Students at The University of Alabama are granted free admission to most Alabama sporting events. Here is how students can make the most of this perk.
Join the chaos inside Coleman
Attending Alabama men’s basketball home games has become a hot commodity among students amid the program’s historic run of four straight Sweet 16 appearances, two Elite Eight appearances and a first-ever trip to the Final Four.
Students and members of the Crimson Chaos student organization pack the southwest corner of Coleman Coliseum to cheer on head coach Nate Oats’ squad and often don hard hats and overalls, a tribute to the program’s “blue-collar” mindset.
Students often camp out for high-profile games, as admission into the arena is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Get rowdy in right field
The right field terrace at Sewell-Thomas Stadium welcomes hundreds of students through its gates each game day, as they take advantage of the ballpark’s free admission and leniency toward outside beverages.
Students of legal drinking age are permitted to bring one 20-quart cooler and a maximum of six canned alcoholic beverages through the gates of “The Joe.”
“Anytime you’ve got a beer wall I can see from the dugout, I’m all in on that,” head coach Rob Vaughn said after defeating Alabama State in February. “So, shoutout to those guys and girls out there.”
The terrace has gained a reputation for its lively and animated nature towards opposing right fielders. Its heckles and chirps directed towards opposing players have earned the student section the “Right Field Ragers” nickname.
Cheer on the twisting Crimson Tide
With Alabama gymnastics a perennial national title contender, the program’s meets often bring high energy and excitement. Whether it be the “Power of Pink” meet in support of breast cancer awareness, or a competitive SEC meet, the energized crowd at Coleman Coliseum makes meets a must-see for fans and students alike.
“We could really just feel the energy in the air, and it was just so uplifting,” head coach Ashley Johnston said after defeating Arkansas in February.
Reigning SEC freshman of the year Azaraya Ra-Akbar and senior star all-around Chloe LaCoursiere will headline another formidable group of gymnasts under Johnston as the Crimson Tide aims for its first national title since 2012.
Spend an evening in the brickyard at the ballpark
Alabama softball’s passionate fans pack Rhoads Stadium in droves and have set several NCAA attendance records. Like their diamond counterparts, softball hosts dozens of students in its right field terrace, more commonly known as “the Brickyard.”
“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.’”
The stadium often exceeds its 3,940 capacity, including in a series-clinching 7-4 win over then-No. 1 Texas on April 4, at which 3,962 fans were in attendance.
