COMMENTARY: Great SEC Stadiums Set the Stage for Game Days

By Lauren Altaffer

When it comes to football, the Southeastern Conference has an abundance of treasures. From the stadium, tailgating, fans, atmosphere, history, tradition and overall experiences, here are some great game-days in college football. There’s history at every stop.

For a college football fan, and especially for us in the South, there’s no place like home. But if you step back, look and try to take a neutral stance, there’s beauty to be seen.

For purposes of localizing to the Alabama market, we’re talking about the complete fan experience of close proximity stadiums.

Forewarning: All of the stadiums mentioned have been attended, but for some grounds that may have only been a game or two. Because of that, input was solicited from a number of friends who have been to games in attempt to get an overall coverage of these stadiums.

Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama: Rammer Jammer Yellowhammer Give 'Em Hell Alabama! After a wander through The Quad, you can stop to see the statues of the five coaches who have won national championships at Alabama. Various renovations and expansion projects over the years have greatly improved the stadium. And when you go to “T-town” you better be an Alabama fan or the Tide just might roll over your face, on the scoreboard that is. The pre-game party centers on the stadium, but a barstool at Gallettes facing the TV is the best seat not in the house. Bryant-Denny Stadium gives you as good of a game-day experience as any school in the country.

Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn: You can play some fine pigskin. Then, pass by Toomer’s Corner and pay respect to the oak trees Harvey Updyke poisoned before catching the Tiger Walk, where Auburn’s players and coaches walk through a sea of fans on their way to the stadium. Before the opening kickoff, one of the more unique and electrifying experiences would have to be when War Eagle VII takes flight.

Tiger Stadium, LSU: Tiger Stadium by day and Death Valley by night, are two different places. Both offer an excellent game day experience. There’s nothing that says college football quite like a night game at LSU. After a day full of tailgating, the party moves inside the stadium. Once you get inside, being able to see Mike the Tiger come out of his cage in front of the opponent is simply breathtaking. And quite frankly, the noise can make you go deaf for a few days. As the great Alabama coach Bear Bryant called it, “The worst place in the world for a visiting team."

Neyland Stadium, Tennessee: Everybody loves Smokey the mascot. Anyone who’s a UT fan is die-hard; because it’s not a bandwagon you want to jump on right now. A major renovation in 2004 has given Neyland Stadium a better look. This place is known for the legendary orange and white checkerboard end zones. Not to mention the vast opportunity of tailgating. Neyland Stadium is an impressive setting. And if you don’t know all the words to “Rocky Top” you soon will.

Sanford Stadium, Georgia: The Dawg Walk is your typical place to meet the players up close, but the tailgating that starts five hours before kickoff is like heaven for the average fan. And everybody loves the bulldog mascot, Russ, wearing the red sweater. Between the Hedges at Sanford Stadium is an enjoyable atmosphere. No football stadium in America had been completely surrounded by hedges, a trend that some schools have since copied. After victories, the Chapel Bell is rung.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Florida: The “Swamp” is a grand stage. When the Florida fans are singing “We Are The Boys from Old Florida,” college football is near its best. With the Gator Walk, Gator Chomp, Orange & Blue Chant, Alma Mater Fight Song after games, nothing can take away the excitement and prestige of a home game in Gainesville.

Vaught–Hemingway Stadium, Old Miss: Most are unaware of the beauty of Oxford, Mississippi. The Rebels have a nice tailgating spot. The “Walk of Champions” is east of The Grove, which is a sight. For a die-hard college football fan, this might be the highest it gets on the bucket list. The tailgating area is surrounded by oak trees that set the mood perfectly for fall time. Sports Illustrated rated it as the No. 1 choice for tailgating, which means it is a must for game-day experiences.

Note: Students dressed in shirt and tie can be seen at games all over the SEC.

SEC game day is one of a kind. The SEC is an adventure in itself. The fans are friendly and they fill you up with as much tradition as any team in America. Obviously, it helps if the game itself is unforgettable. The decades may go by quicker for some than others, but the college football memories last a lifetime and always have the fans coming back for more.