For hardcore SEC football fans in Birmingham area, season has begun

For hardcore SEC football fans in Birmingham area, season has begun

Although the SEC received more than 1,000 requests for media credentials — a record number, according to SEC Associate Commissioner Charles Bloom — veterans of Media Days past said the fan turnout was smaller this year.
“It was probably another 100 people here last year,” Gary Raby of Hoover said as he looked around the lobby. “I expected it to be a lot bigger crowd (this year).”
Bedecked in Mardi Gras beads in the school colors of the Florida Gators, LSU Tigers and his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide, Raby was attending his sixth SEC Media Days.
“This is the kickoff of football season to me and to a lot of other people,” he said.

AL.com
7/21/10