TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama athletic department, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, the City of Tuscaloosa, the Tuscaloosa Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Tuscaloosa Area Hospitality Management Association, is encouraging out-of-town fans to relinquish their hotel rooms in Tuscaloosa this weekend.

“Due to the tremendous influx of evacuees from Hurricane Katrina, area hotels are booked,” said Crimson Tide Athletics Director Mal Moore. “We are asking our fans who have reservations here this weekend to check with their respective hotels and, if needed, allow that room to be utilized by evacuees.

“The human tragedy as a result of Katrina is staggering and I know Crimson Tide fans will do what they can to help those who are not able to return to their homes,” Moore said.

Football fans attending the season opener will have an opportunity to show their support for victims of Hurricane Katrina as The University of Alabama works with the American Red Cross to collect donations at Bryant-Denny stadium prior to Saturday’s 6 p.m. game.

“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the victims of Hurricane Katrina and in addition to providing shelter for evacuees, we wanted to invite our fans to support the work of the American Red Cross relief efforts,” said UA President Robert E. Witt.

The UA Student Recreation Center continues to serve as a Red Cross shelter for hundreds of evacuees from South Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. The shelter was set up last Sunday on campus.