For the last 3 years, we have chosen 1-2 games a year to do what we call the "March-in on Campus." Its been a big hit, as a LOT more people see the Corps outside the stadium than do inside the stadium - especially 1 1/2 hours prior to kick-off.
SEC rules state that once you enter the stadium, you cannot leave, and if you do, you cannot re-enter. That means that many people choose NOT to enter the stadium to watch the Corps march-in, choosing instead to tailgate and watch the Corps march down Joe Route Blvd and then Houston Street before entering the stadium. For that reason, we started doing the campus march-in for 1-2 games a year, to give more people a chance to see the Corps. And it DOES give MANY more people a chance to see the Corps, including visiting team tailgaters on Simpson Drill Field.
However, regardless of whether we do the march-in to Kyle Field or around campus, the cadets must leave the stadium, and re-enter with their tickets, like the rest of the student body. Gone are the days when the Corps marched-in and STAYED in the stadium. Cadets march back to the Quad after the march-in, drop off Sam Browns, sabers, and guidons, and then must go back to the stadium and enter like all others. THAT is the dilemma for our cadets - NOT whether we march-in around the campus or march-in to Kyle Field.
FWIW - I am going to talk to the Athletic Dept about trying to fix this next year. No guarantees, as it takes a LONG time to get 105K+ fans into Kyle Field, especially when many wait until the last minute to enter the stadium, but we'll look at options to see if we can mitigate this issue for the Corps next year. Again, I can't promise it'll change much, but we're going to try.
I hope this clears up things for all. Thank for your support of our Corps! Beat the Hell Outta Alabama!