TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — Tens of thousands are expected to attend the annual A-Day Game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday.
According to Visit Tuscaloosa officials, the game is expected to bring a significant economic boost to Tuscaloosa.
Janell Colburn, regional director of sales for the Comfort Inn and Suites in downtown Tuscaloosa, is excited to have football back this weekend. All 92 of her hotel rooms are sold out, and all her customers are visiting town for the game. Colburn is the sales director for Comfort Inn & Suites.
“It’s a great economic driver,” Colburn said. “All the hotels are selling out, and of course all the people coming to this area are going to the restaurants and will be eating and going to the bars and celebrating with friends and family. Whenever the University of Alabama has a sporting event, it always brings lots of money to the area, and everyone is excited about that.”
Jason Steel is also expecting more business because of the A-Day Game. He is the general manager at Brick & Spoon. He is planning to have all hands on deck to make sure his business runs smooth.
“Well, it’s just great exposure for us,” Steel said. “And anytime we get the chance to show people what we are all about and showcase our brand, it is important for us, and so this is a great opportunity for us to do that.”
Gates open at noon Saturday, and the game kicks off at 3 p.m. Visit Tuscaloosa President and CEO Kelsey Rush said she expects the game to generate $5 million to $8 million for the local economy. University of Alabama officials believe 60,000 or more fans will attend.