Tuscaloosa police announce enhanced safety measures on the Strip for UA game days

Ken Roberts, Tuscaloosa News
Updated ·3 min read
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The Tuscaloosa Police Department will install temporary speed bumps on the Strip during football season as part of an effort to improve safety during University of Alabama home games.

In a Thursday news release, TPD also detailed new parking and towing rules, enforcement of loitering ordinances, open carry firearm laws and the new police substation on University Boulevard in anticipation of thousands of fans flocking to Tuscaloosa during UA's seven home football games in 2023.

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“We want everyone to have a fantastic time during the football season while also prioritizing safety,” said TPD Chief Brent Blankley in the news release. “These changes reflect our commitment to providing a secure and enjoyable environment for all fans, residents and visitors.”

The speed bumps will be in place indefinitely between Wednesday and Sundays on the Strip, a three-block area just west of the UA campus that includes bars, restaurants and other retail businesses. The TPD news release said the traffic-calming devices will enhance the safety of pedestrians as well as motorists.

Students celebrate on the Strip on Jan. 9, 2018, after the University of Alabama football team won the national championship game. On Thursday, the Tuscaloosa Police Department announced a set of safety measures for the Strip that will be in place for the 2023 season.
Students celebrate on the Strip on Jan. 9, 2018, after the University of Alabama football team won the national championship game. On Thursday, the Tuscaloosa Police Department announced a set of safety measures for the Strip that will be in place for the 2023 season.

Parking and towing rules

TPD also noted that fans should be aware of changes in parking and towing rules. Property owners are nolonger required to be present for a vehicle to be towed from their property, according to a measure passed by the Tuscaloosa City Council earlier this year. This means that vehicles are much more likely to get towed when motorists park in a lot that requires decals or credentials.

"This is not just a game day rule: Tow truck drivers that have entered contracts with apartment complexes and other properties can now monitor parking lots and remove any vehicles without hang tags or decals," the TPD news release states.

Tuscaloosa Police Chief Brent Blankley, shown in this Jan. 28, 2022, file photo, said TPD has made some changes in game day security that “reflect our commitment to providing a secure and enjoyable environment for all fans, residents and visitors.”
Tuscaloosa Police Chief Brent Blankley, shown in this Jan. 28, 2022, file photo, said TPD has made some changes in game day security that “reflect our commitment to providing a secure and enjoyable environment for all fans, residents and visitors.”

TPD said that all of the properties must post visible signs with tow company information, so drivers should keep an eye out for the signs and find a sanctioned area to park.

TPD recommends that fans consult UA’s uagameday.com, a website that includes information about parkingand shuttles.

Also, parking spots directly in front of businesses on the Strip have now been marked for rideshare pickup and drop-offs only.

Loitering and firearm rules

Another new rule is a queuing ordinance passed by the city council last year, which is designed to minimize overcrowding along public sidewalks and streets. The ordinance is in effect between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. and requires businesses to monitor the number of people waiting to enter, while preventing lines from taking over the sidewalks and streets.

TPD says the ordinance will allow people who want to patronize businesses to do so safely, while discouraging non-patrons from loitering.

Pedestrian and vehicular traffic move along University Boulevard on the Strip following the Alabama game with Tennessee on Oct. 21, 2017.
Pedestrian and vehicular traffic move along University Boulevard on the Strip following the Alabama game with Tennessee on Oct. 21, 2017.

"Groups that congregate in parking lots or block the entrances of businesses will be asked to move to easepedestrian crowding and increase safety," the TPD news release states.

TPD also reminds fans that none of the establishments on the Strip allow firearms. Alabama does have a new law that allows the open carry of firearms without a permit, but businesses and private property owners can prohibit firearms on their premises.

New police substation

The University of Alabama Police Department and TPD have opened a substation at 1209 University Blvd., next door to Taco Bell and across from the Publix grocery store. "We encourage anyone to stop by the location or flag down one of the many officers patrolling the area, whether its to say hello, ask for directions or report suspicious activity," TPD's news release states.

When UA plays at home

UA's first home game is set for Sept. 2 against Middle Tennessee State, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. UA will play Texas on Sept. 9, with kickoff set for 6 p.m.

The rest of UA's home schedule includes the Oct. 14 homecoming game against Arkansas, Tennessee on Oct. 21, LSU on Nov. 4 and Chattanooga on Nov. 11. Kickoff time for the Chattanooga game is 11 a.m.; the rest of the games will have kickoff times announced at a later date.

Reach Ken Roberts at ken.roberts@tuscaloosanews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Football fans can expect new safety measures on the Strip, police say