It’s been 13 years since I last attended an Alabama football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

I found many changes upon my return to the Capstone.

Media parking was a lot closer to the stadium for the Alabama-LSU showdown I covered for The Sun Herald back in 2005.

These days, the media parks in a garage called Ten Hoor, about a few miles away from the stadium across from the Publix grocery store. What saved me on the round-trip is the amount of walking I do daily in Dallas County.

Several golf carts driven by young college students were available for a quick ride to the stadium, but my pride prevented me from doing so.

During my walk, I noticed countless fraternity, sorority houses, restaurants and apartment complexes on the strip.

I also saw a vacant lot where several pop-up canopies resided. Wide-screen televisions, tables, chairs and grills full of ground beef, chickens and ribs alongside a basket full of beverages stretched out for miles.

While I was tempted to drop by one of the tailgater’s table and ask for a plate, I remained focused on reaching the stadium. I liked my chances of getting some barbecue because Alabama fans are hospitable, especially when the Crimson Tide is winning.

By the time I arrived, my jaw dropped at the stadium’s size. In 2005, capacity seating was almost 87,000. Today, it has a capacity of 101,826.

This is not the same Tuscaloosa I grew up in. The city has become a major college town with loads of attraction and a tough time getting to those places, especially when Alabama has a home game.

Guess it’s a sign of the times changing and I’m getting old.

The one thing that hasn’t changed and it never will: Alabama football is still the biggest topic in this state. Even in the year we elect a Governor: either Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox or Incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey.