Some football fans mock college spring games as nothing but glorified scrimmages.

Not at Alabama, where nine years ago – after enduring an uncharacteristic slog of underperforming seasons and coaches – a record 92,000 fans with renewed optimism filled Bryant-Denny Stadium to usher in the Nick Saban era.

A-Day crowds since haven’t quite reached that pinnacle, but the 65,000 predicted to attend this year’s game April 16 will still put some kick in the Tuscaloosa economy.

An average Crimson Tide football game in the fall nets an economic impact of between $17 million and $20 million, according to Gina Simpson, CEO of the Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Commission.

The 65,000 predicted for A-Day this year should yield about $10 million.

“It’s nothing to sneeze at,” Simpson said.

Crimson Tide quarterback David Cornwell during practice this week. (Robert Sutton)

Alabama outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupo makes a point during spring practice. (Robert Sutton)

Defensive back Marlon Humphrey during spring practice this week. (Robert Sutton)

Alabama strength and conditioning coach Scott Cochran coaches during spring practice. (Robert Sutton)

Tight end Brandon Moore practices with the Tide as A-Day approaches. (Robert Sutton)

Tight end Brandon Greene during practice this week. (Robert Sutton)

Defensive back Tony Brown (7) and teammates practice as A-Day approaches for the Tide. (Robert Sutton)

Linebacker Ryan Anderson practices with the Tide. (Robert Sutton)

Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts gets some practice this week as Saturday’s A-Day game nears. (Robert Sutton)

Quarterback Jalen Hurts during a Tide spring practice. (Robert Sutton)

Linebacker Tim Williams in action during spring practice. (Robert Sutton)

Head Coach Nick Saban works his players during spring practice leading up to Saturday’s A-Day game. (Robert Sutton)

Economic impact includes revenues, tax and otherwise, generated through lodging, retail and restaurant sales, and indirectly through what those working the venues earn that weekend; even police, who work extra duty.

Nonetheless, A-Day is not your average game day.

“A-Day brings a different crowd than a normal football game,” Simpson said. “There’s not a visiting team’s fans to book hotel rooms. But what you have is Alabama fans who normally don’t have season tickets come to town, spend the night and go to A-Day to see the players and visit the stadium, and have a great weekend.”

Saban has made it an iconic day. He prowls the field during the game – often behind the offense and within steps of the action – dressed in coat and tie in what is sometimes hot weather. It’s the closest most fans will get to watching him provide on-field instruction as he would at practice.

Last year’s attendance was the lowest in the Saban era at 65,000, but good enough for the third-highest spring game total nationally behind Nebraska and Ohio State. Tennessee was second in the Southeastern Conference with 63,000 and Vanderbilt last at 5,000.

Attendance declined following Saban’s first A-Day to 78,000, but rebounded to more than 90,000 in 2010 after he won his first of four national titles at the Capstone. Perhaps the latest national championship, won in January in Glendale, Ariz., against Clemson, will lure another record crowd beyond the predicted 65,000.

A-Day 2016 activities include:

• Mercedes-Benz Fan Fest with inflatables, giveaways and games at the north end of the stadium beginning at 8 a.m.
• A flag football game between former players at Bryant-Denny (11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.)
• The traditional ceremony of captains placing their hands and cleats in cement at Denny Chimes (12:15 p.m.).
• The game beginning at 2 p.m., with a halftime throwing competition among former Alabama quarterbacks. The game will be televised by ESPN with Kirk Herbstreit and Joe Tessitore calling the action.

More information is at www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/033116aac.html