Alabama’s A-Day Open Practice Set for Saturday, No TV Broadcast Planned

Tuscaloosa, Ala. — The Alabama Crimson Tide will host an open practice on Saturday, April 12, at Bryant-Denny Stadium. This year’s A-Day event will not be broadcast on television, marking the first time since at least 2006 that fans will have to be present in person to watch.

The practice is scheduled to begin at noon CT, with gates opening at 11 a.m. Admission is free, and fans are encouraged to arrive early to take part in various pre-event activities, including the Walk of Fame ceremony at 10 a.m. near Denny Chimes.

Under head coach Kalen DeBoer, the open practice will focus on specific drills rather than a traditional scrimmage. DeBoer emphasized the need to create a controlled environment for player development amid concerns about injuries, stating, ‘We were very specific and sometimes you almost had to stop things to get the right groups of people, matchups, and things like that to have a quality rep for all 22 guys on the football field.’

Injuries have significantly impacted the team’s roster this spring, with several projected starters currently sidelined. Defensively, key players such as Domani Jackson and Keon Sabb are unavailable as Alabama concludes spring practice.

Despite the changes to the format this year, DeBoer believes it is vital for newcomers to experience playing in front of fans. ‘I think it’s really important for our guys to get in front of fans,’ he said, recalling the impact of the experience on the younger players, especially the 18 new freshmen and recent transfers.

Traditionally, Alabama’s A-Day has drawn large crowds, with the record attendance reaching over 92,000 in 2007. Last year’s event saw a turnout of approximately 72,358 fans. However, the lack of a traditional spring game raises questions about attendance this year.

The open practice is intended to simulate a practice environment rather than a competitive game, a pattern being adopted by other collegiate football programs this offseason. Schools like Auburn have also opted for similar structures, foregoing traditional spring games in favor of practices.

Alabama fans should expect a mix of individual and group drills during the open practice. The main focus will be on the ongoing quarterback competition between Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell as they vie for the starting position.

Following the practice, an autograph session will be held at approximately 1:45 p.m. for members of Yea Alabama, providing fans a chance to meet with players directly on the field.

Parking will be available at no cost for attendees, with several lots opening at 7 a.m. on Saturday. Additionally, the Crimson Ride bus service will offer free transportation from east campus parking lots to the stadium.

Fans are reminded that the clear bag policy will remain in effect for A-Day, and the first 5,000 attendees will receive a commemorative poster as part of the event.

As Alabama embraces this new approach for A-Day, many fans will be eager to see how the team adapts to the changing landscape of college football spring practices.