Alex and I got a lot of questions and blank stares when we mentioned we were heading to Alabama to watch a college football game. Neither of us went to school there or even have that much interest in college football (GW and Tulane didn't inspire much fanfare I suppose!). But we were excited to attend an SEC game - my first - and spend some quality time with the Underwoods.
Overall the experience was pretty close to what I expected: tons of fans dressed up in all kinds of inspired attire, lots of tailgating, cheering and drinking and an exciting football game (well, exciting as long as you were rooting for Alabama!).
Proper tailgate festivities. I was advised to "dress up" because that's how they do it in the South - good thing the only dress I brought was clean!
Having gone to school in New Orleans I was surprised that alcohol was not served inside the stadium, but I think that was probably for the best - especially since everyone started tailgating about five hours before kickoff!
A lot of red in this stadium!
We convinced a few fellow fans to take a quick picture in between the action!
The game ended up being a shutout, with Alabama beating Texas A&M 59-0, a pretty great way to begin my college football experience!
After the game we drove through traffic to Birmingham so we could have a nice dinner with our friends. We had a great meal at Bottega and then returned home to enjoy a nightcap with our gracious hosts, Andrew's parents. List Underwood even let us try his 23-year Pappy Van Winkle - a perfect end to a perfect day! Thanks again to our amazing hosts!
Tomorrow we drive to New Orleans, which is the destination I'm most excited for on our US road trip!