The Quad has always been a focal point of the Alabama fan base.

In fact, between 1893 and 1914, football games were actually played on the Quad. Students and fans gathered at the steps of Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library for pep rallies before travelling to Legion Field in Birmingham. Many a homecoming bonfire has been lit there on cool fall nights.

Today, few traditions are more exemplary of sports fans’ devotion than the swarms of crimson-clad enthusiasts that envelop the Quad on game day. The tailgaters are a medley of people with brightly colored tents, fold out chairs, grills and beverages of choice.

Over the last few years, however, UA-provided reservation spots have replaced more and more individual tailgates with uniform white tents.

According to Gina Johnson, associate vice president for Auxiliary Services at the University, the tailgaters themselves suggested the rental system.

“We did a lot of survey research about how we can make the game day experience better,” Johnson said. “This was an idea that the fans had.”

Johnson said the University began with 20 rental spaces for the 2006 season. Having increased per demand, according to Johnson, there are now 160 reserved spots on the Quad.

Some students feel that even after such a short time, the white tents are indicative of game day.

“They let you know that game time is coming, and they represent everybody sitting around and having a good time,” said Greg Johnson, a junior majoring in psychology. “People driving by … can tell that it’s game day because they see the white tents getting set up.”

On the other hand, some fans said they believe individual tents show the diversity of the Tide’s fan base.

“[The individual tailgates] keep the Quad from looking so uniform,” said Lauren Jones, a sophomore majoring in elementary education.

For those who choose to stick to their homemade tailgates, the expansion of reserved spaces may be worrisome. The rental program has expanded its area twice since its inception, and the current 160 reserved spots constitute around 10-12 percent of the Quad.

According to Johnson, however, the University has no current plans to expand their areas.

“The majority of the Quad will remain first come, first served,” she said. “The reserved areas are just to satisfy the demands.”

The crisp white tents are available at $850 each, assembly included. This price includes a parking pass, electricity access and one 10×10 tent for all seven home games.

Some students think paying UA to deal with the stress of setting up and breaking down a tailgate is not such a bad idea.

“I’d pay someone ‘cause it’d make less work for me,” said Alex Gnaegy, a freshman majoring in general business. “[I’d pay] probably about $100.”

Destiny Morton, a sophomore majoring in restaurant and hospitality management, said she would be willing to split the cost among friends to make it more affordable.

According to Johnson, the amenities you often see inside these tents are not provided by the University – local companies are contracted to provide tables, chairs, electronics, and catering.

Gameday Tents services the Quad’s rental areas. They offer three packages, which vary in price according to the importance of the game.

For example, Gameday’s 2nd Down package will run you $1,000 on Arkansas’s game weekend. They provide tables, chairs, coolers, diningware and a beverage credit, according to gamedaytents.com. For $2,500, your party can enjoy all this, plus an outdoor carpet, flat-screen TV and personal game day attendant.

However, these prices aren’t realistic for student fans. In addition, some feel that game day should encompass both work and play.

“Tailgating is a tradition at UA,” said Audra Chace, a freshman majoring in finance and economics. “Paying someone else to do the work seems to negate the pride everyone has for the Crimson Tide.”

In the end, it is obvious that all tailgating parties are passionate about their team and the traditions the Quad represents.

“I don’t distinguish between the types of tents on the Quad. They’re all out there to have a good time,” said Lauren Mills, a freshman majoring in management information systems. “It’s like a real sense of community.”

“Any survey that we do … tells us that everyone loves the Quad,” Johnson said. “We want to do everything we can to preserve it and protect it because it’s everybody’s favorite place. It’s really a treasure”