Alabama Game Day Traditions

Discover Bama’s Game Day Traditions and stories behind Alabama’s Big AL Mascot, Crimson Tide Nickname, Campus Landmarks, Rammer Jammer & More!

EVERYONE’S A NUMBER

Even though Bama football helmets don’t have a logo, their headgear is easily recognized throughout the nation. Numbers first appeared on Crimson Tide helmets in 1957 and have remained there since. Each player’s jersey number is represented on his helmet as well. This tradition was common for many schools in the 50’s and 60’s, but Alabama is the only major college program that has resisted the temptation to pull the numbers.

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Alabama Mascot: Big Al

The biggest questions often asked about the university is Why is Alabama’s mascot an Elephant?

That’s actually a great question and the explanation is below.

In the United States there are three basic types of elephants that have been witnessed through
the years. The gray variety is often found at the zoo, while the pink versions have sometimes appeared after a few stiff drinks. The one known throughout college football circles is the red elephant that resides in Alabama.

He is known as “Big Al” and he is often seen on the sidelines cheering for the Crimson Tide.

How elephants became associated with Bama football is a story that dates back to their 1930 national championship season. Reportedly, writer Everett Strupper started the elephant stampede after he had refereed the Alabama-Ole Miss game. He wrote an article in the Atlanta
Journal describing the Tide’s dominating size and speed. Stupper’s article exclaimed that the Bama players had grown to mammoth proportions.

When the crimson clad players took the field, someone in the stands screamed, “Hold your horses, the elephants are coming!” Alabama ran through their opponents that season. The Crimson Tide outscored their opponents by a 217-13 margin that 1930 championship, 10-0 season.

Alabama’s Crimson Tide Nickname Origination

Alabama football has a storied history, and its nicknames have played a significant role in shaping its identity. While the team was initially known simply as the “varsity” or the “Crimson White” after its school colors, the first nickname to gain widespread use was the “Thin Red Line.” However, this name was eventually replaced with the iconic “Crimson Tide.” According to legend, the moniker was coined by a sports editor named Hugh Roberts, who used it to describe a muddy 1907 game between Alabama and Auburn. Despite being heavy underdogs, the “Thin Red Line” held Auburn to a 6-6 tie, earning the new nickname that would endure for over a century.

ALABAMA’S FIGHT SONG: “YEA ALABAMA”

Due to Alabama’s national prominence, the song “Yea Alabama” has hit a high note on many
occasions. Played in earnest after an Alabama score, the first two stanzas of the song shed light on what the Crimson Tide nickname stands for while singling out two traditional opponents.

“Yea, Alabama, drown ‘em Tide!
Ev’ry Bama man’s behind you,
Hit your stride!
Go teach the Bulldogs to behave,
Send those Yellow jackets
to a watery grave.”

Alabama “Rammer Jammer” Chant

If you’ve ever been to an Alabama football game, chances are you’ve heard the iconic “Rammer Jammer” chant. While the details of its origin and creator may vary depending on who you ask, most historians agree that former Million Dollar Band director Dr. James Ferguson was responsible for popularizing the cheer during his tenure from 1971-1983. Some believe he adapted it from Ole Miss’ “Hotty Toddy” chant, a practice that was not uncommon in the world of college athletics. Regardless of its origin, the chant remains a beloved tradition among Alabama fans and a testament to the power of school spirit.

While the Tide faithful certainly enjoy the chant, opposing fans hate to hear it. The reason for an opponent’s disdain for Rammer Jammer is because the chant is echoed as Alabama fans begin to declare victory over an opponent. Following a victory over an opponent such as LSU, the Bama nation would explode with these chanting lyrics.

Hey Tigers!
Hey Tigers!
Hey Tigers!
We just beat the hell out of you!/
Rammer Jammer/
Yellowhammer/
Give ’em hell Alabama!