On Dec. 31, 1993, I had a choice: I could join my sisters for a lock in at a kids’ fun zone, or I could join my daddy for the 1993 Gator Bowl, a match up between our University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the North Carolina Tarheels. I chose the football game.
It was freezing out that night, and I stood shaking in the Gator Bowl (years before it was renovated and renamed Alltel Stadium) surrounded by middle aged men. Daddy and I drove home after a 24-10 victory, and I couldn’t understand why my sisters would choose not to be a part of this night.
Although I had a blast, I’m not sure I could have told you then how fondly I would look back on that memory.
Today my 16-year-old cousin, Katie, and I will travel to Tuscaloosa for her first-ever Alabama football game. We’ll wander the campus for hours in advance, then ascend to the upper deck for a battle against Louisiana-Monroe.
I know she’s excited, and I’m sure we’ll have fun. But I hope someday she’ll look back on this day and remember it as special – as her first real taste of college football.
ROll TIDE!
Roll Tide indeed. But when, oh when, are they going to start playing some REAL teams?
I guess this weekend with Arkansas, that’s when. I smell bacon!
I like how Patrick only became a Tide fan after he left Alabama.
Hey sorry the Vols beat the Tide this year! Got to see it in person! :op