Bryant-Denny tops scattered ashes wish list. But is it legal?

For many fans, a stadium means more than seats or scores.

For some, it’s a stadium they’ve returned to for decades through wins, losses and everything in between.

What if your favorite stadium wasn’t just where you watched your team, but where you chose to stay forever?

A new survey of 3,013 sports fans by SportsbookReview.com explored just how deep stadium loyalty runs, asking a simple but unusual question: if given the choice, which stadium would you want your ashes scattered in?

The response suggests these venues are more than places to watch games. An Alabama stadium tops the list for fans.

Alabama fans point to college football landmarks

In Alabama, choices reflected the state’s deep-rooted college football culture.

At the top was Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, home to Alabama football since 1929. With crowds often topping 100,000, it has long been a centerpiece of Crimson Tide tradition and championship history.

Iconic stadiums fans chose nationwide

Across the country, several historic venues top the wish list for fans on where they’d like their ashes scattered:

• Wrigley Field (Chicago)
• Fenway Park (Boston)
• Madison Square Garden (New York)
• Lambeau Field (Green Bay)
• Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles)
• Notre Dame Stadium (South Bend)

When asked why stadiums matter so much, fans pointed to emotion and identity over anything else.

Many described stadiums as places tied to childhood memories, family traditions and lifelong fandom. Others said the venues feel like a “second home,” where some of their most meaningful life experiences happened.

Would fans actually do it?

Of the 3,000 sports fans surveyed, 64% would choose the field or court as their preferred location, while 32% would prefer to have it done outside the stadium. As for family members honoring the request, 49% said they would be comfortable doing so but unsure how to do so.

Is it legal to spread ashes in a sports stadium?

In most cases, no, at least not without permission.

Stadiums such as Bryant-Denny Stadium are private property, meaning any request to scatter ashes must be approved by the university or the facility's operators. Without that consent, the act can violate stadium policies and be treated as trespassing or unauthorized use of the venue.

Even beyond access rules, stadium operators have noted practical concerns. Cremated remains can affect playing surfaces, potentially damaging turf or creating maintenance issues that require cleanup.

Despite that, the survey suggests the idea still resonates emotionally with some fans. About 23% said they would consider scattering ashes in a stadium even if it wasn’t allowed.

Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Can you scatter ashes at Bryant-Denny? It tops fans' wish lists