A potential riot was averted in Calera on Tuesday after the paint job on a new water tower prompted residents to question the city's college football team loyalty.
According to several social media posts, residents said the newly installed water tower's orange and white checkered pattern resembled the painted endzones at Neyland Stadium, home of the Tennessee Volunteers.
The concern may have been amplified by the 24-17 beating the Vols gave the Alabama Crimson Tide last month. Nonetheless, the public outrage was significant enough to warrant a response from the city on its social media.
The city informed residents that the inconvenient color pattern was unrelated to football entirely; instead, it stemmed from federal requirements due to the tower's location near a local airport.
"Attention, citizens! We've been flooded with calls about the new water tower on County Road 12 near Savannah Pointe," the city's post read. "Yes, we know that bright, gaudy orange and white checkered pattern might scream 'Tennessee Volunteers' end zone'—but rest assured, this is not some elaborate prank by city employees, and it hasn't been 'vol-untarily' vandalized."
"Believe it or not, this eye-catching design is federally mandated by the FAA because of the tower's proximity to the Shelby County Airport. Safety first, fashion second! So while it may look like we're making a bold statement in orange, we're just following the rules—no team loyalty implied!"
Residents in the comment section received the city's comedic explanation well, appearing to take the whole ordeal in good humor.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
