Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86
Alabama Soccer Stadium
500 Peter Bryce Blvd
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Year Opened: 2004
Capacity: 1,500
Rolling With The Tide At The Soccer Stadium
Women’s soccer has been a varsity sport at the University of Alabama since 1986. As of the writing of this article, the Crimson Tide have made six NCAA tournament appearances, including an appearance in the Final Four of the College Cup in 2022. The Tide has six alumni in the NWSL and another in Liga MX Femenil. The Alabama Soccer Stadium has been the home of the Tide’s Women’s soccer program since 2004.
Food & Beverage 3
The lone concession stand sells basics such as a slice of pizza ($8), hot dogs ($6), chips ($3), popcorn ($7), and candy ($3). Rita’s Italian Ice ($8.50), milkshakes ($9), frozen drinks ($9), and custard cookie sandwiches ($9) are also offered. Bottled beverages on sale include water ($6), Coca-Cola branded sodas ($6), and Powerade ($5). Finally, beer is sold at the concession stand ($11). The stand is cashless.
Atmosphere 4
There is a giant red Tube Man at the entrance of the stadium. After entering the stadium gate, the concession stand and merchandise table are to the left. Walking towards the seating area you pass a table with Gameday info and Alabama Women’s soccer posters.
The seating area consists of 15 rows of metal bleachers with the middle of the seating area only having three rows to make room for the camera. The team locker rooms are located behind the bleachers
The stadium features a giant video board in the right corner, and the team benches are located across the field from the seating area. When the tide takes the field, smoke machines behind the goals go off. Those smoke machines are also activated whenever Bama scores, and when Bama has won. After the starting lineups are announced, the players throw t-shirts into the crowd and they give the fans high fives after the game.
Alabama offers various promotions to encourage attendance including team poster signings on Sunday evening games and other themes throughout the season. Students earn “Tide Loyalty” points for attending soccer matches which helps with priority access to football season tickets. The involvement of the students makes an Alabama soccer game an intense women’s soccer environment.
Neighborhood 5
The Alabama Soccer Stadium is located in the northeast of campus next to the Student Recreation Center and near Rhoads Stadium, home of Alabama softball. This part of campus is the furthest from Tuscaloosa’s entertainment district “The Strip” but less than 2 miles away.
Newk’s Restaurant is nearby on University Boulevard while Baumhower’s Victory Grille is across McFarland Boulevard. Next to Baumhower’s is PopStroke, a mini golf course that is also a restaurant. Shopping options nearby include Midtown Village and University Mall, both of which are across the street from each other. For Lodging, Hampton Inn is located between Baumhower’s and PopStroke while Hotel Capstone is on campus, next to Sewell Thomas Stadium.
I would recommend staying near downtown Tuscaloosa as there are more lodging options and plenty of restaurants. Plus the strip is more accessible, the River Walk is beautiful, and Capitol Park shows the remains of the old Alabama State Capitol building.
Fans 4
The fans fill up the Alabama Soccer Stadium with families and students packing the stands. The fence was lined with flags representing the nationalities of the players on the field. The students were bringing energy throughout the match. One of the students was banging on a drum throughout the night which added to the atmosphere.
Access 4
From I-20-59, turn off Exit 73 and make a right on Highway 82. Turn off on the ramp to University Boulevard and make a right. Make another right on Peter Bryce Boulevard and the soccer stadium will be on the left beside some tennis courts and the Student Recreation Center. There are two free parking lots near the stadium, one by the aforementioned facilities and another on the other side of the field by the Greek houses.
The Alabama Soccer Stadium Has one main entrance where the concession stand and restrooms are located. The seating area is straightforward and the aisles are wide enough to move freely.
Return on Investment 5
In terms of a return on investment, I do not think you can do better than free. Parking and admission to Alabama soccer matches are free to attend while concession prices are what’s expected. There is also a chance to catch a t-shirt and High Five the Tide after a win. Alabama soccer is an underrated way to spend an evening in Tuscaloosa.
Extras 2
Several practice soccer fields surround the soccer stadium with games going on around the Alabama soccer game.
The soccer stadium shares a parking lot with the nearby Student Recreation Center, which includes Stran-Hardin Arena, home to Alabama’s wheelchair basketball teams. The women’s team has won ten national championships while the men’s have won three.
Final Thoughts
The student body and the community have embraced the Alabama Crimson Tide’s women’s soccer team over the years. The program has been on the rise over the years and their 2022 run to the final four proves the Alabama women’s soccer team is a force to be reckoned with. The fans and students believe that the Tide will roll when they are on the pitch. They have reason to.
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