Headed To Bryant-Denny For Alabama's Opener? Here's What Fans Need To Know

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The Crimson Tide will host East Carolina at 11 a.m. CT, meaning many of the traditional gameday activities around the stadium will get underway early Saturday morning.

UA says one of the biggest changes fans will notice involves stadium gates and seating sections.

Officials point out that Bryant-Denny Stadium's gates have been renumbered for 2026, while upper- and lower-bowl sections have been converted to three-digit numbers. Row and seat numbers have not changed.

Fans are encouraged to check their mobile tickets before heading to the stadium to familiarize themselves with their new gate and section numbers.

Public ADA elevators are available at Gates 10, 19 and 30.

Alabama is also introducing what it calls a "Screen. Go. Scan." entry process. Instead of searching for a particular security entrance, fans can go through the first security checkpoint they encounter around the stadium perimeter. Once screened, they can proceed inside the perimeter to the specific stadium gate listed on their ticket.

For those planning to arrive early, Vector Security Champions Lane will open four hours before kickoff at 7 a.m. Saturday on the lawn behind the Tuska statue outside the northwest gates of Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The free pregame area will feature food trucks, interactive displays, giant video boards, student-athlete meet-and-greets and the Legends Lounge for fans 21 and older.

Saturday's entertainment will also include the M-80s — an '80s tribute act — performing as part of the Champions Lane Concert Series.

Once inside Bryant-Denny, fans will have access to free stadium Wi-Fi by connecting to CRIMSONTIDEWIFI.

Alabama is also encouraging fans to use the WaitTime feature in the Alabama Crimson Tide mobile app.

Located under the app's "More" tab, the feature provides real-time information about lines at security checkpoints, stadium gates and concession stands.

UA also said there is a ticketing change for fans using Apple devices.

Indeed, Alabama Athletics has implemented Apple account binding for mobile tickets, which links tickets to a user's Apple ID as an additional security measure.

Fans are encouraged to have their mobile tickets downloaded and ready before arriving at the stadium.

Additionally, fans looking to rent chairbacks should also take note of a location change. The former east-concourse rental location has moved to the southeast corner of Level 100 near Gate 18.

Other single-game chairback pickup locations are inside Gate 33 on the west 100 level and near Sections 801 and 816 on the upper level.

An expanded merchandise stand has also opened in the southeast corner of the lower level near Gate 18.

Veteran-level Yea Alabama members will receive a 20% discount on concessions, excluding alcoholic beverages, by showing their virtual membership card in the Yea Alabama app.

For fans who need assistance Saturday, Alabama's Guest Services Help Line will become active five hours before kickoff.

Fans can call or text (205) 963-5444 for help with stadium directions, lost and found, facility problems, lost children and other gameday issues.

Saturday's home opener will also serve as Big Al's Kids Club, Education, First Responders and Healthcare Day.

Former Alabama defensive lineman Jon Hand will serve as an honorary captain, while the Crimson Tide's national championship cheerleading team will be recognized during the game.

For those not attending the game in person, kickoff is set for 11 a.m. on ABC, with a live stream also available on ESPN+.

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