Whether it’s a midweek, dinnertime or primetime Friday night game, Rhoads Stadium has been packed out this season as Alabama softball has climbed the ranks to the No. 1 spot nationally.
“They kind of will us to win sometimes,” head coach Patrick Murphy said of fans after the team’s win over South Alabama. “One of the coolest things I’ve heard from a fan in a long time is: ‘It’s like a bounce back thing. We give it to you, and you give it right back to us.’”
When Alabama faced off against then ranked No. 1 Texas, Rhoads saw a season high of 3,962 fans during the series finale on April 5 and a total of 11,254 fans across all three games that weekend.
Rhoads’ seating capacity currently sits at 3,940 after being renovated following the 2011 season, meaning Sunday’s game pushed it into standing room only.
Softball’s strong fanbase is nothing new though, with Alabama holding multiple NCAA records for fan attendance.
Alabama held the No. 1 spot for fan attendance in NCAA softball from 2017 until 2024, when Oklahoma knocked the Crimson Tide to second place.
Alabama hasn’t lost any fans however, despite losing its No. 1 spot in attendance rankings. Instead, it has seen only growth.
In 2017 Rhoads averaged 2,732 fans across home games. In 2024, when Oklahoma uprooted the Crimson Tide’s No. 1 spot, Alabama averaged 3,737.
“They’re knowledgeable. They respect the game. They know when to cheer,” Murphy said. “That’s probably the coolest part of them, is they get this almost like energy going when there’s about to be a rally.”
With a historically strong fanbase, Alabama softball fans have earned the moniker “the best softball fanbase in the nation.” Signs across Rhoads proudly display the phrase.
“The fans are always great here,” infielder Brooke Wells said. “They show up no matter what, midweek or big game. They’re always here showing up for us, so we always want to show up for y’all.”
Alabama softball will play again in Rhoads on Friday against Kentucky at 5 p.m. CT. University of Alabama students receive free admission with a valid ACT card.
