[EmpireWF]

I know at least a couple of you 'Bama faithful actually live in Alabama or around the region, so what's Alabama football mean to the cities and people?

My "knowledge" of regions rich in college football lore is strictly from hollywood films.

So what's the buzz like around as the football seasons for Alabama (and Auburn) are days away?

[cliffbamafan]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

I know at least a couple of you 'Bama faithful actually live in Alabama or around the region, so what's Alabama football mean to the cities and people?

My "knowledge" of regions rich in college football lore is strictly from hollywood films.

So what's the buzz like around as the football seasons for Alabama (and Auburn) are days away?

Football is life in Alabama! Seems as if its all we can think about as kickoff gets close.The grills are getting ready,family and friends are planning get togethers,bets are being made and wifes are already sick of hearing about it.Not all wives,in Alabama some wives are just in to football as much as us men.I know for me everything else in life is just something to hold us over till Alabama and Auburn football begins.I have been around people from other places that also love football,but I just dont know if football can be any bigger than it is in Alabama. ROOOOOOOOOL TIIIIDE!!!!!!!!!!

[Tuck4Bama]

What is college football in Alabama?

In a single word: everything.

College football in Alabama is almost a religion. Football talk is a constant thing 365 days a year. Alabama has two teams, Auburn and Alabama that are usually national powerhouse teams. For people who move to Alabama they usually get one year before they have to declare which team they will cheer for, this is an unwritten rule. Anyone can cheer for any team outside of Alabama and Auburn but you still must choose between the two schools.

Alabama and Auburn have about a 50/50 split of the state as fans. For a home game for either school the RV’s and motor homes start filling parking lots on Wednesday and cook on their grills and party until game day. On average there will be somewhere in the neighborhood of 10,000 fans on hand with no intention of actually entering the stadium but are there for the atmosphere. These fans usually have generators and TVs to watch the game but can hear what is going on inside the stadium.

College football T-shirts caps and anything else that you can put a school’s logo on can easily be seen year round but when the season starts you would think everywhere you went was students. Everywhere the fans are proudly wearing their school’s colors and logos. Their cars have the window flags and fans of the same school blow their car horns and anything else to get other fan’s attention.

Then there is the Iron Bowl, Alabama VS. Auburn. At stake are bragging rights for 364 days. In the great state of Alabama this game is equal to the Super bowl, the Daytona 500 or the World Series. Everything stops for 3 hours. The entire state lives for this one game.

Dang it is great to be a football fan in Alabama.

[Stoney]

Our Football, is more than an expression. Our hopes and dreams are pinned on these games. The NFL,NBA,MLB have snubbed our great state yet we continue to have the best fan base of any team. NASCAR is the only sport of professionals that we have any alliegence to. Alabama football is a tradition of Respect, Loyalty, Leadership, and comradery that goes far beyond anything outside the military. People on the outside cannot appreciate the ridecule and mockery we have had to endure for decades. They looked down thier noses believing they were superior to us. That is why it infuriated them that a bunch of backwards rednecked good ol' boys beat the everliving crap out of them in football. It all goes back to teamwork and being good neighbors. You see there comes a time when all of us experience trouble it is how we respond to people in trouble that makes us who we are. Alabama football is the essence of being a part of something greater than ourselves. It allows us to celebrate our culture of heroes. The truth be told our military guys and gals are the real heroes the football players just emulate thier spirit a spirit of heroes. That is what Alabama football is about appreciating the past sacrifices and making the most of today's opportunities for the dreams of tomorrow.