<P> Big Al was named by a student vote . At the time of the vote, there was a popular DJ on campus by the name of Al Brown, who DJ'd many of the largest campus parties, including those hosted by members of the football team . As a result of DJ Al's popularity, a campaign was started on campus to name the mascot after him, and that campaign succeeded at the polls . </P> <P> Every April during the weekend of the A-Day spring football game, there is a three - day tryout process for UA students who want to become Big Al . The first day consists of an interview and clinic, where the candidates learn to emulate the character and walk of Big Al . The second day consists of more clinic, as well as being judged on the walk and participating in a band cheer . Later that afternoon, the candidates come either prepared with a minute - and - a-half skit or they can make an impromptu one at tryouts . Each candidate performs their skits for a score, and then there is a final cut before A-Day . Whoever makes the final cut is invited to A-Day for the final tryout, which consists of a "field walk" before the game . This is where they are scored for going in public in a non-athletic event setting and interacting with the public . After this, they perform for 10 - 15 minutes each during the game, mimicking a "normal" gameday atmosphere . The final announcement of the next year's mascot team happens immediately following the spring game . </P> <P> While allowed to do some planned photo - ops with other mascots (such as Aubie from archrival Auburn University), Big Al, as per University rule, is generally not allowed to interact on the field with opponent mascots . This is due to an incident in 2002 that took place between Big Al and Seymour from Southern Miss during a game in Tuscaloosa . A "fight" was scripted before the game, in which the rules were that Big Al "loses" the fight in front of the visitors' section, and Big Al dominates in front of his student section . The scripted fight suddenly turned unscripted after Seymour deviated from the set rules, and a raucous fight on the sidelines between the two ensued . </P> <P> Big Al is sometimes joined by a female counterpart, an elephant named "Big Alice," at athletics events . </P>

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