They've been doing this for years, except it was in the off season and they went all around the state with that Crimson Caravan deal. I think it was $50 in years past, though.
It was actually Shula's tenure that brought this into play. You remember "'Crusin' with the Tide?" They didn't do anything in '07, started the Crimson Caravan in '08, and by '15 it was down to four stops as I recall (eight in '14.) On the road, and during the spring as well. '16 it was put on "hold," according to Battle and Saban.
His original contract with Bama stipulated he make 15 appearances per year with things like Team Focus included as one. It's being redefined each year it seems.
I guess there were 250 or 300 people there.
I don't care who is speaking. "No, but thank you" to that scenario. Well...maybe there are a few exceptions. I did drop a few bucks and force myself to eat with a few hundred at last years Hot Stove banquet for the Riverdogs (mainly due to knowing Bill Murray was planning on being there and cutting up some.)