Alabama AD Greg Byrne: ‘Our current plan is to play the (USC) game’

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne made it clear to fans: Alabama is not, at this time, following suit by cancelling non-conference games

On the same day the Big 10 announced it will not be playing any non-conference games this season due to the coronavirus, Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne made it clear to fans: Alabama is not, at this time, following suit.

According to AL.com, they reached out to the Alabama athletics department for a comment on the reports from The Athletic that “cited industry insiders who said the Pac-12 was expected to make the same move in the coming days.”

Athletics director Greg Byrne responded Thursday evening by making his statement simple:

“USC AD Mike Bohn and I are in regular contact. Our current plan is to play the game.”

This is something that has been questioned for months. Reports began surfacing in May that the Crimson Tide might have to face TCU instead of USC on September 5th.

But Byrne, both then and now, has been trying to make it clear: Alabama and USC will face off in September.

But that certainly doesn’t mean that the plan won’t change or that a plan “B” isn’t being discussed.

Especially given the coronavirus status in California and the fact that California governor Gavin Newson has shared how he didn’t expect full stadiums in California in August or September.

Only time will tell what will happen, and who Alabama could face on September 5th.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you up to date on the very latest on this story!

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LOOK: Alabama AD Greg Byrne posts about Bryant-Denny Stadium update

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne took to Twitter on Thursday to show off some more of the fantastic progress!

The Crimson Standard, is a 10-year, $600 million fundraising initiative to enhance athletics facilities on the UA campus including Bryant-Denny Stadium, Rhoads Stadium, Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility, and more.

Bryant-Denny Stadium’s renovation will cost around $106 million dollars and is hoping (and scheduled) to be completed by Alabama’s first home game of the 2020 season.

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne took to Twitter on Thursday to show off some more of the fantastic progress!

All in all, the stadium updates are coming along nicely, and it looks amazing!

One of the questions many fans have had has been “what about the Walk of Champions?” As you can see, the Walk of Champions will be extending into the tunnel, giving the Alabama Crimson Tide PLENTY more room to show off their successes.

Some of the main goals of Bryant Denny’s stadium renovation is to have more luxury seating for fans, larger scoreboards, new entrances, and an all around better fan experience.

There’s no doubt that when all of the construction is all said and done, Alabama will have one of, if not the nicest, stadiums and training facilities in the country.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you up to date on the very latest!

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BREAKING: Alabama MBB 2020 home opener announced

Nate Oats will head into his second season as head coach of Alabama men’s basketball team with a top-25 recruiting class that has a lot of Crimson Tide fans excited. Today, it was announced on Instragram live via Alabama super-fan, Luke Ratliff …

Nate Oats will head into his second season as head coach of Alabama men’s basketball team with a top-25 recruiting class that has a lot of Crimson Tide fans excited.

Today, it was announced on Instragram live via Alabama super-fan, Luke Ratliff (@Fluffopotamus), that the Crimson Tide will be facing off against Jacksonville State on Tuesday, Nov. 10 for the 2020 home opener in Coleman Coliseum.

The 2019-2020 college basketball season was cut short for Alabama during the SEC Tournament in Nashville due to the Coronavirus pandemic. However, their regular season record ended up being just one game above .500 (16-15).

Oats will look to lead this team into a postseason that fans can look forward to. With the cancellation of basketball’s tournaments in 2020, and Alabama’s first-round exit in the 2019 NIT vs. Norfolk St., the last time Crimson Tide fans looked forward to the postseason was with Colin Sexton in 2018.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on all things Alabama basketball as the season gets closer and the offseason progresses!

LOOK: Alabama MBB HC Nate Oats, AD Greg Byrne attend Tuscaloosa protest

Alabama’s men’s basketball head coach, Nate Oats, and Athletic Director Greg Byrne made an appearance at today’s protest in Tuscaloosa.

Athletes from all different sports and levels, professional and collegiate, have joined protests, which have erupted across the country to stand up against police brutality and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement after the death of George Floyd, who died on May 25 in Minneapolis.

The University of Alabama’s athletic director, Greg Byrne, released a statement, along with football head coach Nick Saban and men’s basketball head coach Nate Oats also making public statements.

Both Byrne and Oats were seen today at Government Plaza in Tuscaloosa, Ala. standing beside protestors to show their support.

The Crimson White’s photo editor, Hannah Saad, was present at the protest and captured a picture of the two.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and other leaders were also in attendance.

