BCS Championship Game Day!
Today’s the big day we’ve been waiting for. The battle for the national football championship will take place tonight!
Until you’ve experienced it, you can’t fully understand how important football is in Alabama. The rivalry between the state’s two largest universities, the University of Alabama and Auburn University literally divides the population of the state. You can’t be neutral. You’re either a Bama fan or an Auburn fan.
I’m a Bama fan, but that’s no surprise. I’ve been an employee of the University of Alabama for most of my life.
Here in Tuscaloosa, home of UA, the city is like a ghost town today. University students were scheduled to return from Christmas break on January 4th, but when Alabama defeated Florida and won its place in the BCS championship game scheduled for January 7th, the University delayed the start of classes for one week to January 11th. The students have not returned to campus. How could we expect them to concentrate on anything other than football during this week anyway?
Many students, faculty, and citizens of Alabama have traveled to Pasadena, California for the game, increasing the ghost town effect. Several Alabama TV stations have reporters covering the invasion of Alabama fans in Pasadena. A TV report I saw last night made it look like Disneyland had been taken over by Alabama fans as the Million Dollar Band paraded through the streets.
With snow in the forecast for today, the University closed out of concern for travel safety. Folks here don’t know how to drive in the snow because we have so little experience. This just gives those of us who are left behind here in Alabama a chance to prepare. The state of Alabama will be closed tonight. Everybody will be at home watching the game on TV.
The Shores household will be tuned in too. Roll Tide!!!
