Traditions at Denny Chimes
Denny Chimes is woven into the traditions and shared experiences that shape life at The University of Alabama, from campus ceremonies to personal milestones.
Walk of Fame
Since 1948, Alabama football captains have left their handprints and footprints in the concrete around Denny Chimes, creating a permanent record of the program’s leaders across generations.
For many visitors, it is both a photo stop and a place to encounter Alabama football history up close. Held in connection with A-Day, the tradition continues to link each new group of captains to those who came before them.
Football Gamedays
On gamedays, the area around Denny Chimes becomes one of the most active and recognizable gathering points on campus. Students, alumni, and visitors pass through the Quad as they make their way to and from Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Throughout the day, Denny Chimes can be heard playing the Alma Mater, the Alabama Fight Song, and other campus tunes.
Did you know? Both Denny Chimes and Denny Stadium (now Bryant-Denny Stadium) were completed in 1929 in honor of President George H. Denny.
Class Ring Ceremony
Denny Chimes plays a special part for UA students as part of the Class Ring Ceremony, which began in 2016. During Honors Week, class rings are placed inside the tower by the UA ROTC for 24 hours before being presented to participating students and alumni.
The rings are secured overnight inside a ceremonial chest, where they are said to be “infused with the UA spirit” of Denny Chimes. The following day, they are retrieved in a formal procession and carried directly to the presentation ceremony.
Did you know?
The rings are guarded inside the tower by the UA Police Department until 6:31 p.m. the following day. The time is intentional, as 6:31 p.m. corresponds to 18:31 in military time – representing the University’s founding year.
Tapping on the Mound
Tapping on the Mound is one of UA’s best-known honors traditions, recognizing leadership, scholarship, and campus achievement. Held during Honors Week, the ceremony takes place on the Quad near Denny Chimes, where students are publicly selected and “tapped” for membership into the University’s honor societies.
The presence of Denny Chimes places the tradition within a setting long associated with campus gatherings and institutional continuity. Special music is often performed on the carillon during the day, adding to the significance of the occasion.
Did you know?
Tapping on the Mound dates back to the early 1900s, making it one of the University’s longest-standing student traditions.
Graduation Photos
For graduating students, Denny Chimes has become one of the most popular places on campus to take cap-and-gown photos. Its central location on the Quad and instantly recognizable form make it a natural backdrop for marking the end of a student’s time at UA.
While not an official ceremony, these photos have become a tradition in their own right. Year after year, seniors come to the tower to capture a personal milestone in one of the University’s most iconic settings.
Student Memorials
Denny Chimes is also a place of remembrance. Each semester, a student memorial is held in front of the tower to honor the lives of members of the University community who have passed away.
The bells of Denny Chimes help establish the solemnity of the moment, and the carillonneur is often asked to perform hymns or other musical selections during the ceremony.
