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Roll Tide Revealed: Top 7 Amazing Fun Facts About the University of Alabama You Never Knew

illustration of the-university-of-alabama
Dive into the fascinating world of the University of Alabama with these crimson-tinted fun facts that are sure to make even Big Al cheer with excitement!

1. No Orange Allowed

Whoever said "orange is the new black" clearly hasn't met the University of Alabama's style police: The school has very strict guidelines on the use of their official colors, Crimson PMS 201 and Cool Gray PMS 430, with white allowed as a secondary color, but absolutely no orange on any marketing, advertising, web or promotional material. They're also keen on keeping the legendary houndstooth pattern a rare sight, only permitting it on printed collateral and requiring permission for promotional items.
Source => brand.ua.edu

2. Elephant Mascot Evolution

Whoever said elephants never forget must have been thinking of a certain crimson-hued pachyderm proudly parading on a southern campus, leaving a trail of peanuts in his wake: The University of Alabama's beloved mascot "Big Al" was born from a 1930s nickname that solidified in the 1940s with a live elephant named "Alamite", later replaced by Walt Disney-produced costumes since the 1970s due to pricey peanuts and even pricier pachyderm party costs.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

3. Musical Denny Chimes

You know the saying, "Make a joyful noise?" Well, at the University of Alabama, that noise might just come from a bell tower: Enter Denny Chimes, a 115-feet tall beacon of tunes and traditions, boasting a 25-bell carillon that sings everything from gospel hymns to Bieber hits. Every day, it chimes in to remind students, "Roll Tide," and after football victories, they stampede to its base as if it were a postgame confetti shower.
Source => ua.edu

4. Gene Stallings, Gridiron Guru

When life gives you Stallings, make victory-ade: Gene Stallings, a former Texas A&M player and coach, led the University of Alabama football team to an undefeated season in 1992, ultimately triumphing in the Sugar Bowl against Miami and securing a national championship. This gridiron guru was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011 and collected multiple SEC Coach of the Year honors during his Alabama reign.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

Hogwarts for History Buffs

5. Hogwarts for History Buffs

You might say the University of Alabama is a Hogwarts for history buffs, hiding an architectural gem with a pinch of Thomas Jefferson magic: The Gorgas House, built in 1829, is the first permanent building on campus and the sole survivor of the original design that married Classical Revival and Jeffersonian styles, masterminded by English architect William Nichols and influenced by Jefferson's vision for the University of Virginia. Today, the enchanting Gorgas House dazzles visitors as a museum, chronicling its storied past and the Gorgas family legacy.
Source => alarchitecture.ua.edu

6. Toga Parties Meet Travel Escapades

From toga parties to travel escapades: The University of Alabama has a Latin major and minor for students looking to dive into the language and culture of Ancient Rome, offers a Summer Abroad in Greece program, and encourages the learning of modern languages like Italian, French, or German.
Source => mlc.ua.edu

7. Hogwarts Meets Bryant-Denny Stadium

If the Hogwarts Great Hall were to pack up its floating candles and Enchanted Ceiling and relocate to a southern football stadium, Bryant-Denny Stadium would be the prime candidate: Located on the University of Alabama campus, this historic behemoth has a seating capacity of 101,821, thanks to several expansions since its opening in 1929, including added seats, decks, and a Walk of Champions featuring monuments and statues honoring the Crimson Tide's triumphs. Roll Tide meets Abra-Stadium-Cadabra!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

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