BUSINESSES GEARING UP FOR ALABAMA FOOTBALL SEASON

Saturday is the big day: Kickoff for the 2018 University of Alabama football season.

In Tuscaloosa, that means businesses are scrambling to get ahead of their busiest time of year.

Fans go all-out showing their pride for the Tide, and for Tuscaloosa’s sporting goods and clothing shops, it means employees are working extra hard keeping their stores in order in the midst of a location overflowing with customers.

“Once students started moving back in and with football season, the hype is really starting to pick up,” said local business employee Samantha Morell. “The sales just go out of the roof. It’s really unbelievable.”

Of course, there’s no shortage of Alabama clothing around Tuscaloosa, but most fans are really just looking forward to seeing the Crimson Tide take the field again.

“I’m just really excited to see them get back out on the field and play,” said Bama fan Jonathan Tobias. “Obviously, we’re a National Championship contender once again.”

Kickoff for the first game of the season is happening Saturday at 7 p.m. Alabama is playing in Orlando against Louisville.