Bammers Ben Flanagan

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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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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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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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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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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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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