LSU and Alabama Fans Got an Early Start Monday

LSU and Alabama fans got an early start Monday as emotions built toward the BCS national championship game at the Superdome.

Alabama fans started lining up at the stadium shortly after dawn to pick up tickets.

Hunter Tate, a political science major from Jasper, Ala., found dozens ahead of him when he arrived around 7 a.m. He and several friends bought their student tickets online. It was first-come, first-served for the best seats at the Superdome ticket windows.

Tailgating got an early start, too, with team banners flying and tents set up by competing contingents at the stadium and in nearby parking lots.

The Monday night game features the nation's two top-ranked college teams in a rematch of a November game won by LSU.