Alabama honors Nick Saban: Board of Trustees approve reported addition of 'Saban Field' at Bryant-Denny stadium

The University of Alabama Board of Trustees approved a resolution naming the field at the Bryant-Denny Stadium after immediate-past head coach Nick Saban on Friday. The coach announced his sudden retirement in January after 17 successful years in Tuscaloosa.

Nick Saban joined the Board of Trustees meeting on Friday via Zoom alongside his wife, Terry. Following the conclusion of the meeting, he thanked the university community and the Board of Trustees for the honor.

“This is a very special honor,” Saban said. “I don’t think there could be anything that honors the hard work and the example that we tried to set for our community, our university and our program and all the players in it as to what you all have decided to do here today."

“Terry and I certainly have the utmost gratitude for this great legacy-type of award by naming the field for us. I can’t tell you how honored and how much appreciation we have for that. This naming is representative of what a lot of people contributed to.”

Following the approval, the field at the Alabama home ground will now be officially known as “Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.” This cements Nick Saban’s giant legacy in the program for generations to come. He already has a statue erected outside the stadium.

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Nick Saban field-naming ceremony to be held in September

With the approval to name the Bryant-Denny Stadium field after Nick Saban, Alabama will hold the field-naming ceremony on Sept. 7 when the Crimson Tide play South Florida. This was confirmed by the university after the unanimous approval of the Board of Trustees.

"We are thrilled to honor Coach Saban with the naming of Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium," Greg Byrne said. "He is one of the greatest coaches of all time, impacting countless lives far beyond football.”

“What he and Ms. Terry mean to The University of Alabama and the Tuscaloosa community is immeasurable. They continue to be tremendous ambassadors, and we look forward to celebrating with them in September.”

Nick Saban ended his 17 seasons at Alabama with a 206-29 record and 108-9 at home. He had a 19-12 record in bowl games and 9-5 in the College Football Playoff. This led him to six national championships and nine SEC titles.

Despite his new role on ESPN's College GameDay, Saban is expected to be present at the Bryant-Denny Stadium on Sept. 7 for the ceremony. The week’s edition of the pre-game show could also be held at the stadium.