The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) takes center stage in organizing the massive logistics behind football gamedays.
On fall Saturdays when more than 100,000 football fans flood into Tuscaloosa, ALDOT works tirelessly to ensure smooth and efficient traffic flow, turning what could be a logistical nightmare into a well-oiled machine.
Just like in Field of Dreams, where Kevin Costner’s character watches as cars appear seemingly out of nowhere, drawn to a baseball field, ALDOT faces a similar scene. But instead of a rural Iowa diamond, it’s Bryant-Denny Stadium, home of the most passionate college football fans in the country.
“We take a lot of pride in what we do,” said Ken Colvert, ALDOT Traffic Management Center (TMC) manager. “We work with the City of Tuscaloosa, University of Alabama and law enforcement agencies to make the traveling experience the best it can be. We want everyone to have a fun and safe time.”
Preparations at the TMC typically begin between four and six hours before kickoff and extend until traffic returns to normal, which varies depending on the opponent and kickoff time. From traffic signal technicians to operators who monitor roadway conditions, everyone within the TMC has a part to play.
Colvert asks fans to leave early and pay attention to overhead digital message signs.
Fans traveling to Tuscaloosa from the Birmingham area should take I-20/59 westbound and use Exit 73 onto McFarland Boulevard (US-82). Those traveling eastbound from Mississippi should use Exit 71B and follow signs to 15th Street. Fans are also encouraged to download the ALGOTraffic app or visit algotraffic.com check roadway conditions before they leave.
“We know fans are excited to get to the game, and our job is to make that journey as safe and stress-free as possible,” Colvert said. “From pre-game prep to post-game traffic, we’re coordinating every detail so that fans can focus on football.”
