PHOTO GALLERY: Alabama fans enjoy their time in downtown Columbia before game day

October 12, 2012 | 4:53 p.m. CDT

Alabama fans arrived in Columbia before the game between Missouri and Alabama on Saturday. Fans spent their time in downtown Columbia on Friday.

Martha Dougherty, left, and Dave Dougherty bought a game T-shirt from Tiger Spirit store downtown Columbia on Friday. They flew from Huntsville, Ala., to Columbia on Thursday for Saturday's game between Missouri and Alabama. | Xiaojie Ouyang

John Caleb Putnam, left, 9, sits with his father, Josh Putnam, and brothers, Myles Putnam, 5, and Will Putnam, 6, Friday in Booches in downtown Columbia, Friday. Josh Putnam grew up in Mobile, Ala., and moved to Columbia in 1994. Josh Putnam says he is first an Alabama fan and second a Tigers fan. | Xiaojie Ouyang

Brenda East, left, and Leslie East walk past the Tiger Spirit store downtown Columbia on Friday. This is the couple's first visit to Missouri after arriving Thursday night in Columbia. | Xiaojie Ouyang