10 Places to Watch the Bama vs. Mercer in Tuscaloosa Without A Ticket

Game days in Tuscaloosa are an essential part of college football season. Whether a student, tailgating, or wanting to experience the atmoshphere, there are many spots you can enjoy the game without having to physically go. Here is a list of some of the best spots in town to enjoy game day.

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1225

1225 is one of the newest establishments on The Strip having moved into the El Rincon location in 2019. With wall-to-wall televisions and two bars to boot 1225 is the premiere spot to celebrate gameday. The Tide Tailgate Pre and Postgame shows are held at 1225 and they serve a spectacular gameday menu featuring burgers, wings and more.

Gallettes

Gallettes, a staple of Tuscaloosa, is not only an essential part of students’ social lives at UA, but also is a game day must, especially because it is the home of the iconic Yellowhammer drink. Plus, it is walking distance from campus, and has multiple TV’s, being one of the best places to go to enjoy a drink and the Crimson Tide.

Walk On’s

 Walk On’s, a brand new sports bar located on Skyland Blvd., is a little farther from campus but is perfect for anyone wanting to eat tailgate food and watch the game without dealing with the traffic and actual tailgates. They have numerous items of Alabama memorabilia lining the walls of the restaurant, and is a great place to feel the football atmosphere without actually going to the stadium. 

Buffalo Phil’s

BPhils, also a Tusaloosa staple, is a great place to grab a bite prior to a game, taking a break from tailgating hopping, or just wanting to find a sit down place to enjoy the game. Like Gallettes, BPhils is walking distance from the stadium. Plus, if you are a student, you can use those bank-saving dining dollars.

Innisfree

Innisfree is an Irish pub located in downtown Tuscaloosa. It is spacious, has delicious food, and an outdoor seating area for those perfect fall Saturday’s that will be here quickly. Plus, it is still walking distance from campus.

Baumhowers

There are multiple of these restaurants throughout the state of Alabama, however; the Tuscaloosa one is the original. Baumhowers, located off of McFarland, Blvd., is incredibly spacious, has traditional tailgate food, and enough TV’s to see the game no matter where seated. Personally, I went there back in May to eat and watch one of UA’s softball games during the SEC Championship run, and it was a great experience, cheering on the Crimson Tide with dozens of others sharing the same love for the team as me. 

The Houndstooth

The Houndstooth Sports Bar, located on University Blvd. across the street from the Waffle House, is one of the best places to catch a game. It is huge, has every football food imaginable, and gives off major Alabama football vibes from the moment you walk in. 

Buffalo Wild Wings

This one speaks for itself. BWW is located off of McFarland Blvd. away from campus, but is perfect for that game day feel. They have your usual football food; their menu resembles anything you could find at a typical tailgate tent. Another good spot for a football atmosphere away from Bryant Denny. 

Full Moon

Southern BBQ is an essential part to most tailgates. Full Moon, located between McFarland Blvd. and 15th St. is the best place to find that southern comfort food while also watching the game, with multiple TV’s surrounding their dining area. 

Dreamland

The original BBQ place in Tuscaloosa, Dreamland is another staple of the city; however, to catch a game, the best one to visit is the one in Northport, just across the bridge- it is more spacious and has a couple of TV’s around the building to watch the game.

*BONUS SPOT* Tailgates 

Southern hospitality is very real, especially when it comes to bonding over the same sacred college football team. Making friends, drinking and bonding comes quick and most tailgaters will be more than happy to have others join in cheering on the Tide.