Bds Walk Of Champions E1763512075642 — The Walk of Champions outside Bryant-Denny Stadium (University of Alabama Athletics)

Tuscaloosa has returned to the top 10 in USA Today’s readers’ choice rankings for best college sports towns in the country.

The city finished No. 2 on the list, thanks to Crimson Tide fans showing up to vote. That comes as no surprise for anyone who has been to “Title Town” for a football gameday but it takes more than just one sport to rank that high on the list.

“College sports are woven into the fabric of Tuscaloosa, and we are incredibly proud to see our community recognized this way. Game days bring an unmatched energy to our community and is a bucket-list experience for sports lovers, but what makes Tuscaloosa even more special is everything visitors can experience beyond the stadium. Tuscaloosa thrives at the crossroads of tradition and energy and offers a balanced blend of hospitality, excitement and authenticity, making every visit meaningful and memorable.”
Kelsey Rush, president and CEO of Visit Tuscaloosa

Keep reading to see what made Tuscaloosa stand out to USA Today + find out which college town managed to beat out Tuscaloosa to top the list.

Tuscaloosa voted top SEC college town

While Tuscaloosa came in at No. 2 overall, it was the highest ranked SEC town on the list.

Whether you’re tailgating on the Quad before a football game day or stopping in at Druid City Brewing before a night at Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa provides a perfect atmosphere for college athletics.

“Tuscaloosa is the heart of the SEC and college football, new schools in the conference notwithstanding. Crimson is the color that runs through everyone’s bloodlines. The coaches are icons in football. The basketball scene is amazing, and other programs, such as baseball, threaten on the national level. This entire city revolves around the University of Alabama. Throw in a riverfront, SEC, and Southern feels, and you have a place that people will say they went to school and spent many a game day, even if they aren’t alums. The SEC and Alabama are major league in every way.”
USA Today 10Best

Of course, the town goes beyond the university’s athletics program. When visitors are in town for a game, they can get a taste of the city’s history and culture.

This fall will provide many opportunities for visitors including:

Oct. 1-3: Moundville Native American Festival
Oct. 3: Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest
Oct. 17-18: 55th Kentuck Festival of the Arts
Oct. 31: Tannehil State Park’s Annual Halloween Fairyland

715910355 1424502453050329 7953501577397629171 N — Alabama baseball fans during the Super Regional (University of Alabama Athletics)

USA Today 10Best College Sports Towns

So who beat out Tuscaloosa for the top spot? Well that answer may come as a surprise.

Nominees for the Best College Sports Town category were selected by an expert panel, which identified 20 destinations across the country that best capture the energy, traditions and atmosphere of college sports. The finalists were then put to a public vote.

Here’s the full top 10: