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Tuscaloosa’s Mayor Walt Maddox expresses a desire for the city to stop hosting A-Day games.

Changes to Alabama’s A-Day Spring Game Tradition

The annual Spring Game, known as A-Day, has long been a cherished tradition for the Alabama Crimson Tide football program. Fans usually get a chance to enter Bryant Denny Stadium for free and catch a glimpse of the fall team during this scrimmage.

A-Day serves as a unique opportunity for those who can’t afford game tickets, allowing them to experience a taste of Game Day in Tuscaloosa during the spring.

This year, however, new head coach Karen DeBoer transformed the event into what feels more like an open practice. This approach has become somewhat common across the nation, aimed at avoiding any complications related to the transfer portal or revealing too much strategy to opposing coaches.

Consequently, attendance at the stadium was noticeably low this season, and ongoing issues from previous years—particularly concerns about overcrowding and safety—have continued to affect Tuscaloosa.

Mayor Walt Maddox expressed his disapproval of the event moving forward, suggesting that without A-Day, the city could shift its focus to events generated by the University of Alabama that require less logistical support and security.

Maddox reflected on how his perspective has changed over the years, stating, “Twenty years ago, I would have jumped at the chance for an A-Day. Now, I think it makes more sense to prioritize UA-led activities, especially given the current climate.”

While it may seem harsh for Maddox to not want A-Day, one can understand his concerns about the pressure it puts on the city.

It’s uncertain what the future holds for A-Day, but it appears that its trajectory is quite different from what fans may remember from years past—both within the stadium and beyond.