Autumn Spectacle: Denny Chimes

Denny Chimes
by AutumnSpectacle.com staff

Denny Chimes, the hallowed belltower, is located on the south side of the Quad directly across University Boulevard from the President's Mansion on the University of Alabama campus.

The Captains Walk at the base of Alabama's Denny Chimes

At its base lies the Captains Walk of Fame. The footprints, handprints and names of Joe Namath, Kenny “Snake” Stabler, Ray Perkins, Ozzie Newsome, Major Ogelvie, Mike Shula and other past Crimson Tide captains since 1948 stare up at visitors, and of course, reside in the shadow of the Bear.

Crimson Tide football boasts a proud and illustrious past. National championships, conference championships, bowl victories, renowned players and coaches, including the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant - Alabama is truly a member of college football’s elite.

Denny Chimes, dedicated in 1929, is named after George A. Denny, the beloved University President from 1912-1938 and in 1941. Its 25–bell bronze carillon tolls every quarter hour. At 5 p.m. each day, a medley of music drifts from the tower, through the trees, across campus and past Bryant-Denny Stadium, two blocks away.

courtesy Alabama SID

The structure, which resembles a lighthouse, serves as backdrop, landmark and gameday meeting place for a multitude of fans on the Quad. The Quad hosts pre-game festivities, and is the broadcast site for the Gameday crew when ESPN is in town.

Denny Chimes on the Quad at Bama: a reassuring link with the past and a part of the present gameday experience for impatient Tide fans yearning for a return to greatness.

For more Traditions & Pageantry, click on the masthead images and Chris Schenkel quote.

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"Better to have died a small boy than to fumble this football." - John Heisman

"Better to have died a small boy than to fumble this football."
- John Heisman