With plenty of reasons for the nation to be upset, it’s great to see people who hold a great amount of influence in the Tuscaloosa community come out to show support and stand side-by-side with students, Tuscaloosa denizens and community leaders.

 

LOOK:Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne releases emotional statement

On Sunday, Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne released a heartfelt statement regarding the tragic death of George Floyd.

Earlier this week, George Floyd was tragically killed by a Minneapolis police officer who knelt on his neck for over 9 minutes. Since then, there have been protests and pleas for change all over the country. Several professional athletes, coaches, and others have made sincere posts regarding the situation and what they can do to help, including Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne.

“Over the last several days, we’ve taken the time to engage, listen and be present with our student-athletes, coaches and staff. We are aware of the tragic circumstances that are going on in our country. What has transpired with the horrific deaths of unarmed African Americans, most recently George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery is beyond comprehension. They deserve justice. Our hearts are heavy for all of those who have suffered from racism and bigotry. Personally, I can’t say I understand the plight of those who have been subjected to these injustices, but I do have sincere compassion.

“Our commitment to our student-athletes, our staff and our community goes far beyond competition. We are here to celebrate victories, but we are also here to support and extend a helping hand through life’s challenges.

“It is important to that we not only speak of the awareness but also engage with conversation and action.

“We all have the ability to show love, grace, compassion, kindness, support and understanding for the people in our lives. It could be one person that you impact or it could be thousands. It does not matter the number. What matters is that we make a commitment to these actions.

“How do we treat our family, our friends, our co-workers, the person that serves you coffee, the person who picks up your trash? Every person wants to feel valued, and each of us can make them feel valued.

“I often tell our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans that college athletics, and sports in general, is one of the great unifiers. We are a melting pot of people, from all different backgrounds, and we come together as one. How special is that? Join us in supporting our student-athletes and people of color no matter the setting.”

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Alabama football announces home-and-home series with Arizona

The University of Alabama football team announced that it will have a nom-and-home series with Arizona in the 2032-2033 seasons.

The University of Alabama and the University of Arizona have announced a home-and-home series between the two teams on the football field that has been scheduled over ten years in advance.

The first ever game between the two teams is set to be held on Sept. 4, 2032 in Tuscaloosa. The second matchup will be at Arizona on Sept. 3, 2033.

Alabama’s Athletic Director greg Byrne says, “These meetings will be the first between the Crimson Tide and Wildcats, providing our teams and our fan bases exciting new opportunities during the regular season. As I said early on, we are going to work hard at adding more home-and-homes to our non-conference schedules, and we are pleased that we’ve been able to do that, securing nine of them thus far that will begin in 2022 with Texas.”

Head coach Nick Saban also commented on the games. “The addition of Arizona is another example of the commitment our administration has to creating outstanding schedules for many years to come,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said. “Arizona is a tremendous football program and the opportunity to play this type of competition only makes our program stronger while providing a lot of excitement for both fan bases.”

Alabama is also attempting to strengthen their non-conference schedule by playing the Pac-12 team. They also play Oklahoma in the same years they’ve schedule to play Arizona.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on all things Alabama football.

LOOK: Alabama AD Greg Byrne posts updates of Bryant-Denny renovation

Alabama’s Athletic Director Greg Byrne took to Twitter to post numerous pictures updating fans on the first phase of stadium renovations.

The Alabama Crimson Tide’s home has been getting a makeover, and the coronavirus pandemic has not stopped the progress.

Alabama’s Athletic Director Greg Byrne took to Twitter to post numerous pictures updating fans on the first phase of renovations that are set to be completed by Alabama’s home opener against Georgia State on Sept. 12.

According to the Crimson Tide Foundation, the renovations will include: three new club areas and the addition of 3,826 new premium seats, new skyboxes, as well as the renovation of all existing skyboxes, a relocated press box, new locker room and tunnel, updated recruiting areas, an expanded concourse and renovated concession areas.

Byrne posted these updates on Twitter earlier today:

This tweet shows pictures of the progress on the expanded concourses and the inside of the stadium.

Byrne offers an inside look of the Crimson Tide locker room progress and the renovation of the recruiting room which will be expanded.

Already installed are the new elevators and the four new video boards which are 60% larger according to Byrne. Bigger is better seems to be the theme throughout this renovation.

Byrne’s final tweet shows progress being made on the previously mentioned concourses and club areas. We also get a good look at the new tunnel that players will enter from the all of champions and make their way to the locker room.

There should be plenty more updates to come as they look to get everything done in time for the Sept. 12 deadline. Roll Tide Wire will keep you up to date on more information as it becomes available!