The Student Government Association, the University of Alabama Alumni Association and College Sports Events will be hosting what they are calling the official pre-game party in New Orleans the day before Alabama faces LSU in the BCS National Championship.

“What we’re doing is basically a big party for anyone traveling to New Orleans, regardless of whether they have a ticket,” said Mark Roberts, the Alumni Association’s Manager of Chapter Development and Special Events. “Anyone can come and bring their friends and family.”

The Alumni Association said they plan for thousands of fans to attend the event, called the Bama Bowl Bash in the Big Easy and celebrate with them in the New Orleans Conference Center the night before the game, Sunday, Jan. 8.

“It’s called the Bama Bowl Bash, at the New Orleans Convention Center, and basically it’s a pep rally but much better,” said Ashley Hodges, the Alumni Events Coordinator for the Alabama Alumni Association.

“We’ve got a great line up of coaches and players, including Coach Stallings, as well as members of the ’92 team,” Roberts said. “They’re significant because they played in the Sugar Bowl, and we hope they’ll speak on what it was like to be a part of Alabama’s last trip into the Superdome.”

“We’re really excited to be part of such a high profile event, not only for the SGA, but for the student body as a whole,” said David Wilson, vice president for student affairs. “This is a great opportunity for students, whether they are planning on attending the game or not. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Hodges said the Alumni Association held a similar event before the 2010 championship game in Pasadena, but that because of the distance to travel, the size of the venue and the personalities of the bowl games, the two weren’t easy to compare.

“After the 2009 season, we hosted a tailgate in Pasadena the day of the game, but that was a much smaller scale than what we have planned,” Hodges said. “We know this will be much bigger – there’s just a ton of differences between New Orleans and Pasadena. The Rose Bowl is out in a field, and you can just set up a tent and tailgate and have fun. This, though, is the New Orleans Convention Center. It’s going to be big.”

The event will boast an autograph and picture session with the UA football legends in attendance, live music, door prizes and a dance floor and dance contest.  In addition, there will a cash bar and the BAMA Merchandise Village to purchase game-day gear.

“It’s not just for alumni,” Roberts said. “We’ve got a discounted student price on there, so students can come if they’d like to, and we want them to realize everyone’s welcome: alumni, students and family.

Tickets to the celebration are $30 for student and children, $40 for adults and $100 for the Crimson VIP Package that includes dinner with the guest of honor and admission to the bash.

Those in New Orleans also have the opportunity to volunteer for community service. SGA is partnering with the Community Service Center to provide options the day before the game.

For students who plan to be on campus for the big game, SGA is working with the Ferguson Center and other student organizations to host a tailgate and viewing party in the Ferg.

Students are encouraged to check their Crimson Mail accounts over the Christmas break for details on tickets and other events.

IF YOU’RE IN NEW ORLEANS

What: Bama Bowl Bash

When: Jan. 8 at 7 p.m.

Where: New Orleans Convention Center

Cost: $30 for students, $40 for adults

IF YOU’RE IN TUSCALOOSA

What: Ferg tailgate and viewing party

When: Jan. 9

Where: Ferguson Center