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Tuscaloosa Mayor Delivers Hot Take on the Future of Alabama's A-Day

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alex O'Reilly | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 2:15 PM ET

For years, A-Day has been an annual tradition for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Every year, at the end of spring practice, the offensive and defensive teams are split up for a scrimmage that fans can attend. However, this season, Alabama scaled back A-Day and changed it to an open practice. Fans were still able to attend, but this change was made with a focus on player development.

While many fans are hoping Alabama goes back to its previous A-Day format, the Tuscaloosa mayor does not think it is a good idea. In an interview with Tuscaloosa News this week, he spoke about the possibility of eliminating A-Day entirely.

"From the city standpoint, I can’t believe it. Twenty years ago, if you would have asked me 'Would you want to have A-Day?' I’d say, 'Yes'," Maddox said. "Today, I would say, with all the things that come now surrounding it, I think it’s better for us not to have A-Day and focus on the UA-generated events that don’t require so much security personnel and other logistical support."

Walt Maddox continued to speak about A-Day in his interview. He spoke about how he does not think it is viable anymore for A-Day to go back to what it was when he started his mayoral tenure in 2005.

"It’ll be interesting to see the evolution of A-Day," he said. "I don’t know any information, but I don’t think A-Day will ever exist again, at least over the next 10 to 20 years, the way it has in the past."

No final decision has been made on the future of A-Day, but these comments from the mayor likely will not make Alabama fans happy.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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