The University of Alabama will formally dedicate Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium this Saturday when Alabama faces South Florida.
The naming of the field after former Alabama head coach Nick Saban was approved on July 19 when the Honorary Degrees and Recognition Committee of the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution approving the naming honor. The Board of Trustees is set to adopt the resolution and present it to Saban this week.
“We are humbled that The University of Alabama has honored us with the naming of Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium,” Saban said in a July press release issued by the Alabama athletic department. “The remarkable success that the football program has achieved over the past 17 years is a reflection of the hard work of many student-athletes, coaches and staff. Being leader of the process at Alabama has been the greatest privilege of my life. Terry and I are grateful for the naming of Saban Field, which forever celebrates our accomplishments.”
As part of the dedication on Saturday, there will be pregame and halftime ceremonies as well as several commemorative items celebrating the occasion. The first ceremony, scheduled for approximately 2:30 p.m. CT, will be held at the Walk of Champions on University Blvd., where signage will be unveiled and remarks will be given from University President Dr. Stuart R. Bell, Director of Athletics Greg Byrne, and Coach Saban.
From there, the Sabans will walk the Walk of Champions and take their first trip into Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
At halftime of Saturday’s game, there will be an on-field recognition for the Sabans after the Million Dollar Band performs.
Gameday posters will be provided at Vector Security Champions Lane, located on the northwest side of the stadium, beginning at 1:30 p.m. CT. A limited number of Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium Yeti cups will be on sale in Champions Lane and at game program stands outside the stadium. A newly designed Walk of Champions T-shirt, featuring the Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium signage will be on sale at merchandise stands.
Saban’s national and SEC championship trophies will also be on display in Champions Lane.
Additionally, commemorative game programs will be on sale throughout the perimeter and inside the stadium, and commemorative game tickets will be available for purchase following the game.
“We are thrilled to honor Coach Saban with the naming of Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium,” said Alabama Director of Athletics Greg Byrne. “He is one of the greatest coaches of all time, impacting countless lives far beyond football. What he and Ms. Terry mean to The University of Alabama and Tuscaloosa community is immeasurable. They continue to be tremendous ambassadors, and we look forward to celebrating with them in September.” TG