The only good thing that makes having a Friday class in the fall remotely pleasant is when you walk through the quad and see the first signs of game day. The freshly pitched tents serve as a sign of hope that you can survive your Friday classes to make it to the weekend.      

Watching the game with friends is always a fun experience for everyone, but tailgating brings a whole new meaning to the game day experience. Everyone has their own game day rituals and the University of Alabama prides itself on its spectacular game day atmosphere. Every game day, hundreds of tents are set up on the quad, in the center of campus, for fans to celebrate the Tide. Fans flock from everywhere to participate in the tradition.

The tents definitely keep UA fan, Robin Sanders, coming back every game day. Sanders has been celebrating on the quad for six consecutive years, and has been a fan of the Tide for as long as he can remember.      

“Being on the quad with all of our kids and enjoying time with our kids, entertaining, and having a fun is what keeps me coming back every game!” said Sanders.      

Sanders, who never misses a home game, says he’s not sure how you would describe the University of Alabama game day experience to anyone who has never experienced it before.

“All of my friends love coming out to the tailgate every game day. It’s been a really fun experience getting to celebrate every home game with my dad,” said Sanders’ daughter, Stephanie, UA junior. Stephanie’s friends have deemed the Sanders’ tailgate their very own game day ritual, and say they would never dream of missing it.       

Frequent tailgater, Bri Alvarez said, “The food is always delicious!”      

The University of Alabama prides itself on accommodating its fans and always keeping them happy. Rain or shine, you will always see tailgaters out and about on the quad to celebrate the Tide!