Talk about a need for some airport discounts: a homecoming trip to Birmingham is just far enough from home in Cincinnati that the drive is uncomfortable, especially when compressed into a long weekend. The prospect of 1000 highway miles in three days makes the entire plan ridiculous.
So let's consider flying from Cincinnati to Birmingham on Delta. A search reveals a very nice 9:10 AM departure with arrival in time for all the pre-game festivities. The return flight comes in at 7:40 PM Sunday. The fare comes in at $306 USD.
If I watch Delta's special offers page or have them e-mail me their low fares for weekend travel, I might find a non-stop flight to Birmingham that would be cheaper than $306. Maybe.
But if I'm willing to drive 100 miles to Louisville, Southwest has a flight with similar itinerary for $88 R/T.
I've saved $218 by driving three hours (90 minutes each way) to convenient, uncrowded Louisville International.
On a trip like this, that is enough to buy some team gear at the campus bookstore, game tickets and perhaps treat my college buddies to a steak dinner after the game. I'll be able to stay in a nicer hotel if I wish. I'll also have money left over to pay the parking bill in Louisville and put gas in the car for Monday's drive to work.
More information: Shopping in cities with multiple airports.
