Alabama Football: Kickoff Times & How to Watch

The burning question on every Crimson Tide fan's mind this week is: What time do Alabama football games come on? Finding the answer isn't always straightforward, so let's break down how to stay informed and never miss a single snap.

What Time Do Alabama Football Games Come On?: The Importance of Knowing

Knowing the kickoff time for an Alabama football game is crucial for several reasons. You need to plan your day, whether you're tailgating, hosting a watch party, or simply settling in to cheer on the Tide from your couch. Missing the start of a game is a cardinal sin in Tuscaloosa, and nobody wants to be that fan scrambling to find the channel as the opening kickoff soars through the air.

What Time Do Alabama Football Games Come On?: Finding the Official Schedule

The most reliable place to find the official kickoff times for Alabama football games is the official Alabama Athletics website, RollTide.com. The schedule is usually released in phases throughout the season. Early season games often have their times set well in advance, while later-season games might have their times announced only a week or two before the game date, due to television network selections.

What Time Do Alabama Football Games Come On?: Understanding TV Selections

Television networks like ESPN, CBS, ABC, and SEC Network have the rights to broadcast SEC football games, including Alabama's. These networks often have considerable say in scheduling kickoff times to maximize viewership. This is why the SEC and its broadcast partners often use a "6-day selection" window, where game times for certain weeks are not finalized until six days prior to the game.

What Time Do Alabama Football Games Come On?: Where to Check for Updates

  • RollTide.com: This is your primary source for official information.
  • SEC Network: The SEC Network's website and social media channels will announce game times selected during the 6-day window.
  • ESPN: Similarly, ESPN's website and app will have scheduling information.
  • CBS Sports: Check CBS Sports for Alabama game times broadcast on their network.
  • Social Media: Follow the official Alabama Football accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for real-time updates.
  • Sports News Websites: ESPN.com, SI.com, and other major sports websites will publish the schedule as it's released.

What Time Do Alabama Football Games Come On?: Deciphering the Schedule Listings

When you find the schedule, pay close attention to the time zone. Most college football schedules are listed in Eastern Time (ET). Alabama is in the Central Time Zone (CT), so you'll need to subtract one hour from the listed time to get the local kickoff time in Alabama. For example, if a game is listed as 3:30 PM ET, it will kick off at 2:30 PM CT.

What Time Do Alabama Football Games Come On?: Setting Up Alerts and Reminders

  • Calendar Apps: Add the game times to your calendar app (Google Calendar, Outlook, etc.) and set reminders.
  • Sports Apps: ESPN, TheScore, and other sports apps allow you to follow Alabama and receive notifications when game times are announced.
  • Social Media Notifications: Turn on notifications for the official Alabama Football accounts to get immediate alerts.

What Time Do Alabama Football Games Come On?: Example Scenario

Let's say it's Monday, and Alabama is playing a conference rival on Saturday. You check RollTide.com and see that the game time is listed as "TBA" (To Be Announced). This means the television networks haven't made their selections yet. Keep checking the websites and social media channels mentioned above throughout the week. By late Sunday or Monday, the kickoff time should be finalized.

What Time Do Alabama Football Games Come On?: Why is it always changing?

The flexible nature of college football scheduling can be frustrating, but it's driven by several factors:

  • Television Ratings: Networks want to showcase the most appealing matchups in the best time slots to maximize viewership.
  • Conference Agreements: The SEC has agreements with various networks that dictate the number of games each network can broadcast.
  • Game Importance: Games with national championship implications often get prime-time slots.
  • Weather: In some rare instances, weather conditions can influence kickoff times.

What Time Do Alabama Football Games Come On?: Tailgating Plans & Kickoff

Once you know the game time, you can finalize your tailgating plans. Remember to factor in travel time to the stadium, parking, and setting up your tailgate. Arriving at least a few hours before kickoff is recommended to soak in the atmosphere and avoid long lines.

Question and Answer

  • Q: Where is the most reliable source to find Alabama football game times? A: The official Alabama Athletics website, RollTide.com.
  • Q: Why do game times sometimes get announced so late? A: Television networks often use a "6-day selection" window to choose the most appealing matchups for broadcast.
  • Q: What time zone are most college football schedules listed in? A: Eastern Time (ET).
  • Q: If a game is listed as 7:00 PM ET, what time will it kick off in Alabama? A: 6:00 PM CT.

In summary, to find out what time do Alabama football games come on, rely on RollTide.com, SEC Network, ESPN, and social media; remember the time zone conversion; and set up alerts for game time announcements.

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