It is the second-largest sporting arena in the great state of Alabama and will most likely soon climb to the top of the list in the coming years. With the new expansions of upper decks in both end zones, the new maximum capacity of the stadium will be a staggering 101,000 fans.
1929: Denny Stadium was Built
The new stadium held a maximum capacity of roughly 12,000 fans. Denny Stadium began its historic debut as the Crimson Tide defeated Mississippi College, 55-0, in their first home game. The next month, Denny Stadium was officially dedicated during Alabama's homecoming game against the Ole Miss Rebels.
The Tide won its homecoming game against Ole Miss, 22-7, under coach Wallace Wade. Wade was Alabama's first football coach in its first stadium. He only coached for one year, but had an overall record of 6-0. This brought a new chapter for the university..
1945: Denny Stadium Adds More Bleachers
Construction began in 1946 to commemorate a high note in the football team's career. Denny Stadium soon reached its capacity as 31,000 fans filled the stands for a home game against Southwestern Louisiana. The stadium was dedicated once again and Alabama walked away with a 54-0 win.
1958: A New Era in "The Bear"
That year, Coach Bryant started mapping out plans for an expansion of the Crimson Tide's home. The new additions included 12,000 new seats, a press box for the media, and a working elevator.
The Tide opened the doors to its new stadium in 1961 against North Carolina State. With an attendance record of 41,000, Alabama won, 28-7.
While renovations occurred, home games were held at Legion Field in Birmingham, including the Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn.
1965: Coach Bryant Calls for More Seats
With Frank Howard as coach for the game, the Crimson Tide opened their new field with a win against Clemson in 1966.
The game was a shut-out with the seats packed.
1975: "Bryant-Denny Stadium"
During the 1976 A-Day spring game, head coach Paul Bryant was dedicated. Everyone would soon refer to the Tide's home field as "Bryant-Denny Stadium."
1986: Upper Deck and Locker Rooms Under Construction
Bryant-Denny Stadium underwent drastic changes as new locker rooms were built, as well as new sideline upper decks. The historic Ivory Club was also constructed along with more press boxes. In all, the stadium would house a maximum 70,160 fans.
Now, Legion Field houses the University of Alabama at Birmingham Dragons, a fledgling Conference USA team which has large shoes to fill since the Crimson Tide took the field in the late 1980s.
1998-99: Bryant-Denny Stadium Modernized
In 1998, spiral walkways were added to the East side of the stadium which gave spectators an easy access point to the upper and lower decks of the bleachers. Another expansion were more bleachers on the upper East side which created an additional 11,000 seats.
The year 1999 kick-started the modernization of Bryant-Denny Stadium with the installation of a Jumbotron with a digital scoreboard. Along with this addition were the construction of two East side reception areas, and places where A-Club and Scholarship-level fans could watch the games.
2004-06: North End Zone Projects
The historic "Walk of Champions" was also added, which connects Bryant-Denny Stadium to University Boulevard. This soon became Alabama's centerpiece for the stadium, which displays 13 national championship titles and recognition of all the past Crimson Tide coaches.
After the "Walk of Champions" was added, 38 new skyboxes were built for club level seating, as well as a walkway leading to upper deck seating arrangements. The locker room was also reconstructed and a new sound system was added.
2010: Upper Deck End Zone Levels Under Construction
In 2009, plans were released for expansion in both end zones and progress of construction was showcased during the 2010 A-Day traditional spring game which was a packed house. The estimated attendance record with the new additions added will be around 101,000 fans.
The project is expected to be finished and open to the general public by the time Alabama plays its 2010 season opener against San Jose State.
With a 101,000 fan attendance record, Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium will roll into the fourth-ranked spot on the list of the largest collegiate stadiums in the country.