In the SEC, coach’s names and stadiums go hand in hand. Is it the time for the ex-Alabama Crimson Tide HC and the GOAT to gain the credit? Chances reign supreme.

On July 19, Nick Saban’s daughter Kristen took to Instagram to confirm how she had been forced to take down her Instagram story. But it didn’t just happen out of the blue. The initiative came up from Alabama Crimson Tide who are on their way to felicitate Nick’s 103-9 record. The Crimson Tide is about to get in line with the squads that flaunt their coach’s name like a badge in stadium names. 

The evolution of Alabama’s iconic stadium

The Nick Saban honor will reportedly take place on September 7. Before Crimson Tide changes the name of their Bryant-Denny Stadium, here are some historical tidbits. Not all SEC stadiums bear the name of two legends. But Alabama does. The stadium got the “Denny” half of the name after ex-University of Alabama president George H. Denny who held the rank between 1912 to 1932.

The program witnessed the impact of the great Paul “Bear” Bryant in 1975, which lasted until 1982. The stadium got the name by which it is known today and hosts 101,821 people. 2024 will mark an important year in the stadium timeline. All thanks to Nick Saban and his historical impact. 

The historic beginnings of Georgia’s primed venue

Georgia’s Sanford Stadium has a capacity of 92,746. Built in 1929, the stadium was named to honor Dr. Steadman Vincent Sanford. Sanford’s journey has been a unique one. He landed at UGA as a professor and soon rose to become the Chancellor of the University System of Georgia. 

Davis Wade Stadium, a Mississippi State legacy

The people packing power of the Mississippi State home venue is 61,337. Constructed in 1914, the Davis Wade Stadium originally bore the name of Scott Field between 1920 and 2000. It carried the name of the Olympic sprinter and MSU football star Don Magruder Scott. The name was then changed to Davis Wade Stadium in honor of Floyd Davis Wade, Sr., a loyal Bulldogs fan and the Aflac co-founder.

The evolution of Texas Longhorns’ historic venue

The Texas Longhorns Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium has been built to accommodate 100,119 spectators. The first bricks were laid in 1924, and Herbert M. Greene designed the stadium. From the beginning, it was dedicated to WWI and WWII war veterans.

It’s not difficult for fans to guess where it got its name — of course, after the legendary Longhorns coach Darrell K. Royal. However, few know that Royal was a soldier himself.   

A storied venue in Missouri

For Missouri’s Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium, it’s a bit different. The venue can pack in a sea of 61,000 people. Built in 1929, a part of Missouri’s pride bears a part of its name to honor the WWI heroes who sacrificed their lives. When ex-coach and AD Don Farout took the reins in 1972, the stadium bore his name. It was the same Faurot who held a record for most wins in school history (101) until Gary Pinkel overtook him in 2013.

Ole Miss’ beloved stadium, a testament to student efforts 

Ole Miss’ Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is a prime example of students’ efforts going a long way. Founded in 1915, the stadium can accommodate 64,308 people.

The stadium’s first name was in 1947, paying tribute to Judge William Hemingway, the longtime chairman of the University’s Committee on Athletics. Later, in 1998, the other half of the name was tagged after the contributions of donor Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth. 

The birth of Vanderbilt Stadium

The Dudely Field is the pride of Vanderbilt University. The stadium that can hold a crowd of 40,550 was erected in 1922. The name was a salute to the University dean, William Dudley, who propelled the formation of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA). Between 1980 and 1982 both the venue and the name underwent renovation and was christened Vanderbilt Stadium at Dudley Field. 

The pride of Florida Gators

The Gators’ stadium bore a simple name attributed to the place that is Florida Field. Until 1989, it continued to be known until Florida alumnus and politician Ben Griffin’s name got tagged along. He also contributed a hefty $20 million to UF’s athletic department. Now known as the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the accommodation limit is over 88,548. 

From simple beginnings to a named legacy, the story of Arkansas’ stadium 

The Hogs played at their favorite field between 1941 and 2001, known as Razorback Stadium. The venue, which can squeeze in 76,212, later got an updated name after the late businessman and philanthropist Donald W. Reynolds. It also houses a playing field named after their HC and ex-AD, Frank Broyles. 

On pins and needles for the moment Nick Saban’s name gets hitched to a stadium!