now with 56 total appearances (as one of the two participating programs featured) and 18 of them in Tuscaloosa.

The stage will be set up on the lawn near Denny Chimes. The show airs from 8-11 a.m. with live “SportsCenter” hits beginning at 6 a.m. Admission is free to fans of all ages.

Host Rece Davis returns along with analysts Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Desmond Howard and Pat McAfee. Pete Thamel, reporters Jen Lada and Jess Sims and newcomer ‘Stanford Steve’ Coughlin will also join the broadcast.

This week’s celebrity guest picker is standup comedian Nate Bargatze. (Joe Namath served as guest picker before Alabama-Texas).

READ: Who is Nate Bargatze, the ‘College GameDay’ celebrity picker for Alabama-LSU?

WEATHER

Friday: Sunny skies with a high near 70, followed by clear skies and an overnight low around 43.

Saturday: Sunny skies with a high near 74, followed by clear skies and an overnight low around 44.

Sunday: Sunny skies with a high near 77, followed by clear skies and an overnight low around 48.

— The National Weather Service

The GAME | PREDICTION

Always a battle between super-talented rosters, the Alabama-LSU rivalry is one of the best in college football — and one with the highest stakes annually. The SEC’s western division is up for grabs, and the Tide will take one step closer with a win over the Tigers.

But it won’t be easy. Brian Kelly’s offense is humming, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels’ 2,573 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Alabama’s much-improved defense has their work cut out for them, but they have what it takes to rise to the occasion behind leaders like Deontae Lawson, Dallas Turner and Kool-Aid McKinstry, plus fast-rising stars like Caleb Downs and Jihaad Campbell.

Can Jalen Milroe and the offense have a hot start like they did against Arkansas, or will it be another work-in-progress where they play from behind similar to the Tennessee game that saw the Tide play some of their best ball in the second half? LSU’s offense can and probably will strike fast, so Bama better do what they can to stop the bleeding early and turn it into another ugly affair. If they slow the Tiger after their first two or three drives, look for Alabama to control the tempo for the next three quarters.

Prediction: Alabama 29, LSU 24

CHAMPIONS LANE

An extension of Crimson Tide Sports Marketing’s pregame entertainment, “Champions Lane” is a new free feature that 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 with live music, lounge with casual seating, LED videoboards for fans to watch other college football games in action, Crimson Tide student-athlete autograph tent and more. See the map below.

Taylor Hicks, winner of “American Idol’s” fifth season, will take the stage Saturday on Champions Lane following the Walk of Champions at approximately 4 p.m. Admission is free.

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.

CASH-FREE

All points of sale at Alabama athletics events for concessions and retail went cashless. Fans with cash can exchange for a Fancard in $20 increments in the stadium’s Fan Card Gift Card station.

Each location will have a team member to assist guests who require this service. UA said Fancards are a preloaded Mastercard with no activation fees. These can not only be used at stadium concessions but also anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

CONCESSIONS

Concession stands are located throughout the concourses of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Reminder: All concession transactions are cashless.

Alabama announced that 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.”

TAILGATING

Free Quad tailgating is located on the west side of the Quad. Reservations are not required. Quad tailgate supply drop-off is located on Colonial Dr. and is open during the following times: Friday at 6-8 p.m. and Saturday at 7 a.m. until noon. View the Quad drop-off map. The UA Gameday Info tent is located at the corner of 9th Avenue and University Boulevard. Fans are permitted 15 minutes to unload equipment and exit Colonial Dr.

Quad tailgate supply drop-off is located on Colonial Dr. and is open during the following times:

• Friday 6-8 p.m.
• Gameday 7 a.m. until noon

MOBILE TICKETING

In 2020, ticketing and parking went mobile-only, providing a safe fan experience with quick and convenient entry on gameday during the pandemic. UA said mobile ticketing reduces the risk of lost, stolen or counterfeit tickets while providing the ability to easily manage, transfer or sell your tickets anytime from your smartphone, so the system will remain in effect.

You can manage their tickets on their smartphone via the Alabama Crimson Tide mobile app or online at RollTide.com/MyAccount. UA encourages fans to download their tickets before gameday. Prior to reaching the Bryant-Denny gates, fans can open their digital wallet on their smartphone, select their game tickets or parking passes, and hold their smartphone near the scanner for entry.

Alabama announced an enhancement to mobile ticketing this year called ALL-IN-1, a smart ticket that simplifies the digital wallet experience. They provided these instructions:

• All season tickets, season meal passes, and season parking passes are eligible for ALL-IN-1.
• Add each ALL-IN-1 ticket once per seat to your digital wallet.
• After the game, ALL-IN-1 pass automatically updates to the next event in the season.
• The ALL-IN-1 pass will update if tickets are transferred, and you can still transfer and manage eligible tickets from My Account.

Visit the Alabama mobile ticketing page to learn more.

TICKET TRANSFER/DONATION

UA says season ticketholders may transfer their tickets to another customer by logging into their account and selecting the specific events to transfer under the My Account page. Ticket transfers are now free. You may transfer your tickets up until kickoff.

You can also electronically donate your season tickets back to Alabama Athletics. The tickets will then be donated to those fans who don’t normally receive an opportunity to attend an Alabama athletics event. Ticket donation is free. You may donate your tickets up until 48 hours prior to any event.

