The start time and broadcast information for Alabama football’s 2025 A-Day game have been revealed.
The University of Alabama’s spring football tradition culminates each year with the much-anticipated A-Day game, a spring scrimmage that provides fans with a chance to see their favorite players in action as they prepare for the upcoming season. For 2025, the Alabama Crimson Tide will hold its A-Day game on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. While A-Day typically offers a unique opportunity for fans to evaluate Alabama’s roster, the 2025 edition will be marked by some notable changes, especially regarding its broadcast format.
In this article, we will break down the essential details about the game, the key players fans should be watching, the significance of the A-Day game for Alabama football, and the growing trend of spring football games being canceled or altered by other programs. Furthermore, we will explore the tradition of A-Day at Alabama and how it serves as both a showcase for the current team and a way for the program to gauge its readiness for the upcoming season.
What is A-Day?
The A-Day game is an annual tradition at the University of Alabama that marks the conclusion of spring football practice. For the Crimson Tide, it is the chance for fans to see their team on the field for the first time since the previous season’s final game. The game is typically an intrasquad scrimmage in which the team is divided into two sides — the Crimson team and the White team — and they compete against one another to simulate the game experience. It serves as an exhibition for the upcoming season, but it also holds significant importance in terms of player development and assessing the progress of key positions.
At Alabama, A-Day games are more than just practice sessions; they’re community events. Hundreds of fans, alumni, and recruits gather to watch the Crimson Tide perform in front of an eager home crowd at the iconic Bryant-Denny Stadium. The atmosphere in Tuscaloosa during A-Day is electric, as fans from across the state and country travel to witness the future stars of Alabama football.
Schedule and Broadcast Information for 2025
For the 2025 A-Day game, the kick-off time is set for 12:00 p.m. CDT on Saturday, April 12. Bryant-Denny Stadium, which holds over 100,000 spectators, will be the venue for this scrimmage. Admission to the game will be free, providing fans with an excellent opportunity to see Alabama’s talent on display.
However, one notable change for the 2025 A-Day game is that it will not be broadcast live. This marks a departure from previous years, where the game was often available to fans via the SEC Network or the team’s digital platforms. In fact, this decision aligns with a growing trend among several college football programs, including Nebraska, USC, and Texas, who have either canceled their spring games entirely or chosen not to broadcast them live.
While this may be a disappointment for fans who have grown accustomed to watching the A-Day game from the comfort of their homes, there are still ways to follow the action. Alabama’s official RollTide.com website and various social media platforms will provide recaps, updates, and highlights from the game. Fans can expect to receive detailed analyses and reactions from coaches, players, and media members after the event.
Why the Broadcast Change?
The decision to cancel the live broadcast of A-Day has drawn attention, but it is part of a broader trend in college football. Several programs across the country have chosen to either limit or eliminate the live airing of their spring games. Some teams, such as Alabama, have chosen not to broadcast these games to keep their playbooks and strategies under wraps, while others have opted for more intimate events.
For Alabama, the decision not to broadcast could stem from the desire to maintain an element of surprise. The team’s coaching staff, led by head coach Nick Saban, likely prefers to keep certain tactical details hidden from opposing teams and the media. The spring game is a chance for coaches to test different schemes and rotations without the risk of giving away too much information before the season officially kicks off in the fall.
In addition, there has been growing concern that too much exposure in the spring may give rival teams a competitive advantage. For instance, spring games are often used to evaluate players in high-stakes situations, and this can result in media outlets and analysts overanalyzing the performances, creating expectations for players before the actual season begins.
The Tradition of A-Day at Alabama
The A-Day game has been a long-standing tradition at Alabama, going back decades. Traditionally, the game has been a highlight of the spring football calendar, attracting recruits, media, and fans alike. It’s a time when the team showcases not just its veterans, but also its emerging stars, many of whom will play vital roles in the upcoming season.
Key Players to Watch in 2025
Though the 2025 A-Day game will not be broadcast live, the opportunity to watch Alabama’s players live at Bryant-Denny Stadium is an invaluable experience for fans. Here are a few players who could shape the 2025 spring game and make a big impact on the upcoming season:
Jalen Milroe – Quarterback
Alabama’s quarterback competition has been a point of interest for several seasons, and in 2025, Jalen Milroe will be the key player under center. Milroe, a dual-threat quarterback with an incredible arm and impressive running ability, was given the starting nod for much of the 2024 season. However, his performance in spring practice and the A-Day game will be critical in solidifying his place as the team’s starting quarterback for 2025.
Milroe’s ability to improve his consistency as a passer and develop more confidence in the pocket will be one of the main storylines to follow during the A-Day scrimmage. A strong performance in front of fans could go a long way toward ensuring that Milroe is the signal-caller for the Tide’s season opener.
Ty Simpson – Quarterback
With competition at quarterback expected to be fierce, Ty Simpson will also be a player to watch during the A-Day game. Simpson, a former 5-star recruit, has been under the radar in terms of playing time but could challenge Milroe for the starting job in 2025. His arm strength and poise in the pocket are his standout traits, and he could very well impress during the spring game.
Justice Haynes – Running Back
The running back room at Alabama is deep, and Justice Haynes, a 5-star recruit, has the potential to make an immediate impact. His speed, vision, and ability to hit the hole could help him establish a significant role in Alabama’s offense. Haynes will be one of the most exciting players to watch during the A-Day game as fans get a glimpse of his future potential.
Malik Benson – Wide Receiver
Malik Benson, the highly-touted transfer from Hutchinson Community College, will be another key player to keep an eye on. Known for his playmaking ability and deep-ball threat, Benson could emerge as one of the team’s primary receiving targets. His performance during the A-Day scrimmage will be crucial for determining how well he meshes with Alabama’s quarterbacks.
Caden Proctor – Offensive Tackle
Alabama’s offensive line will be under scrutiny in 2025, and Caden Proctor, a freshman offensive tackle, could become one of the anchor players for the line. Proctor’s size and athleticism make him an ideal candidate to play a significant role in both pass protection and run blocking.
The Atmosphere at Bryant-Denny Stadium
While the decision to forgo a live broadcast may take away some of the wider viewing experience, the game itself will remain an unforgettable experience for those attending Bryant-Denny Stadium. As one of the largest stadiums in college football, it is always packed with passionate fans eager to watch their team compete.
Bryant-Denny Stadium will be buzzing with excitement and anticipation as Alabama fans get the first glimpse of the 2025 team. The A-Day game offers fans a rare opportunity to see players compete in a live setting before the season kicks off in the fall. It’s a perfect time for fans to get involved, witness the next generation of talent, and appreciate the program’s commitment to excellence.
