By Josie Wahl, digital reporter for WVUA 23

If you plan to attend a University of Alabama football home game this fall, there are some changes you should be aware of.

Everyone’s favorite pre-game event, the Walk of Champions, will be moved to two and a half hours before kickoff. That means the walk will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, with kickoff at 6:00 p.m.

And this request came straight from the top, said Nick Frenz, UA’s deputy director of events.

“It’s just a new coaching regime that wants to come here at different times, and that’s why I think (UA head coach Kalen DeBoer) wanted to come here earlier than in the past.”

The gates to Bryant-Denny Stadium open 30 minutes after the Walk of Champions.

Anyone arriving in Tuscaloosa on game day should expect the same road closures as last year, beginning four hours before game time.

“We made that change last year from three to four because we saw how many people are here early, especially with late kickoffs,” Frenz said. “People come here early in the morning and then stay here for seven to eight hours. So we’re trying to protect pedestrians as much as we can.”

The transport of golf carts will be restricted on University Boulevard so that police can keep a better eye on tailgaters, Frenz said. There will also be special parking spots for golf carts on campus.

“There are too many people milling around at the security checkpoints. People asking for parking permits and golf carts pose an additional challenge there. That’s why we’re trying to redistribute some of that,” Frenz said.

Fans looking to park on campus should know that there are fewer parking spaces this year. Several construction projects, including one at Coleman Coliseum, mean an overall loss of parking on campus.

“Since we started selling parking for game days in 2007, the number of parking spaces sold in advance has more than doubled, so people know where they’re going,” Frenz said. “They know they have directions. They have the digital permits. Not only is it more convenient for them, but if they transfer the permit to someone, they can easily text or email it to them digitally. And so it’s significantly reduced the amount of lugging we’ve had to do on campus.”

If there is no parking spot waiting for you when you arrive, there are plenty of legal options around campus and beyond. Looking for a parking spot? Check here.

However, if you park in a place where you shouldn’t, don’t assume your vehicle will still be there after the game.

The City of Tuscaloosa changed its towing rules in 2023, allowing towing companies to monitor parking lots and tow vehicles parked without proper permits. Parking lots monitored by towing companies are clearly marked, so if your vehicle goes missing, look nearby for a sign with the storage lot’s phone number.

Getting to and from Bryant-Denny Stadium will remain the same for travelers, with McFarland and University Boulevards being the main routes to and from campus. When in doubt, follow signs, stay within cones, and listen to officials’ traffic rules.

“I would advise everyone to leave early, plan ahead and be patient,” said Ken Colvert of the Alabama Department of Transportation’s Tuscaloosa Regional Traffic Management Center.

If you live in Tuscaloosa, expect traffic to increase Friday and continue through Sunday afternoon, Colvert said. ALDOT’s road construction in the area is also suspended on game weekends.

“Every game brings its own circumstances,” said Colvert. “We have experienced several incidents, but they are usually well managed with our response partners.”

On important home game days, police presence on campus and in the surrounding area will be increased to approximately 600 to 700 officers.

“Our main goal on game days is general safety throughout the game day,” said Micah Rodgers, deputy police chief and support commander for the University of Alabama Police Department. “The best thing is to get the teams here and compete, and have fans and visitors come and enjoy the festivities safely.”

There will be temporary speed bumps on the Strip adjacent to the UA campus before and after the game, and there will be a heavy police presence in the area.

Fans entering the stadium will be required to pass through metal detectors and adhere to UA’s clear bag policy. To simplify service, stadium concessions will continue to be cashless. Tickets will continue to be available mobile only.

Drink stations are available around the stadium and fans are allowed to bring empty non-glass cups or bottles.

If you have questions that aren’t answered here, chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for here.