Thursday, August 31, 2006

The Thrill of the Game...

The feeling in the air is palpable, electric.

As summer draws to a close, the anticipation of college football fans everywhere is evident. Game day supplies are gathered and tailgating plans are made as the days til the season opener slowly tick off the calendar. In stadiums across the country, tens of thousands of people gather...donning brilliant colors to display their team loyalty. Crisp white lines are painted on neatly manicured plots of green grass and uniforms hang neatly in locker rooms not yet broken in with chants of victory or the sad faces of defeat. Concession stands prepare for the onslaught of fans as bands take to the field for their warm-up numbers.

In our case, we will be spending many a Saturday in Bryant Denny stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama rooting on the Alabama Crimson Tide. Decked out in crimson, my husband, my son and I will take our usual seats and, along with a few close friends we've made through the years, will get ready for that much anticipated moment when the opening video is played on the Jumbo-Tron for the first time. Footage of legendary Bama moments mixed with images of Bear Bryant and his famous "I ain't never been nothin but a winner" speech lead into current scenes of Coach Shula before the announcer proudly proclaims "Ladies and gentlemen... THIS is Alabama Football!" as the crowd goes wild.

OK, so I'll admit it, I am a crier. I cry at movies, sappy commercials, etc... but this feeling is different. It's the feeling of elation as another autumn rolls around and football season gets in to gear. It's the feeling that you're a part of something bigger than yourself. It's the lump in my throat that rises when the opening notes of the Bama fight song are played. It's hotdogs, too tight seating, pom poms, fight songs and cheerleaders...it's Big Al, the Denny Chimes and jerseyed young men clad in crimson and white. Also, it's the joy of knowing that we're back for another year of ups and downs, spending time with friends and, cheering on a college football program steeped in tradition.

It's finally here. The greatest time of the year...a season of hope, anticipation, rivalry and fellowship.

THIS, my friends is what Alabama football is all about.

ROLL TIDE!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gave me chills and made me a little jealous...I want to be with you guys at "Denny" (that's me) stadium rooting on the Tide...even when they play USM :-)Happy Football Season and Fall!

Anonymous said...

ROLL TIDE!!!!!!

dewde said...

I admit it. I'm a cryer too. And football makes me want to cry, but thankfully I usually fall asleep before that point.

*yawn*

Roses Are Red, Violets are Violet said...

well, we can't all get our kicks off motherboards, dewde. mere mortals like us must find other hobbies to occupy our time.

Anonymous said...

Katie,
My husband, Tim, and our 9 year old son, Liam, just got back from the OSU Beavers football game. They beat Eastern Washington 56-17. We watched a beautiful sunset, had too much sugar/popcorn and made many happy memories. You've nailed it, my friend! This was the perfect blog for me to come home to tonight! Enjoy your season!!! (I'll send you pix of the three of us tonight at Reser Stadium later...)
Goodnight! :-)