STADIUM ENTRY / CLEAR BAG POLICY

Bryant-Denny Stadium has a 360-degree security perimeter. UA encourages fans to queue at the first public security checkpoints located around the stadium. Once inside the security perimeter, navigate to the gate indicated on your ticket. There are six public security checkpoints located around the stadium, which allow guests to navigate to any ticketed gate after clearing security.

UA has walk-through metal detectors at all gates of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Fans do not need to remove shoes or belts to walk through the metal detectors.

Alabama also enforces a clear bag policy in the interest of public safety and to expedite entry into Bryant-Denny Stadium. The only non-clear plastic bag fans can bring into Bryant-Denny is a small clutch purse no larger than 4 1/2 inches-by-6 1/2 inches. If any larger, the bags must be clear and plastic. Fans can also bring in one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags, similar to Ziploc bags you buy at the grocery store. Learn more about the clear bag policy.

TRAFFIC

UA has provided four clearly defined routes designed to provide fans with the most time-efficient ways to and from campus. Read their pregame and postgame traffic maps.

The Cottondale and 216 routes are best for fans traveling from Birmingham and parking on the east side of campus.

The I-359 route is best for fans traveling from Birmingham or west of Tuscaloosa and parking downtown or on the west side of campus.

The McFarland route is best for fans traveling from Birmingham and parking on the east side of campus.

Construction on I-20/59 is complete. There are now three lanes through exit 73, McFarland Blvd.

Construction on Lurleen B. Wallace Blvd. north and south is complete. There are now three lanes through downtown for fans utilizing the I-359/Downtown Tuscaloosa route.

• Core campus roadblocks are established 4 hours prior to kickoff
• Core campus roadblocks will be enforced at 2:30 p.m.
• Campus roadblocks do not affect public parking areas
• Fans are encouraged to use the McFarland Route to campus
• Rideshare pickup/drop-off is available at two locations on campus

PARKING

UA parking lots open at 7 a.m. Crimson Ride shuttles are free from the east campus parking areas. Begins at 7 a.m., concludes 90 minutes post-game. For more parking information, visit the UA Gameday website.

• Public parking is $35 per game.
• Accessible parking spaces are available in public parking lots.
• Lots open at 7 a.m. on gameday.
• Free shuttle service from public parking is provided to & from the Quad. All shuttles are accessible.
• Shuttle service begins at 7 a.m. on Gameday and concludes 90 minutes postgame.

TWITTER

Stay up to date before, during and after the game by following AL.com’s Nick Alvarez, Matt Stahl, aldotcomTide or aldotcomSports on Twitter.

You can also follow UAGameday on Twitter for constant updates about this weekend’s festivities.

WILL CALL

• Northwest Will Call (near Gate 4): H.S. Coaches Will-Call
• East Will-Call: (near Gate 44); Public Will Call
• Gate 47: Non-Football Recruits
• Gate 48: Alabama Football Player Pass
• Northeast Will-Call (Gate 59): Visiting Team Player Pass & Media Will Call

LINKS BAMA FANS WILL LOVE

Alabama-LSU offers one of the weirdest, most intriguing matchups in storied rivalry

11 Saban era moments that made Alabama-LSU one of the greatest rivalries ever

Why does Alabama’s Nick Saban have a bloodshot eye? ‘Yelling too much’

Nick Saban talks Alabama’s relationship with CBS, LSU and bloodshot eye

Who is Nate Bargatze, the ‘College GameDay’ celebrity picker for Alabama-LSU?

Alabama OC Tommy Rees worked for LSU’s Brian Kelly. Will it matter against the Tigers?

Seth Meyers jokes Kaitlan Collins’ Alabama football fandom is ‘mental illness’

Nick Saban went dad mode for ‘ultimate attention getter’ in attempt to get Crimson Tide to listen

Head 2 Head: LSU offense better than last year according to former Tide WR Mike McCoy

IMPORTANT TIMES

FRIDAY, Nov. 3

6 p.m.

Quad Drop-off

SATURDAY, Nov. 4

7 a.m.

Quad Drop-off

Parking Lots Open

Shuttle Service Begins

8-11 a.m.

ESPN College GameDay (Quad)

11 a.m.

Quad food trucks open (11 a.m. until 6 p.m.)

Noon

Champions Lane opens

Bud Light Backyard Concert Stage (Jake Matthew, DJ Dre Day, Jameson Rodgers)

12:30 p.m.

Quad inflatables

2:30 p.m.

Core Campus Road Closures

2:45 p.m.

Coca-Cola Kickoff Zone opens

Legends Lounge opens

3 p.m.

Autograph session with Alabama Spirit Team (Champions Lane)

3:30 p.m.

Autograph session with Alabama Rowing Team (Champions Lane)

3:45 p.m.

Autograph session with Alabama women’s basketball players (Champions Lane)

4:30 p.m.

Walk of Champions

Gates open

Autograph session with Alabama men’s basketball players Nick Pringle, Mark Sears, Jarin Stevenson (Champions Lane)

5:45 p.m.

Elephant Stomp

6:45 p.m.

Pregame flyover

Kickoff (CBS)