I recently traveled to Tuscaloosa, Alabama on a business trip. This was my second time ever traveling to Tuscaloosa. My first time was back in 2001 with a couple of colleagues when we decided to go watch the University of Tennessee vs the University of Alabama play football. Game day was quite the experience as Tennessee won 35-24 that day. We didn’t take time to walk the campus or check out any historical spots while we were there except Bryant-Denny Stadium.
The Arrival
Last week when I arrived in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday, I turned off of Paul Bryant Drive and pulled into the parking lot of Hotel Capstone. This hotel is in a fabulous location. For instance, it is the only hotel that is located on the campus of the University of Alabama. It is directly across Paul Bryant Drive from many of the athletic facilities including: basketball (Coleman Coliseum), baseball (Sewell-Thomas Stadium), swimming and diving (Alabama Aquatic Center), football practice facilities (Thomas-Drew Practice Fields) and several other sports venues for the University of Alabama. The Paul W. Bryant Museum and the Bryant Conference Center are adjacent to Hotel Capstone.
The People
The hotel staff was friendly beyond expectations. They shared their stories of many former alums from the University of Alabama they have seen and served over the years. After that, I was told that the University of Alabama football team stays there on Friday nights before all home games on Saturday. I enjoyed hearing these stories and enjoyed listening to some alums, that had just arrived, talking about yesteryears.
The Accomodations
The room was super clean, lots of space in the room while the bathroom was tight, but very well lit. I attended a breakfast buffet in the morning at Legends Bistro and Lounge, the restaurant located in the hotel, where mostly southern comfort foods were hot and ready. There were several choices of grits, eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and pancakes. The eating area was quite spacious and very clean. The servers were fabulous to clear used dishes and glasses. I’d like to come back and try the lunch or dinner menu.
The Walk
On Thursday morning, I decided to get up and walk the campus for my daily walk/jog(fat man shuffle). I asked the gentlemen at the front desk, “Which way to Bryant-Denny Stadium?” These gentlemen politely pointed and said it’s straight down Paul Bryant Drive a few blocks down. They said I could not miss it. They were correct. I passed several fraternity and sorority houses with a few already decorated for Christmas.
The Supe Store
I passed by The Corner Supe Store, a University of Alabama Supply Store, that had everything University of Alabama, with or without houndstooth, on every item in the store. It was not open at the time I walked by and I would have gone in just to see if the window was just a mere tease of what was offered. I continued my walk and found the stadium with great ease. I’ve always been a big fan of any structure of this enormity.
The Walk of Champions
Finally, I walked around until I got to the front entrance where you must go see the Walk of Champions. There were several statues of former coaches with their national championship years posted with them. Above all, the entire walkway, from the curb to the stadium, have concrete representations of what year they won particular championships, both conference and national.
I’m definitely going back on a game day. I finished my walk/jog of about 5.5 miles. It was quite a walk. It’s one I will always remember.
Be blessed and safe travels!!!
