The northern flicker is the state bird of Alabama. The longleaf pine is the state tree. The camellia is Alabama's state flower. If the state had an official religion, well, it'd probably be Alabama Crimson Tide football.
The 17-time national champions are the soul of The Heart of Dixie, and it'd be impossible to imagine another sports franchise — college or professional — that could dominate the state quite like the Tide have for decades. (Sorry, Auburn.) With a reputation like that behind them, bringing the state's most popular food into the mix seems like the perfect way to cement the Crimson Tide's legacy in the South.
Crimson Tide Sports Marketing announced that the famous Conecuh Sausage will be the "Official Smoked Sausage" of Alabama Crimson Tide Athletics. The partnership between the tasty treat made in Evergreen, Alabama and Crimson Tide Athletics begins in the 2019-20 academic year, making Alabama fans even crazier about the iconic brand.
Alabama Director of Athletics Greg Byrne was pretty happy about the decision, too.
"We're excited about reaching more Crimson Tide fans with Conecuh Sausage, and we are pleased to be working with Athletics and Crimson Tide Sports Marketing. We look forward to a successful partnership and can't wait to get started with Alabama football."
— John Sessions, Owner/Operator of Conecuh Sausage Company
In addition to the incredible title of "Official Smoked Sausage," Alabama football's pre-game tailgate show will be renamed The Conecuh Sausage Crimson Tide Tailgate Party. Also, Conecuh Sausage will be served at concession stands inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, at Rhoads Stadium for Alabama softball games, inside Coleman Coliseum for basketball games, as well as all across campus at athletics events for the foreseeable future.
And for everyone who has no idea what in the hell Conecuh Sausage is, or why a university would go to such great lengths to market some meat this way, it's time for a history lesson from the business' website:
"Our family owned and operated business began in 1947 in our small town of Evergreen, Alabama. Although we've grown over the last 70 years, our commitment to producing the finest hickory smoked sausage hasn't changed. Our tradition of selecting only the highest quality meats, preparing them with our patented blend of seasonings, and smoking them over a pure hickory fire continues today. The result is that unmistakable Conecuh flavor that will keep you coming back time and time again."
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There are six Conecuh Hickory Smoked Sausage varieties, including Cajun Smoked, Spicy & Hot, and Cracked Black Pepper. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a bed-time snack, the company, whose named is derived from Conecuh County in Alabama, also sells smoked ham, smoked turkey, bacon, hot dogs and an assortment of seasonings.
Aside from the company's gift shop, Conecuh Sausage is sold at hundreds of locations around the United States. But wouldn't you rather have this Southern delicacy delivered right to your door?
Don't worry, Amazon has you covered.
Every Alabamians favorite sausage is now the official spicy sausage of the Alabama Crimson Tide. The best sausage in the South is coming to game day, and honestly, there's no other place hundreds of pounds of sausage would rather be than Tuscaloosa.
