UA details Saturday’s plans to formally dedicate Saban Field

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - The University of Alabama on Wednesday announced details about how the school plans to formally dedicate Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday.

University of Alabama President Stuart R. Bell, Athletic Director Greg Byrne, and former head coach Nick Saban will speak at the head of the Walk of Champions at 2:30 p.m. After they are finished speaking, new stadium signage will be unveiled.

At halftime of No. 4 Alabama’s game against South Florida, the University will recognize Nick and Terry Saban after the Million Dollar Band finishes its on-field performance.

“It’s going to be an awesome night having the field named in honor of coach,” new head coach Kalen DeBoer said during his Monday press conference. “That’s really something special. Just to have that whole honor for Coach Saban and everything he’s done here, I know how much that will mean to him and it’s something I know we have a lot of respect for.”

The University’s Honorary Degrees and Recognition Committee passed a resolution in June to name the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium to Saban Field.

“This is 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, our university, and our program and all the players in it that what you all have decided to do today,” Nick Saban said during the meeting. “Terry and I have the utmost gratitude for this great legacy type award by naming the field for us. I can’t tell you how honored and how much appreciation we have for that.”

“Dedicating the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium as Saban Field is a fitting way to honor Coach Saban’s extraordinary contributions to The University of Alabama,” said UA President Stuart R. Bell in June. “Coach Saban and Ms. Terry have significantly enriched our community, and this recognition celebrates their lasting legacy. We are grateful to the Board of Trustees for bestowing this great honor.”

Saban, 72, retired earlier this year after being the head coach at Alabama since 2007. During his time in Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide captured nine SEC Championships and six National Championships, bringing Saban’s total to seven, including the 2004 title while at LSU.

“The remarkable success that the football program has achieved over the past 17 years is a reflection of the hard work of many student-athletes, coaches and staff. Being leader of the process at Alabama has been the greatest privilege of my life,” Saban said. “Terry and I are grateful for the naming of Saban Field, which forever celebrates our accomplishments.”

In addition to Alabama and LSU, Saban was also the head coach at Toledo, Michigan State, and the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.

Alabama (1-0) heads into Saturday’s game as a 31.5-point favorite over the Bulls after cruising to a 63-0 win over Western Kentucky in week one.

DeBoer said the former head coach reached out to him earlier in the week before the Tide kicked off the season against Western Kentucky.

“He gave me a call on Thursday and that was really cool for the guys,” DeBoer said. “He wanted me to pass along that he’s thinking about them and wishing them the best and rooting for them. You can really tell how much he care about, not just the program, but the individuals within it. So, wanted to make sure I passed that along because I thought that was important for them to hear.”

Alabama moved up one spot to No. 4 in the Associated Press poll Monday after Oregon dropped out of the top five.

The Crimson Tide and USF kick off inside Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.