Nick Saban remembers how A-Day set tone for new era of Alabama football
When Nick Saban took over the Alabama football program in 2007, it started a new era for the Crimson Tide. But this week, he said his first A-Day spring game was a big part of setting the stage.
When Saban and Alabama took the field for their first A-Day together, 92,000 fans came out to Bryant-Denny Stadium for the event. He said that turnout proved how serious the program could be, and it’s worked out pretty well — to the tune of seven national titles since Saban took over.
“One of the things that I think really helped this program get off the ground is the first A-Day game that we had [in 2007],” Saban told reporters on Thursday. “We had over 90,000 people. I think that sent a message to the whole nation how committed we all were to having a first-class program, a program that you can be proud of, a program that would attract character quality people who wanted to be great players so we could have a successful program.
“That would be a positive window for how people looked at the University of Alabama because a lot of people look at the university through the athletic programs, none greater, probably, than football.”
Nick Saban sends message to Alabama fans ahead of A-Day: ‘We’d appreciate y’all coming out’
Last year, 47,000 fans came out for A-Day. This year could be interesting, though, since the game falls on Easter weekend. Saban apologized for the calendar working out that way, but still encouraged fans to come out and support the team.
“For us to have a great crowd on Saturday, regardless of what the weather is, to support the players, to support the team, I think this sends a huge message of what our passion and our desire and support that we have for having a great program,” Saban said. “I know it’s a holiday weekend. Sorry that the calendar worked out this way. But we certainly love having a great crowd there.
“The players really, really enjoy it. They love playing for you, and I think it really shows your support for them and the program. So we’d appreciate y’all coming out for A-Day.”
Saturday’s A-Day game will mark the Crimson Tide’s first game-like action since last season’s national championship — a 33-18 loss to Georgia in Indianapolis. The game kicks off at 3 p.m. ET.