Tuscaloosa Police Close The Strip Due To A-Day Game Overcrowding

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa Police Department has shut down The Strip on Saturday due to overcrowding from the A-Day Game.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

TPD said it is directing pedestrians to either enter open businesses or leave the area as officers worked to maintain public safety.

"The Strip is being shut down immediately — multiple arrests — guns, and much more," Tuscaloosa City Council President Kip Tyner said on Facebook. "Makes me sick — it's not locals or UA students — it's folks from Lipscomb, Bessemer, Ensley, Hale County causing crap! Get rid of A-Day? Sad."

In an update shared on social media Saturday night, TPD said the entertainment district along University Boulevard would remain closed for the rest of the night as large crowds gathered in the area.

Later in the evening, TPD told Patch A-Day arrests so far included disorderly conduct, underage drinking and minor marijuana possession.

One underage drinking suspect was also arrested with a gun.

TPD then said most issues stemmed from crowds refusing to leave overcrowded areas, including a closed patio.

TPD says it has implemented traffic control measures and is blocking vehicle access at key intersections, including University Boulevard at Reed Street and University Boulevard at Frank Thomas Avenue/Campus Drive West.

Police also instructed anyone already on the Strip to move indoors into businesses that remained open or exit the area altogether.

TPD said the closure was a precautionary measure aimed at preventing potential safety issues as crowds grew throughout the evening.

Officials said the situation would continue to be monitored and that updates would be provided when the area is reopened.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com