The Neutrality of Legion Field was a Big deal otherwise it's a handle short of the toilet. :shock: I've never seen taking the enjoyment of the game away from fan or foe acceptable. Well at least during the game anyhow.
It is a wonderful rivalry. But, it is one that isn't something I think should be called the Iron Bowl anymore. Simply because, it isn't played in Birmingham. Don't misunderstand me. I do understand the financial benefits both schools are receiving because it is now a home and home series. BUT, that atmosphere, with the tickets being split 50/50...it was just something to behold. Look at the OU v TX game now with its split. I hope, but it seems likely, they don't move that to a home and home series. I'll say this. The interactions between the different fan bases before and after the games seemed much more friendly than it is today. I have to say, I have never had an altercation, an exchange of bad words, been called out, or anything of that sort from an Auburn fan at a game. Heck, in just about everyone I've attended I've ended up tailgating with some of them. {2000- you should have seen all of us huddled together around turkey's we had frying that AM. It was about 8AM, drink in one hand (gloved) other hand over the steam trying to regain the feeling. By game time the temp hadn't broken past 20 with sleet/rain.} That comraderie holds true for every SEC team/venue I've been to, save one. Shouldn't take long to guess which one... :thumb:
Actually, I had a pretty good time down there. But, I was hangin' out with the a guy that runs one of the biggest Florida forums. Same division. First letter of my name my give you a clue. Seriously, tag ripped off the car (front and back), ...I could go on.
Terry's experiences are a bit different than mine in B'ham. Though I had a good time with most folk, especially the vendors selling food outside the stadium, I will have a difficult time ever forgetting the group of guys that accosted my girlfriend and bounced me around after an Auburn loss. Don't know that they were even students, but like Terry's car tags, you don't forget. I am glad the game is out of B'ham, the crowd may have been 50/50, but that was always their home field. Now ut, that is a school that I have no use for. I understand the AU/bama struggles, but ut seems to exist only to make us appreciate the fact that by the grace of God, we are not one of them.
Sorry about that D. I remember seeing students throwing drinks on fans outside of BDS one day. I can't tell you how pissed off that made me. It's about like a remark I made on here to another Bama poster. There's old guard, those who are old enough to remember old guard, and new guard. We've all got the new guard fan base in our midst. Here's to the hope and prayer they "get it," one day.
Like I said, they may have not been students. Every school has folk that do not represent well. It does cause a stigma that is very difficult to overcome. This forum presents an excellent case for what a fan base can and should be; prideful yet hospitable.
