828980Ff 69Ab 43F4 B565 B7E834787320 E1721354915618 — “Coach Nick Saban Statue — University of Alabama Football Stadium (Gate 1) Tuscaloosa (AL) February 2019” by Ron Cogswell is licensed under CC BY 2.0

There will be a new name for the University of Alabama’s football field, honoring legendary coach Nick Saban.

The university’s Board of Trustees met Friday and unanimously voted to create Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The news was first reported Thursday morning by Tony Tsoukalas of Rivals.

Keep reading to find out when the naming is expected to become official + read more about Saban’s legacy in Tuscaloosa.

Saban Field

Bds — The university’s Board of Trustees met Friday and unanimously voted to create Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. (University of Alabama)

Friday’s board meeting had just one item on the agenda: “Consideration of Resolution Approving a Naming at Bryant-Denny
Stadium at UA.”

During the virtual meeting, chairman Kenneth Simon said the resolution was to name the stadium’s playing surface “Saban Field.” Nick and Terry Saban were both on the video call to hear the official vote, which unanimously approved the resolution.

“This is a very special honor. I don’t think there could be anything that honors the hard work and the example we tried to set for our community and university and program for all the players in it to what you all have decided to do today. Terry and I certainly have the utmost gratitude for this great legacy type of award by naming the field for us.”
~ Nick Saban

Rivals reports that an official ceremony will be held during a ceremony when South Florida visits Tuscaloosa on Sept. 7. More details are expected to be released by the university soon.

Screenshot 2024 07 19 At 11.18.55 Am — A rendering of new signage expected to be at the stadium. (University of Alabama)

Screenshot 2024 07 19 At 11.19.19 Am — A rendering of new signage expected to be at the stadium. (University of Alabama)

Best Alabama coach ever?

It seemed like no one was ever going to pass the great Bear Bryant in the eyes of Alabama fans but then Nick Saban came along and accomplished a thing or two during his 17 seasons in Tuscaloosa. Here’s a look at some of the numbers:

201 wins
16 bowl wins
9 SEC championships
6 national championships
4 Heisman Trophy winners
133 players drafted into NFL

While he was still coaching, Saban was honored with a statue just outside Bryant-Denny Stadium at the Walk of Champions, alongside other national champion coaches. Earlier this month, Saban won the Icon Award at the 2024 ESPYs.

Saban Ua — Nick Saban thanks fans after a game during his final season at Alabama. (University of Alabama Athletics / Facebook)

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