Rhoads Stadium to Offer New Seating Options in Brickyard

Alabama softball fans will have an MLB-like seating experience in the Brickyard in right field.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama softball got off to a 5-0 start over the weekend in the Buzz Classic in Atlanta. Now, Team 28 returns to Tuscaloosa for the home opener with the Easton Bama Bash this Friday-Sunday. 

Fans at Rhoads Stadium will notice a few new additions in the outfield. First, the outfield fence has been re-wrapped with different program legends. The padding now features Ally Shipman, Bailey Hemphill, Kayla Braud, Alexis Mack, Kaylee Tow, Haylie McCleney, Reagan Dykes, Montana Fouts and head coach Patrick Murphy.

But the biggest difference is that the padding stops about 30 feet short of the foul line, leaving the right field fence exposed. This area will allow new outfield seating for fans in the Brickyard to enjoy, while also slightly upping the capacity of the stadium. Alabama has the largest on-campus collegiate softball stadium in the country with a former capacity of 3940, but Oklahoma is currently building a stadium that will hold more than 4,000. 

There are going to be eight, 8x10 plots that are first-come, first-serve where families or groups of up to eight people can bring lawn chairs and sit in each section. Murphy got the idea from Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, when he was out on the West Coast for a recruiting trip.

BamaCentral

"They have it almost half the fence is see-through with no pad," Murphy said. "It's just like this family atmosphere, and it's a party. I really thought it'd be a cool idea. It's not going to restrict any Brickyard seeing because it's below them, so it won't be in their sightline."

There used to be outdoor TVs in this area, but the TV stands will be torn down to accommodate the new seating sections. Alabama opens play against St. Thomas at 4 p.m. on Friday and will play Virginia right after. All games this weekend will be streamed on SEC Network+.

Want to make a comment, or have a question? What do you think about the new fence at Rhoads Stadium? Hit the "conversations" icon at the top of the story to join the conversation. 

Kayla Beaver Flirts With Second No-Hitter, Alabama Caps Perfect Weekend at Buzz City Classic