The University of Alabama ends its Homecoming week with a pep rally and a bonfire on the student quad.
Former football announcer Eli Gold and former football player George Teague were welcomed as speakers during the rally.
“This is without a doubt one of the largest crowds we have had for the pep rally and bonfire,” Gold said.
Gold announced Mae Farmer, a senior majoring in accounting and psychology, as this year’s Homecoming queen.
“It has been an honor to serve on homecoming court,” Farmer wrote on Instagram. “Regardless of the outcome, these memories will truly last a lifetime, and I am grateful I have been able to do this [my] senior year.”
Alabama football head coach Nick Saban, basketball head coach Nate Oats and gymnastics assistant coach Justin Spring were recognized during the rally, as well as the seniors on the football team, a few returning basketball players, and one freshman gymnastics player.
“This place is different. This place is special,” Spring said. “I was a part of the first sold-out game from Coleman Coliseum since 2014, and that was surreal.”
Saban spoke to the crowd ahead of his 17th Homecoming game against Arkansas Saturday morning.
“Your energy and enthusiasm tomorrow are all there to support our players,” Saban said. “Make it hard for the other team to play and make it great for our team to play.
