WATCH: Nick Saban walks out on 'Saban Field' for first time as fans go crazy with deafening cheers all across the stadium

When former Alabama coach Nick Saban entered Bryant Denny Stadium to attend the Crimson Tide's game on Saturday, he was greeted with a huge round of applause from the crowd. Fans filled the stadium with cheers as Saban made his way onto the field. This time, however, he wasn't wearing his iconic Crimson Red t-shirt but instead a familiar gray suit and crimson tie.

In honor of his contributions to the program, the Bryant Denny football field was renamed "Saban Field." Earlier in the day, Saban unveiled the new name and then entered the field where his wife, Miss Terry, was waiting to celebrate her husband's 17-year tenure.

In January, Saban decided to retire from his coaching gig, ending his 17-year tenure at Alabama, during which he led the program to six national championships and nine SEC titles with a 206-29 on-field record.

---

Nick Saban addresses fans during the inauguration of "Saban Field"

Amid fanfare in Tuscaloosa, Nick Saban inaugurated the new "Saban Field" before the scheduled game against USF. Saban thanked fans, players, coaches and the Crimson Tide football program for being an integral part of his celebrated career.

"This is a great honor to have the field named after the legacy that we've been able to create here," Saban addressed fans. "But I want this legacy to represent every player who played, who worked hard, every coach who helped those players develop, our administration who set a foundation where we had a chance to be successful."

"And the impact that we are able to have by having successful programs has elevated our university," he added. "And I'm proud of the fact that we were able to contribute to that in so many ways."

University president Stuart Bell stamped the legacy of Saban in his address.

"Their legacy will endure here at the University of Alabama for generations to come," he said.

Kalen DeBoer replaced Nick Saban as head of Crimson Tide's football program. Meanwhile, Saban joined ESPN and is a member of the College GameDay show.