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Foster Auditorium University of Alabama

4.4
·43 reviews·Tuscaloosa, United States

Historic Foster Auditorium, site of the 'Stand in the Schoolhouse Door' and home to UA volleyball. A place of pivotal civil rights history and spirite...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Volleyball Season Evenings

Experience the roar of the crowd!

CrowdHigh
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Foster Auditorium - Image 1

Foster Auditorium University of Alabama

Best Time

Volleyball Season Evenings

Experience the roar of the crowd!

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic Foster Auditorium, site of the 'Stand in the Schoolhouse Door' and home to UA volleyball. A place of pivotal civil rights history and spirited sports.

4.4
(43 reviews)

"Parking is practically nonexistent, but the games are exciting and the venue is great! Roll Tide!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Ride-Share Recommended

Parking is extremely limited, especially for events. Uber/Lyft is your best bet!

⏳ Arrive Early for Games

If driving, get there well before game time to hunt for scarce parking spots.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Stand in the Schoolhouse Door'

The 'Stand in the Schoolhouse Door'

Foster Auditorium Entrance

Witness the site of Governor George Wallace's 1963 defiance against desegregation, a pivotal moment in civil rights history.

Instagram
University of Alabama Volleyball

University of Alabama Volleyball

Foster Auditorium

Experience the electric atmosphere of a Crimson Tide volleyball match in this historic and intimate venue.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Parking Pains & Game Day

Attending a volleyball game? Parking is notoriously difficult at Foster Auditorium. Many visitors recommend using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to avoid the hassle. Arrive early if you plan to drive, as spots are limited and can disappear quickly. Reddit

A Site of Historical Significance

Foster Auditorium is a pivotal location in American Civil Rights history, famously known as the site of Governor George Wallace's 'Stand in the Schoolhouse Door' in 1963. Visitors can reflect on this important moment in history. Instagram

Best Times

When
Volleyball Season Evenings
Why
Experience the roar of the crowd!
Crowd
High
When
Off-Season Mornings
Why
Quiet reflection on history.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

June 11, 1963 - At 1 p.m. in Tuscaloosa today, Alabama Governor George Wallace refused a personal request by U.S. Deputy Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach that he allow two Negro students, James Hood and Vivian Malone, to enter Foster Auditorium and register at the University of Alabama. Here is video of that confrontation. #civilrights #history #OTD #1960s
realtime1960s
22 likes • 224 views

🚗 Ride-Share Recommended

Parking is extremely limited, especially for events. Uber/Lyft is your best bet! Reddit

⏳ Arrive Early for Games

If driving, get there well before game time to hunt for scarce parking spots. Reddit

June 11th 1963 – American Civil Rights Movement: Governor of Alabama George Wallace defiantly stands at the door of Foster Auditorium at the University of Alabama in an attempt to block two black students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, from attending that school. Later in the day, accompanied by federalized National Guard troops, they are able to register. FULL VIDEO ON CIVIL RIGHTS IN USA HERE: h...
johndruddy
14 likes • 340 views
History Fact of the Day • June 11, 2025 Note: On June 11, 1963, Alabama Governor George Wallace stood defiantly in the doorway of the University of Alabama’s Foster Auditorium, blocking two Black students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, from registering, in a staged act of segregationist resistance. Dubbed the “Stand in the Schoolhouse Door,” Wallace’s stunt, flanked by state troopers, defied a fe...
ianbrottman
138 likes • 29.1K views

🏛️ Reflect on History

Take time to appreciate the auditorium's role in the Civil Rights Movement. Instagram

📣 Feel the Game Day Vibe

Enjoy the energetic atmosphere of a UA volleyball match. Roll Tide! Reddit

History Fact of the Day • June 11, 2025 Note: On June 11, 1963, Alabama Governor George Wallace stood defiantly in the doorway of the University of Alabama’s Foster Auditorium, blocking two Black students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, from registering, in a staged act of segregationist resistance. Dubbed the “Stand in the Schoolhouse Door,” Wallace’s stunt, flanked by state troopers, defied a fe...
ianbrottman
62 likes • 4.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Ride-Share Recommended

Parking is extremely limited, especially for events. Uber/Lyft is your best bet! Reddit

⏳ Arrive Early for Games

If driving, get there well before game time to hunt for scarce parking spots. Reddit

🏛️ Reflect on History

Take time to appreciate the auditorium's role in the Civil Rights Movement. Instagram

📣 Feel the Game Day Vibe

Enjoy the energetic atmosphere of a UA volleyball match. Roll Tide! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(43 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Foster Auditorium for its significant historical importance and the exciting atmosphere of University of Alabama volleyball games. However, the overwhelming consensus points to extremely difficult and limited parking, making ride-sharing a highly recommended alternative for event attendees. Reddit

"If you're attending a volleyball match at Foster Auditorium, do yourself a favor and take an Uber—parking is practically nonexistent. On my second visit, even more spots had been removed. Out of all the SEC schools I've visited, this is hands-down the worst for parking."

Tyrone Luckett

"Exciting game! Great venue! Roll Tide!"

