The University of Alabama is set to give a new name to its playing surface, honoring coach Nick Saban.
Nick Saban Field is expected to become the new name of the football field, sources with knowledge of the name change have told AL.com.
There is expected to be a dedication for the new field name at the South Florida game on Sept. 7.
On Friday, the honorary degrees and recognition committee for the University of Alabama system board of trustees will meet for “the consideration of resolution approving a naming at Bryant-Denny Stadium at UA,” per the agenda released Thursday.
Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne has spoken in the past about plans to honor Saban. The legendary Alabama football coach retired in January after 17 seasons, winning six national championships for the Crimson Tide over that span.
Saban went 206-29 in Tuscaloosa with nine SEC titles.
The first game was played at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 5, 1929 against Ole Miss. It was first named Denny Stadium in honor of UA president George Denny before it was renamed in the mid-1970s to Bryant-Denny Stadium in honor of coach Paul W. Bryant.
Coach Kalen DeBoer took over for Saban and will coach the Crimson Tide in 2024. Alabama will open the season on Aug. 31 against Western Kentucky at 6 p.m. CT at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.