The Alabama Crimson Tide has one of the largest fan bases in the nation. They are also one of the most passionate. At the end of each football season, Alabama fans suffer major withdrawals from all of their favorite things. Here are just a few reasons why we are ready for football season to begin.

1. Tailgating on the quad.

The maze of tents can be overwhelming and there is great people watching, but we are all ready to be back on the quad doing what we do best: pre-gaming.

2. Bryant-Denny.

There’s nothing like sitting in a stadium with 101,821 of your closest friends, right? We have a stadium like no other, and our incredible fan base and team deserves nothing less.

3. "Rammer Jammer."

Nothing is quite as sweet as singing "Rammer Jammer" after a huge victory. And let’s face it, when you pull for a team as great as Alabama, it happens pretty often. Give ‘em hell, Alabama!

4. The Strip on game day.

There is really nothing like the atmosphere at our favorite bars and restaurants on game day. Pretty much every business in town is packed with students and their parents watching the big screens. This might seem weird, but Alabama students happen to have the coolest bunch of parents around. Trust me, we have all seen them darty with the best of us.

5. "Dixieland Delight."

Although we have been criticized for it before, there is nothing like singing "Dixieland Delight" with our extra lyrics added in between. This is especially true after a big win. After last year's Iron Bowl, administrators went as far as threatening to ban the song.

6. Game day meals at fraternity and sorority houses.

If you haven’t had barbecue at a Greek house before a game, you haven’t lived. These meals are awesome, and the best cure for whatever you were doing the night before.

7. Game day attire.

It is no secret that students at UA make it a point to look amazing on game day. We might get made fun of for wearing dresses and blazers to football games, but who cares? We love to show our team spirit and we look great on TV.

9. “Roll Tide Roll” kick-off chant.

It's the simplest traditions that make Alabama football games so much fun. Every Alabama fan can't wait for that first kick-off of the season.

9. Yelling "Boom!" during the hype video.

One of the best parts of a game in Bryant-Denny is the video of highlights played before the game starts. When they show a big hit on the big screen, everyone yells "boom!" It definitely gets everyone excited and ready for the game.

10. ESPN "College Gameday."

There isn't much that will motivate a college student to wake up at 5 a.m., but ESPN
"College Gameday "in Tuscaloosa will. Also, it is a great opportunity to see some very creative signs.

11. Screaming “Roll Tide!” after each first down.

Everyone in the stadium knows what to do after they hear "First down, Alabama!" This is pretty often, by the way.

12. Shakers.

If you go to an Alabama football game without a shaker, you are going to feel naked. Have you ever sang “Yea Alabama” without a shaker? Yeah, it is weird. I can’t wait to be in the stadium with my lucky shaker cheering on the tide. Pro tip: If you don't have a shaker, get there early. They are placed on the bleachers.

13. The Iron Bowl.

The rivalry known across the nation as a man's motivation for poisoning historic trees. Even though the Alabama-Auburn rivalry pretty much lasts all year, there is nothing like it's peak at the Iron Bowl. The Iron Bowl is played in Auburn this year, and we are hoping for a different outcome than our last away game, there.

14. Yea, Alabama!

We love our fight song, and we love singing it to celebrate right after a touchdown!

15. The possibility of winning our 16th National Championship.

Every year, the Alabama Crimson Tide is held to a higher standard by its fans than other teams. While other teams simply hope for a winning season, we are disappointed if the team doesn’t go all the way. At Alabama, every season is another chance to make history. Plus, we really want to see Saban's smile of gold again.

Another great football season as an Alabama football fan is just around the corner. Get your shakers ready!