Bammers

Latest Episodes:

Alabama Basketball Fans | Remembering Luke Ratliff Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

What it takes to be an Alabama basketball super fan, according to people who dedicate their lives year-round to supporting a historically successful program living in the shadow of football. Plus, a look back at the life and legacy of Alabama basketball super fan Luke Ratliff.

Guests:

Hunter Johnson, Die-hard Alabama fan you know from Twitter as BurnerLJohnson

Reagan Starner, owner R&R Cigars and friend of Luke Ratliff

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Cecil Hurt in 2018 Nov 24, 2021

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Remembering the great Tuscaloosa News sports columnist Cecil Hurt, who passed away at 62. Featuring our 2018 conversation with him on a range of topics related to Alabama football, including his relationship with the Crimson Tide fan pass and his background and connection to the program.

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Growing Out of Alabama Football Nov 23, 2021

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Does one lose the love for Alabama football? Despite the success and tradition, can the passion for it really just fade away? And what if you never cared about football at all?

-Guests:

Josh Bean, former AL.com sports writer/editor

Francesca Scalici, Birmingham resident who does not care about football

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Million Dollar Banned Nov 16, 2021

Show notes

All on-field marching band performances were banned by the SEC in 2020, so an abbreviated Million Dollar Band played from the Bryant-Denny Stadium seats. We talk to the MDB director and a senior color guard member about the band's experience during the 2020 season, plus what makes the band such a vital part of the gameday experience. Also, a band alumnus on why the MDB had such a major impact on his life.

-Guests:

Ken Ozzello, Director of the Million Dollar Band

Jasmine Johnson, Million Dollar Band color guard

Craig Hamilton, Million Dollar Band alumnus

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Watching the Tide from Afar Nov 09, 2021

Show notes

We can't all make it back home for an Alabama football game. And it's tough living so far away from all the winning. But it doesn't matter if you're working a job up in New York, serving overseas or whatever is keeping you from hopping in the car or on a plane to come watch the Tide roll in Bryant-Denny. People will manage. Transplant fans in other cities throughout the U.S. go to watch parties, alumni meetups and more to keep an eye on their beloved Crimson Tide when they can't make it home. Plus, an interview with the man behind the Alabama Pro Updates Twitter account.

-Guests:

John Graham, author of the Alabama Pro Updates account on Twitter

Chris Hollinger, New York-based UA graduate and Alabama fan

Rick Bragg, Pulitzer Prize-winning author

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Alabama Football's Economic Impact Nov 02, 2021

Show notes

The loss of an Alabama football season would cost the Tuscaloosa economy about $200 million. During the 2020 season, Mayor Walt Maddox talked about the impact limited capacity and other restrictions would have on the city. AL.com's John Talty explains how the University of Alabama athletics department was affected. A Tuscaloosa business owner also discusses why football season is crucial to their success.

-Guests:

Walt Maddox, Tuscaloosa mayor

Marcia McKinley, co-owner of Big Bad Wolves (home of the famous BBQ nachos)

John Talty, AL.com sports editor

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Watching the Tide in Empty Stadiums Oct 26, 2021

Show notes

Alabama limited Bryant-Denny Stadium's capacity to 20 percent during the 2020 national championship season, meaning about 20,000 fans would attend each home game. With so many COVID-19 restrictions in place, did the fans who attended the games still enjoy them the same way they would during a normal season?

Guests:

Hunter Johnson, Die-hard Alabama fan you know from Twitter as HunterLJohnson (or BurnerLJohnson)

Hannah Saad, UA journalism graduate and former photo editor for the campus student newspaper The Crimson White

Roger Myers, Alabama fan and season ticket holder.

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Is it Even Football without Tailgating? Oct 19, 2021

Show notes

Due to the pandemic, the University of Alabama banned tailgating on campus for the 2020 season. No tents, no noise, no food -- nothing. A UA rep talks about what went into that decision, while fans discuss what an Alabama football season without tailgating looked like and why tailgating makes gameday so special in Tuscaloosa.

Guests:

Roger Myers, Alabama superfan and tailgating veteran

Nick Ferenz, University of Alabama Associate Director of Event Management

Ben Shewmake, Marine Corps veteran and president of the Campus Veterans Association.

Lacey Cencula, Die-hard fan and Bama Twitter personality from Birmingham

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Bammers NEW SEASON Trailer! Sep 01, 2021

Show notes

Bammers is back! Host Ben Flanagan takes you into the hearts and minds of Alabama fans. We look back at the 2020 season, with the looming cloud of COVID, And go deeper into Crimson Tide fan culture than we've ever been before. Do you love Alabama football? Well then you'll love this. Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Tiger Woods Crashes the Iron Bowl / FOGs Nov 14, 2019

Show notes

During a pivotal 2009 Iron Bowl in which Alabama's national title hopes were on the brink of elimination, the network broadcasting the game cut in to break news about Tiger Woods that would turn the sports world upside down -- not that Bama fans gave a damn. CBS anchor Tim Brando looks back on reporting the year's biggest sports story during one of the year's biggest games. Also, have you ever heard the term "FOG," as in "football-only Gump?" Guests: Tim Brando, Paul Finebaum, Ascot Friday, Hunter Johnson, Suzanne Robertson.

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