Paul, it was more than just a few years. I started in 1957 and left in 1963, also with a law degree. It was increased from 31K to 43K while I was there...Can't speak for Earle as he was a couple of years before me, but I attended UA 1973-80 (two degrees, not being slow!). BDS was only what is now the bottom bowl and held 60K. Not really a big time stadium. I read in an article when Mal Moore died that he had seen that and made it a mission to fix that.
Here is the scoreboard from that era:
View attachment 1955
The best thing that Bama fans and alumni can do is stay out of it instead of demanding that we hire an assistant. We don't need another DuBose.The biggest decision of the Saban era is the next hire. Gonna be super important we get the right guy.
Being of that era I can offer that, in the 1950's the stadium seated a bit over 30,000 and both end zones were open with rather rickety bleacher seating located there. An expansion was done around 1961(?) that, if memory serves, replaced the press box, upgraded the lights, and added about 12,000 seats. Despite the upgrade, the lighting was still not adequate for TV so night games that were to be televised continued to be played at Legion Field. Later auxiliary lighting would be brought in and this in concert with improvements in video technology permitted games to be telecast from Denny Stadium (Bryant had not been added to the stadium name then). Prior to the upgrade in 1961 or thereabouts the only games I remember being played in the stadium at night were high school games on Friday nights.hope this isn't seen as a hijack attempt
When you began at UofA, what was the stadium config? Was it a small bowl yet? Stands on each side? One end filled in?
Also, did any expansion occur while you were there? I know this info is probably on rolltide.com. Think it would be interesting for you or someone of your generation to give your version of history.
Thanks. Great thread, TommyMac.
Edit: found this link with photos http://crimsontider.com/bryant-denny.htm
The time Coach Saban has spent here has certainly brought a lot of great players and great memories to the University of Alabama. When he retires I'm expecting us to have good teams but not championship caliber teams for a while. Once again we may have to go through several head coaches before we find the one to get us back to the top. I'd love to see Coach Saban still on the sidelines at age 70. That would certainly be something nobody expected. Great coaches rarely come along, so for now ENJOY! Roll Tide!!!
It is crazy to think how long it has been. For me as a fan...he is the only coach that I know. I wasn't "into" football when Shula was there.
I imagine this is how it felt when Coach Bryant was our Coach. I will feel out of sorts when Saban leaves. It will definitely be an adjustment.
Imagine this....when I was at UA in the 70's I think Denny Stadium seated 54,000.hope this isn't seen as a hijack attempt
When you began at UofA, what was the stadium config? Was it a small bowl yet? Stands on each side? One end filled in?
Also, did any expansion occur while you were there? I know this info is probably on rolltide.com. Think it would be interesting for you or someone of your generation to give your version of history.
Thanks. Great thread, TommyMac.
Edit: found this link with photos http://crimsontider.com/bryant-denny.htm
Not so sure that the “substandard” is appropriate as there were many factors involved in stadium expansion. To put it in perspective consider the following:Why was the stadium in Tuscaloosa so substandard for so long. Were they too cheap to upgrade it or did they just enjoy the benefit of being in Birmingham for the big games that it wasn't worth the effort?
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I enjoyed reading your post thank you for the history and thank you for sharingI could ramble on, but why belabor the point further; besides I suspect I’m putting folks to sleep as it is.
I agree. He answered my question thoroughly and politely. Thank you for the history lesson, I thought it was interesting.I enjoyed reading your post thank you for the history and thank you for sharing