Viral “Sleep in May” Bama Fan Ready for Michigan Game

As Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball gets set to face Michigan Wolverines men's basketball on Friday, March 27, one of the most viral moments from this March Madness run is coming along for the ride.

You’ve probably seen the photo by now.

A young fan holding a sign that reads, “What bedtime? We sleep in May.”

The moment took off across social media, but behind it is a Tuscaloosa family that’s been part of Alabama basketball long before the spotlight. For Chelsea Wallace, the sign started as a simple idea.

“The sign was my idea,” Wallace said. “While she loves Alabama basketball, she is unaware of social media. But I personally enjoy following college basketball personalities like Jon Rothstein.”

That’s exactly who the message was for. "Jon Rothstein… he sleeps in May,” Wallace said.

As for her daughter, she wasn’t thinking about going viral.

“Definitely just excited to be up late and get some candy at the concession stand,” Wallace said. That late night turned into a long one.

Her normal bedtime is 7 p.m., but Alabama’s tournament run had them celebrating well past that. “We were up until 2 a.m. celebrating with the team, coaches, and families at the hotel,” Wallace said. “Thankfully, the late tip-offs in Las Vegas prepared us for this.”

The connection between the team and its youngest fans is a big part of why the moment hit so hard.

“We have a team of amazing guys,” Wallace said. “They never hesitate to give a high five, hug, or take a picture.”

Even if her daughter doesn’t fully understand the game, she understands how she’s treated. “She doesn’t fully understand basketball, but she understands that these guys always make her feel special,” Wallace said. “She is very close with Houston Mallette. She thinks he is basically her big brother.”

And while the internet just discovered her, Tuscaloosa already knew.

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“I think anyone who goes to Alabama basketball games would recognize her,” Wallace said. “She has been going to games her whole life.”

Now, as Alabama prepares for its next March Madness test against Michigan, the routine isn’t slowing down. “Kids are resilient,” Wallace said. “We don’t miss a lot of school, but she will be missing preschool to go to the Sweet 16.”

From a simple sign to a viral moment, it’s a reminder of what makes this run feel different. It’s not just wins.It’s the connection, the energy, and fans of all ages feeling like they’re part of it.

And if Alabama keeps advancing, bedtime might stay optional just a little while longer.