But even if you can’t get a ticket, we’ll have a kick-ass tailgate!!

However, you never know with a game like this. I’ve been told the university hotel and the Sheraton are the best. None of the hotels are close to the stadium, campus, and bars (except for the university hotel), so you’ll have to drive from the hotel to the game and cab it for going out (if you don’t have a designated driver). I’m told it’s a big party both Friday and Saturday nights. However, none of those people have ever been to State College for a football game, so I don’t know if they really know what a party is! LOL!! Maybe Tuscaloosalion can better answer your questions since he actually lives there.

Wish I could help more, but I’ve never actually stayed in a hotel here. As Paige points out, the university hotel (Hotel Capstone) would be the closest, and the stadium would be walkable, but I would imagine that’s almost impossible to get.

I would throw the Hampton on Harper Lee Drive out as a suggestion, too. Not walkable to campus, but it’s close and I’ve had several guests stay there with no complaints. There is also a sports bar right next to it for post-game revelry.

I do know the Holiday Inn Express and the Microtel Inn, both on 15th Street, are somewhat new, but I can’t vouch in the least for quality. They are, though, close to the University Mall, which I believe has Gameday shuttles (don’t take my word for it, as that could change by next year — ask at the hotel, of course). There’s a Hometown Suites on the same stretch. Again, not walkable, but reasonably close with a shuttle likely.

There are also some new places near the highway (20/59), but those are quite a way from campus and I have no idea what the shuttle situation would be like.

And, of course, BOOK EARLY. Otherwise, you’ll be staying over in Birmingham — which, hey, it’s a fun city, but a hellish gameday drive.

If you’re young and don’t mind cramped quarters, it’s worth posting a query on Craigslist to see if anyone nearby can put you up for a night or two. My old apartment was directly across from the UA practice field, and I often got people inquiring if I could put them up for a fee.

I’m happy to answer other questions, too — bars, eats, etc. — and will certainly post more as the time nears.

I’ve never been to a UA game.

Tuscaloosalion, I hope you can come up to Bham for the alumni chapter meeting. I understand it’s not a great drive, but we could use some members outside of Bham. If we get enough people in other cities we can host events outside of Bham. I know there’s a large presence in Huntsville with all those engineers. Maybe there is in West AL, too.