Alabama football has new premium packages expected to be available next season at Bryant-Denny Stadium, offering "covered outdoor seating, private restrooms and upscale food and beverage service, including access to alcohol," according to Ken Roberts of the TUSCALOOSA NEWS. The new premium seating requires a capital gift ranging from $10,000 to $150,000, "payable over five years," plus an annual donation to the Tide Pride priority ticket program. The seats are "divided into three categories." The 54 loge boxes, which include four seats and a "dedicated hospitality attendant among other amenities," require a $150,000 capital gift and an "annual Tide Pride commitment of $16,000." The Champions Club requires a capital gift of $10,000 and an annual Tide Pride commitment of $3,500 per seat, while the Terrace Club requires a $10,000 capital gift and annual Tide Pride commitment of $2,750 per seat. All of the new premium seating will be on the "west side" of the stadium. The new areas, part of a $106M renovation, are expected to be ready for the '20 season (TUSCALOOSA NEWS, 9/26).
TURNING UP THE HEAT: In Birmingham, Mike Rodak notes Alabama coach Nick Saban has "called upon those who decide kickoff times to experience the heat themselves." Saban said, "I don't think anybody really realizes how difficult it is for fans, how many issues we really have. I wish that some of the TV people and people from our conference would come at any stadium, in these kind of conditions, and know that it's really difficult for the fans. This is an entertainment business that we're in. People come to see the games because they enjoy Alabama football and they enjoy the tradition. ... When the circumstances and conditions of the game are very difficult for them, I think you negate some of those positives." Alabama's home game against Ole Miss, set for 2:30pm CT on Saturday, has "forecasted temperatures in the mid-90s." Last week's home game against Southern Miss, which kicked off at 11:00am, "featured milder temperatures in the low-80s" (BIRMINGHAM NEWS, 9/26).
