1. Watch Some College Football At Bryant-Denny Stadium
The Bryant-Denny Stadium is one of the greatest college football stadiums in the Country, with a capacity of over 101,000. The stadium is the 8th biggest in the United States and the 10th biggest in the world. It has an electric atmosphere and a deafening volume when the home supporters are cheering on the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team. Opened in 1929 with just a capacity of about 12,000 the stadium has seen huge expansion over the years to get it to the size that it is today. When in town be sure to look up the fixture list to make sure you catch a game.
2. Check Out The Legend At The Paul W. Bryant Museum
Paul Bryant is an Alabama Legend and a household name in these parts of the world. In 1958 he became the head coach for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and turned the team into a force to be reckoned with, he won the championship in 1961,64 and 65, as time went by the team started to lose their edge and he recruited the first black players the team had ever seen, with the team reinvigorated a return to dominance followed in 1973, 78 and 79. The museum is well worth a visit when you are in Tuscaloosa to learn more about this great man.
3. Catch Live Music At The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
There is something about sitting outside in an intimate atmosphere and listening to a live band play your favorite songs. The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater has a capacity of just 7,470 and is primarily used for musical events. Over the years many famous acts have wowed the crowds and the locals keep coming back for more. The amphitheater is famous for its great facilities, cleanliness and ease of entry. When in town check out what bands are on and head on down, for the sounds quality alone you will not be disappointed.
4. Visit The Ruins At Capitol Park
Back in 1826 Capitol Park was the site of the Alabama Capital, this was a time when Tuscaloosa was the seat of state government, in 1847 however the seat was moved away from Tuscaloosa and went to Montgomery. The old building was subsequently converted into a college and Alabama Central Female College had its home here until 1923, when the college was burnt to the ground and the ruins that we see today were all that was left. The park is very popular with locals and tourists who come here to view the ruins and relax on the surrounding grass areas.
5. Check Out Paintings At The Tuscaloosa Federal Building And U.S. Courthouse
The Federal building and U.S. Courthouse is a treasure trove of paintings that depict the history of Alabama. Once inside the building you will need to go through strict security because of the nature of the work that is undertaken here (think airport security) but after that you are free to go up to the main area and marvel at these truly astonishing pictures, if that was not enough to convince you then maybe the fact that it is completely free to enter will be.
6. Take A Tour Of The Mercedes Benz Plant
Tuscaloosa is famous for its Mercedes Benz Factory and the company is one of the major providers of work in the area, the cars have been made here since 1999 and with over a billion dollars being invested in the plant it is about to get a whole lot bigger as well. With the iconic cars rolling off the production line here why not take a tour of the factory and see the men and women at work. Next to the factory there is also a museum to visit which has the history of the company as well as some earlier models to look at, there is even a formula one car that was driven by F1 legend Michael Schumacher.
7. View The Artwork At The Tuscaloosa Museum Of Art
Tuscaloosa Museum of Art is the private art collection of a Mr Jack Warner the CEO of Gulf States Paper, he had been collecting American art for over forty years before opening this museum in 2003. The museum is home to over 1000 pieces of work from 1775 onwards including some works by the John Singer Sargent and Childe Hassam. The works gathered here are considered to one of the greatest private collections of American Art ever put together.
8. Shop At The Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning between seven and twelve on the banks of the Black Warrior River is the Tuscaloosa Farmers’ Market. Here locals farmers sell their fresh produce to the community. A real popular event among locals see’s the market attract people from all over who are looking for grass fed beef, delicious local cheeses and organic produce to take home. It is not unusual to see some local livestock being brought along to show off the quality of the animals to the public. When in town this is not one to be missed.
9. Fish At Lake Tuscaloosa
Lake Tuscaloosa is a Dam that was built to supply domestic and industrial water to the people in the city, it covers an area of 5,885 acres and has 177 miles of shoreline. The lake itself has become a very popular spot for people wishing to participate in fishing. The lake is regularly stocked with sport fish to ensure that tournament and casual fishers are able to carry out their pastimes here.
10. Get Some Smoked Ribs At Archibald’s Bar B Q
For five decades this small restaurant has been serving the people of Tuscaloosa pit smoked pork and ribs. Opened in 1961 by the current owners father the restaurant is an absolute winner among locals, and also in various competitions. The place looks nothing special from the outside but this family knows they have some great food and have kept the same recipe and the same type of wood in the pit since the day they opened. When you make your trip to Tuscaloosa this place has to be near the top of your list.
