Coming to you LIVE from Indianapolis. Yes, I made the pilgrimage to cheer on the Tide in the 2022 National Championship. Keep reading for my journey to the Land of Lincoln, how I spent the eve of the National Championship and all the game day deets. Roll Tide!

Indianapolis bound

Since my sister is a current University of Alabama student and I am a two-time Bama grad myself, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to cheer on our favorite team from the stands of Lucas Oil Stadium. After making the last-minute decision to head north for the big game, my sister and I packed up and drove 430 miles from Huntsville.

With each hour that passed, we got more excited. We drove six hours from Huntsville through Nashville and Louisville until FINALLY, we reached our destination—Indianapolis, Indiana. Worth the drive? Absolutely!

A warm welcome

We may have had a warm welcome to Indianapolis, but wow is it cold. Temps are in the 20s and we’re bundled up in hats, gloves, scarves and more. How does the Midwest do it?

Happily, the southern hospitality is alive and well. There is a warmth that fills the soul while hearing the words “Roll Tide, y’all” in the Midwest. While I am stoked about the rematch between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs, what’s most amazing is how SEC fans travel to support their teams.

We aren’t in the south, but somehow, it feels like the south came with us. Each fan has traveled to cheer on their team and plans on leaving Indianapolis as a national champion. Yet, there can only be one winner.

Will the rematch go differently than the SEC Championship? Or will Alabama once again teach the Bulldogs to behave and become back-to-back national champs? Only time will tell and we’re counting down…

Sportswriter Kevin Scarbinsky has given The Bama Buzz his take on the upcoming match up.

‘Twas the night before the National Championship

It truly feels like Christmas Day—for us die-hard fans, arguably better.

Indianapolis has pulled out all of the stops. The decor, the shops filled with game-day gear and more. Every time we turned the corner, there was even more to look at.

We ventured downtown to see all the Indy happenings. We bought ourselves some College Football Playoff gear, scoped out the stadium, saw Indiana’s state capitol building and even stumbled upon a Twenty-One Pilots concert in front of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument in Monument Circle.

When it was time to eat, we chose Pearl Street Pizzeria & Pub. We asked the waitress for her recommendations and went with the Pear & Gorgonzola pizza made with Bartlett pears, fresh arugula, gorgonzola, mozzarella, olive oil and a balsamic glaze. One word—delicious.

We spent three hours walking around in the very cold downtown of Indianapolis, offering our Roll Tidings to fellow fans.

Personally, I could’ve spent three more.

Get up, it’s game day

If you’re watching from home, get the game-day eats going or even have a mimosa! Treat yourself, it’s a holiday in our eyes.

If you’re in Indianapolis, we were told Circle Center Mall is the place to be. I know we’ll be there. The outdoor area is already set up with 2022 National Championship branding, bars, heaters and more. Since it’s walking distance from Lucas Oil Stadium, it’s the perfect place to get your tailgate on.

Bundle up, stay warm and most importantly—Roll Tide.