Across different leagues, college football is big business in Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — In Alabama, it’s all about football.

Universities in the state make big bucks off of merchandise and ticket sales in the fall. Whether it’s the SEC or another league, football is big business. Some institutions say college football brings in much more than just revenue.

Brent Dearmon, head football coach at the University of North Alabama, said it can be tough to generate revenue at the FCS level. However, he said that’s about to change with their new on-campus stadium being finished next year. Dearmon said football rakes in millions for UNA.

“I think you’re gonna have a bigger student life, will show up to games. It’s gonna give a pride in the university, of having something that’s their own,” said Dearmon.

That pride also drives growth at Jacksonville State, according to vice president of athletics Greg Seitz. He said football is the front porch at Jax State.

“It drives national exposure, increases enrollment, energizes our alumni, and is a huge economic impact also to our community when those fans come on game day here to Jacksonville,” said Seitz.

In the Birmingham community, University of Alabama at Birmingham athletics director Mark Ingram said ticket sales boost total revenues for the school.

“Driving enrollment to campus is critical,” Ingram explained. “How we market our campus is important, and college athletics is a big way, and a unique way, to do that.”

Gordon Stone, executive director of the Higher Education Partnership, said football fuels the engine of every university.

“We always, for all 14 of our institutions, love for people who are connected with us to come to campus,” Stone said. “To visit campus. Athletic events certainly provide a great opportunity for that experience.”

Stone said they represent around 180,000 college students in the state. He reminded everyone to show their school spirit on College Colors Day, which is August 29th.