TUSCALOOSA, AL — A cold drizzle fell on The Strip near the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa Monday as much of the area missed a front bringing snow across the southeast. The frigid temperatures and ongoing coronavirus pandemic, though, did little to deter football fans looking to secure a good spot at local bars and restaurants ahead of the College Football Playoff Championship Game between Alabama and Ohio State tonight at 7 p.m. in Miami.
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At Innisfree and Moe's Original BBQ in downtown, lines stretched down sidewalks and outdoor seating areas looked filled to capacity, mostly with UA students. Further down University Boulevard, more crowds could be seen snaking out of some of the more popular establishments on The Strip. While many in the crowds were seen wearing masks, others did not, prompting vocal opposition on social media to speak out in favor of more strict enforcement to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
City officials also cautioned that the Tuscaloosa Police Department and Alcoholic Beverage Control Board would also be patrolling high-traffic areas to encourage compliance and monitor crowds.
I think it's safe to say the crowds on The Strip and in downtown Tuscaloosa ahead of tonight's national championship game have been steadily growing since this morning. pic.twitter.com/UGPpPMsmH6
— Ryan Phillips (@JournoRyan) January 11, 2021
"All of us know about Coach Saban and the process," Mayor Walt Maddox said in a statement to Patch, responding to the scenes of crowds. "This afternoon and tonight, we all have a role to play. COVID-19 has changed everything, and we even have to change the way that we celebrate. We all want to cheer on the Tide, but please do so while wearing a mask or social distancing. We can't have block parties, but there will be a time for those, hopefully, in the not so distant future. We need your help to celebrate responsibly on this exciting day in our city."
Patch previously reported that, in an effort to mitigate any additional community spreading of the virus, UA plans to increase sentinel testing and require roughly 10,000 residential students, including Greek houses, to be tested for the coronavirus or they will be allowed to send in proof of positive coronavirus status in the last 90 days. UA says testing must be done within seven days of arrival, no later than Jan. 19.
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