
A recent survey reveals that many sports fans wish to have their ashes scattered at their favorite stadiums, with Bryant-Denny Stadium topping the list. The legality of such wishes remains uncertain.
For many fans, a stadium means more than seats or scores.
For some, itâs a stadium theyâve returned to for decades through wins, losses and everything in between.
What if your favorite stadium wasnât 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.
In Alabama, choices reflected the stateâs 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.
Across the country, several historic venues top the wish list for fans on where theyâd like their ashes scattered:
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 âsecond home,â where some of their most meaningful life experiences happened.
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.
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 wasnât allowed.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAYâs 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
Bryant-Denny Stadium is the most desired location for fans wishing to have their ashes scattered.
The legality of scattering ashes in a stadium varies by location and specific regulations, and it is often subject to local laws and stadium policies.
The survey of 3,013 sports fans highlighted a strong emotional connection to stadiums, with many expressing a desire to be remembered at their favorite venues.

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