THE TUSCALOOSA ROUND - STOP BY STOP
Paul W. Bryant Museum
You will find the Paul W. Bryant Museum situated on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This museum was opened to house the history of Alabama football, placing a special emphasis on coach Paul William "Bear" Bryant. It is a primary destination for those interested in the legacy of the game, drawing 35,000 annual visitors to its exhibits. While the museum was founded in 1985, it did not officially open until 1988. If you are wandering the campus, you can pick out the building as a hub for sports history. I've noticed that the energy on the University of Alabama grounds always seems to peak around this specific site, as it captures the spirit of the city's most famous athletic tradition.
Denny Chimes
You will likely notice the striking silhouette of Denny Chimes before you see anything else on the south side of The Quad at the University of Alabama. This bell tower is a 115-foot campanile tower designed in the Art Deco style. Construction on the structure started in 1929. The tower is named in honor of George H. Denny, who served as university president from 1912 to 1936 and later served as interim president from 1941 through 1942. If you time your visit right, you can hear the sounds of the 25-bell carillon equipped within the tower. It is a great spot to pause and take in the campus atmosphere. I have found that the geometry of the tower makes it a favorite for photos.
Saint Francis of Assisi University Parish
Trinity United Methodist Church
Calvary Baptist Church
Islamic Society of Tuscaloosa
Bryant-Denny Stadium
Bryant-Denny Stadium is a stadium in Tuscaloosa. It had its inception in 1929 and is located on the campus of the University of Alabama. This outdoor venue is known as Saban Field and is the home field of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. The team is part of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). You can pick out the scale of the place just by looking at the massive stands. I have spent plenty of time watching the crowds from the rafters, and I can tell you that the energy here is something you have to feel for yourself. Whether you are a sports fan or just visiting the campus, the presence of the stadium dominates the local area. It is a central landmark for the university and the city alike, drawing people from all over the region to witness the games.
Foster Auditorium
The Works Progress Administration project known as Foster Auditorium is a building at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Designed in the Neoclassical architecture style, it was built in 1939 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This multi-purpose facility once housed the Department of Kinesiology until 2006. While it is a historic site, the University announced a major renovation for the auditorium in April 2009. You can pick out the grand lines of the exterior as you pass by. I've seen plenty of students gather near these walls over the years, though I usually keep a safe distance from the crowds. It is a prominent piece of the campus landscape that has seen many different uses since it first opened its doors to the university community.
Coleman Coliseum
Let me show you Coleman Coliseum. This arena is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on the campus of the University of Alabama. It opened in 1968 as Memorial Coliseum as a replacement for Foster Auditorium. Today, the building is the current home of the Alabama Crimson Tide men's and women's basketball and women's gymnastics teams. You can pick out the massive scale of the place by the seating, as it has 15,383 seats. It is a central hub for athletics and a major landmark for anyone visiting the university grounds. I've noticed it's a loud spot when the crowds gather for a game, though I usually prefer the quiet ledges of the roof where I can watch the action from a safe distance without getting stepped on by a cheering fan.
