Family Weekend 2023 Details

In this communication you will find specific details, reminders, and tips to make your Family Weekend successful! Please email us at parents@ua.edu or call us at 800-392-2777 with any questions. Remember that we may be slow to respond on Friday – Sunday of Family Weekend due to Family Weekend events in progress.

Schedule and Parking

Please see our schedule and parking pages for the entire Family Weekend. Note: parking for Friday is included in Family Weekend registration. Parking for Saturday gameday is purchased separately.

Click here to get a printable campus map to use during Family Weekend.

Check-In

At least one (1) person from each family must check-in to receive their Family Weekend packet. The packet includes Family Weekend guide, event wristbands, picnic blanket ticket, and a Family Weekend clear stadium bag.

Note: Wear Family Weekend wristbands for Friday kickoff concert in Gov’t Plaza, to park for Friday movie under the stars event, Saturday tailgate, and Sunday brunch and yoga.

Early Check-In

You can avoid the line by having your student pick up the family’s packet early in the Parent & Family Office from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday September 19 through Thursday September 21 in Suite 2512 of the Student Center.

Friday Check-In

if your student didn’t pick up your Family Weekend packet early, please come to check-In in the Great Hall of the Student Center (2nd floor) anytime from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Friday to pick up your packet. Big Al (UA’s mascot) will be greeting families at Check-In from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. If you plan to attend Family Weekend events on Friday, be sure to check-in early in the day.

Saturday Check-In

If your family was unable to pick up you Family Weekend packet, you may check-in at the Saturday tailgate.

Family Weekend Highlights

Note: Any changes to the schedule due to weather will be sent directly by email to the Family Weekend ticket holders.

Friday, Sept. 22, 2023

Family Weekend Kickoff Concert

5:15 – 7 p.m. | Government Plaza, Downtown Tuscaloosa 2106 6th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
  Weather permitting
  Entertainment by Even Odds, games, and blankets paid by Family Weekend registration fees (Family Weekend wristband required). This event is co-sponsored by Visit Tuscaloosa.

Families will experience an evening in downtown Tuscaloosa. This event will take place at the beautiful Government Plaza and includes musical entertainment and a charming southern ambiance. Enjoy one of our many restaurants or food truck options (for purchase) and join us for a taste of life in Tuscaloosa. Present the ticket from your Family Weekend check-In packet for a free picnic blanket (blankets are 1 per family to the first 500 families: only available at the Kickoff Concert). Food trucks meals are on your own and are not covered in family weekend ticket price.

Tip: you are welcome to bring lawn chairs or be one of the first 500 families to get a picnic blanket to enjoy the kickoff concert. Blanket tickets are in your Family Weekend packet.

Movie Under the Stars with University Programs

8 – 11 p.m. |Behind John England Hall. 810 2nd St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
  Family Weekend wristband required for parking
  Rain location Student Center

Join University Program for a free movie and snacks on the John England lawn. Parking will be available at the Student Center Parking Deck 800 Campus Dr. West, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023

Family Weekend Tailgate

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Corner of Bryce Lawn (315 Bryce lawn Drive) 87.5407874°W 33.2133537°N. Family Weekend Tailgate is not at the Quad.
  Family Weekend wristband required
  Weather permitting

Join Parent & Family Programs for a tailgate to celebrate the Crimson Tide. During the Family Weekend Tailgate, you can create memories through our family photo stations and activities to experience the Crimson Tide tradition. Experience a taste of Tuscaloosa with your Family Weekend Tailgate meal included with your wristband. Look for the balloon arch and Tailgate signage.

Note: We will provide everything you need for UA tailgating. This includes meal, beverages, and chairs. Tailgate meal is Jim ‘N Nick’s. Vegetarian options are provided on request.

Reminder: Have a plan for Game Day parking! Info and game day traffic routes/closures can be found at uagameday.com. If you have not already purchased game day parking, you can purchase parking at the gameday website. Free Crimson ride shuttle (see stop 1 on this map) will drop off at the Family Weekend tailgate location.

Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023

If you are interested in attending a religious service during your Family Weekend visit, some options available near campus.

Family Weekend Brunch

8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Lakeside Dining Hall
  Family Weekend wristband required

Enjoy brunch and live music with your UA family at Lakeside Dining Hall, one of our amazing dining locations. Join Bama Dining for a silent auction with over 20 items your student would love. Credit cards only accepted. All proceeds of the silent auction go to the Student Care and Wellbeing Student Life Campus Pantry.

Family Weekend Family Outdoor Yoga

9 – 9:45 a.m. & 9:45 – 10:30 a.m. (two sessions) | The UA Student Center Lawn
  Family Weekend wristband required

Come to the Student Center Lawn to enjoy one of our two Family Weekend Yoga sessions. Parental supervision is required for non-student individuals under 19 years of age to participate.

Tip: If your family will be attending outdoor yoga, be sure to bring a yoga mat or towel for each family member.

T-Shirts

Family Weekend T-shirts can still be purchased. T-shirts ordered previously will be mailed to your house. Unfortunately, if you order now, we are past the deadline to get them for Family Weekend. But you can still have the shirt as a memory of the fantastic weekend with your student! Note: T-shirts cannot be purchased on site at Family Weekend.

Support the UA Family Fund by Eating at Local Restaurants

Friday, Sept. 22, 2023

Urban Cookhouse

4 – 8 p.m. | 1490 Northbank Pkwy #110, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406
Consider dining at Urban Cookhouse to support the UA Family Fund by mentioning UA Family Fund. Ten percent of all sales go to the UA Family Fund.

Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023

Central Mesa

4 – 9 p.m. | 519 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Consider dining at Central Mesa to support the UA Family Fund. Twenty percent of all sales go to the UA Family Fund. This event was previously scheduled for Thursday but had to be moved due to unexpected required building maintenance.

Sponsors

Thanks to our 2023 Family Weekend sponsors: