USF’s clash with Alabama could approach Bulls attendance record

If the University of Alabama’s sprawling, fervent fan base overtakes a sizeable chunk of Raymond James Stadium as expected Saturday, USF’s coffers and record book could be significantly impacted.

The school reported Wednesday that limited tickets remain — mostly in the 300 level — for Saturday afternoon’s nationally televised clash between the Bulls and 10th-ranked Crimson Tide, potentially making it one of the most well-attended USF home games in program history.

The Bulls’ single-game home attendance record remains the 69,383 who turned out for fourth-ranked FSU’s 30-17 triumph against the Bulls on Sept. 29, 2012. Only seven home games in program history have attracted crowds of 60,000 or more.

Saturday’s 3:30 p.m. contest should easily eclipse that mark. The Tide’s trip to Tampa will represent only their fourth true non-conference road game in coach Nick Saban’s 17-season tenure.

“I would imagine it being an awesome college football atmosphere,” said Bulls first-year Alex Golesh, who twice has praised the turnout (36,495) for the Bulls’ home opener last weekend against Florida A&M. “It will be really cool. It’s what you come to college to play — cool environments. This should be one of them. I thought Saturday night (against FAMU) was really cool, too.”

Remaining tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster, or at USF’s football tickets link at GoUSFBulls.com.

“You definitely have to be in the moment and live in the moment,” Bulls sixth-year left tackle Donovan Jennings said.

“Yeah, it’s another faceless opponent, but you take in the moment and realize you don’t get this moment too often, and realize that it’s like, one of a kind that we get this opportunity to play Alabama.”

Bulls’ best home crowds

The five largest home crowds in USF football history:

69,383: No. 4 FSU 30, USF 17 (Sept. 29, 2012)

67,012: No. 18 USF 21, No. 5 West Virginia 13 (Sept. 28, 2007)

66,469: No. 19 Miami 31, USF 10 (Nov. 28, 2009)

65,948: No. 5 USF 64, UCF 12 (Oct. 13, 2007)

64,692: No. 13 Florida 42, USF 20 (Sept. 11, 2021)

Contact Joey Knight at jknight@tampabay.com. Follow @TBTimes_Bulls.

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