Daniel Ronderos

"Site of University of Alabama VOLLEYBALL camp! Beautiful facility and easily accessible!"

james lear

What People Like

Historic civil rights site
Energetic volleyball games
Passionate fan atmosphere

What People Dislike

Extremely limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Foster Auditorium is located on the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa. For specific directions, it's best to use GPS. Many visitors find it helpful to use ride-sharing services due to parking challenges. Reddit

While the University of Alabama has campus shuttles, direct public transportation routes to Foster Auditorium may vary. Checking local Tuscaloosa transit information is recommended. Ride-sharing is often the most convenient option for visitors. Reddit

The campus is quite walkable. Once on campus, look for signage directing you to Foster Auditorium, or use a campus map app. It's a well-known landmark. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for UA volleyball games are typically available through the official University of Alabama Athletics website or at the box office on game day. It's advisable to purchase in advance, especially for popular matchups. Reddit

Foster Auditorium's hours are primarily tied to events, particularly volleyball games and camps. For historical visits outside of events, it's best to check with the University of Alabama's visitor information or history department. Instagram

Generally, there is no admission fee to view the exterior or the general public areas of Foster Auditorium for historical context. However, access to specific exhibits or guided tours may incur a fee. Instagram

While not always formally advertised, some visitors have been able to explore parts of Foster Auditorium, especially during off-peak hours or for historical interest. Inquiring at the University's visitor center or athletics department might provide more information. Reddit

🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience

Foster Auditorium has a capacity that can accommodate a significant number of fans for volleyball games, creating an intimate and loud environment. Specific numbers can vary based on event setup. Reddit

Yes, concessions are typically available during University of Alabama volleyball games, offering standard stadium fare. Reddit

The atmosphere is known to be very energetic and loud, especially when the Crimson Tide is playing. Fans are passionate and create a great game-day experience. Reddit

Foster Auditorium generally provides accessible seating and facilities for visitors with disabilities. It's recommended to contact the athletics department in advance to arrange specific needs. Reddit

Foster Auditorium is most famous for the 'Stand in the Schoolhouse Door' event on June 11, 1963, where Governor George Wallace attempted to block the enrollment of Black students Vivian Malone and James Hood. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Foster Auditorium offers a unique blend of historical learning and sporting fun for families. While the 'Stand in the Schoolhouse Door' event is a serious topic, it can be a valuable educational moment for older children to understand the Civil Rights Movement. Instagram For a more lighthearted experience, attending a University of Alabama volleyball game is highly recommended. Reddit The games are family-friendly, and the energetic atmosphere can be very engaging for younger audiences. Just be prepared for the parking challenges if you're driving; consider ride-sharing for a smoother family outing. Reddit

🏛️ History Enthusiasts

For those interested in American history, Foster Auditorium is a must-visit. The site of the 'Stand in the Schoolhouse Door' offers a powerful connection to the Civil Rights Movement. Instagram+2 Visitors can reflect on the courage of Vivian Malone and James Hood and the broader struggle for equality. While the building is active for sports, its historical weight is undeniable. Consider researching the event beforehand to fully appreciate the significance of your visit. Instagram

🏈 Sports Fans

If you're a fan of collegiate sports, catching a University of Alabama Crimson Tide volleyball game at Foster Auditorium is a fantastic experience. Reddit The venue provides an intimate setting for fans to get close to the action and feel the energy of SEC competition. The passionate crowd and the team's performance make for an exciting outing. Remember to plan your transportation carefully due to limited parking. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The 'Stand in the Schoolhouse Door': A Pivotal Civil Rights Moment

Foster Auditorium is etched into the annals of American history as the site of Governor George Wallace's infamous 'Stand in the Schoolhouse Door' on June 11, 1963. Instagram In a dramatic act of defiance against federal desegregation orders, Wallace physically blocked the entrance to the auditorium, attempting to prevent two Black students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, from enrolling at the University of Alabama. Instagram This event, broadcast nationally, became a powerful symbol of the resistance to the Civil Rights Movement and underscored the federal government's commitment to enforcing desegregation. Instagram

Visitors can stand at the very spot where this historic confrontation occurred, offering a tangible connection to a critical period in American history. The auditorium itself, while still an active venue for sports, serves as a solemn reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights era. Reflecting on this event at Foster Auditorium provides a profound educational experience, highlighting the courage of those who fought for equality and the significant role the university played in this national narrative. Instagram+2

Game Day Experience: University of Alabama Volleyball

Beyond its historical significance, Foster Auditorium is a beloved venue for University of Alabama Crimson Tide volleyball. Reddit When the team plays, the auditorium transforms into a vibrant arena filled with passionate fans, creating an electric atmosphere. The relatively intimate setting ensures that spectators are close to the action, amplifying the cheers and the intensity of the game. Reddit

Attending a match here offers a quintessential SEC sports experience. The 'Roll Tide' chants echo through the historic halls, and the energy is palpable. It's a great opportunity to witness collegiate athletics at a high level while immersing yourself in the spirited traditions of the University of Alabama. Reddit Whether you're a seasoned sports fan or a first-time visitor, the excitement of a UA volleyball game at Foster Auditorium is sure to be memorable. Reddit

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