One of the best and most hard-fought rivalries in all of college sports is the rivalry between Auburn Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Both schools are some of the most winningest programs in the history of college football and this game often determines the winner of the SEC West title. In addition to their equally competitive and successful programs, the proximity of the two teams allows for fans to travel to the game regardless of which stadium it is being held in, making this one of the most exciting and fun games to watch in both teams schedules.
The rivalry between the Auburn Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs is often referred to as the “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.” The rivalry has earned this moniker due to the teams having met over a hundred times since 1892. There have only been three interruptions in the annual match-up, which occurred during World War I and World War II. This series is tied for the fifth most played college football series, making this very historic rivalry a fun game to watch.
Both Auburn and Florida are founding members of the SEC as well as the Southern Conference, which dates back to the 1930s. Auburn had initially dominated the rivalry, but it has since evolved into a very well-matched series that often has SEC title and national championship implications.
Tigers Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Tailgating and the pre-game celebration at Auburn University is a big part of game days for fans of the orange and blue. The tailgating scene is a little spread out, but that doesn’t stop thousands of fans coming to Auburn, Alabama on Saturdays in the fall. In fact, so many fans will come out to celebrate their love for the Tigers that Auburn becomes Alabama’s fifth-largest city on game days and has sold over 75,000 season tickets in the past eighteen years.
There are multiple spots to tailgate before Auburn Tigers games and the town itself almost feels like a giant tailgate as the town is centered around the University and the Tigers. Come hungry and ready to celebrate because gameday at Jordan-Hare Stadium is widely recognized as the best time of year for the town of Auburn, Alabama.
One of the great pregame traditions you’ll be able to take part in at Auburn is the Tiger Walk. The tradition dates back to the 1950s and is a way for fans to interact with and support their Auburn Tigers. Two hours before kickoff, fans will line Donahue Drive to cheer on the team as they walk from the Auburn Athletic Complex to Jordan-Hare Stadium. You’ll want to get there early though to a get a good spot as the Tiger Walk has drawn as many as 20,000 fans on occasion.
Finally, if you really want to get the full Auburn experience make sure to stop by Toomer’s Drug Store and grab a refreshing glass of lemonade. The fresh squeezed lemonade is the best you’ll ever have, so stop by Toomer’s at the corner of Magnolia and College Street.
Many Auburn fans will tell you that it is essential to get a glass of the famous fresh squeezed lemonade from Toomer’s Drugs at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and College Street. This refreshing lemonade is likely the best you’ll ever have, so make sure to stop by and grab a glass to get the full Auburn game day experience.
After an Auburn victory, fans will head over to the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and College Street to “roll” (wrap toilet paper around the surrounding trees) Toomer’s Corner. The two original oaks that stood on Toomer’s Corner were unfortunately poisoned by an upset University of Alabama fan after Auburn’s victory in the 2010 Iron Bowl; the trees had to be removed in 2013 but will be re-planted in 2015. Auburn University placed wires throughout the corner to support the tradition.
Auburn University holds a Founder’s Day celebration each spring and part of the celebration is the football team playing in a scrimmage game that gets Auburn fans pumped and ready for Tiger football in the fall.
Come out and show off your Auburn pride two hours before kick off! At the TIger Walk you’ll get the chance to see your favorite Auburn players and up close, so don’t miss this excellent tradition.
In 2012, Jordan-Hare Stadium and Auburn University unveiled three statues outside the stadium honoring the Heisman Trophy winners to come out of Auburn: Cam Newton, Bo Jackson, and Pat Sullivan.
In 1998, artist Michael Taylor was commissioned to paint ten large murals on the east-side exterior of the stadium. The murals depicted the greatest players, teams, and moments from Auburn’s football history and had since been updated in 2006 and 2011.
Starting 4 hours before kickoff head over to Auburn’s Fan Fest for some fun! Fan Fest offers fun for everyone in the family, from parents to young children. Whether you're dropping by to let the kids play on the inflatable games, or listening to the live DJ, Tiger Fan Fest is a great way to add some fun to your gameday.
Where to tailgate
East Side of Jordan-Hare StadiumThis tailgating area is the closest to the stadium but is operated by Tailgate Guys, a company that sets up and tears down tailgates (including tents, TVs, tables, etc.) for a nice chunk of change. They offer multiple and customizable tailgates to accommodate you however you’d like and are located on the Campus Green.
Intramural FieldSeventy tailgating spots are available for free on the perimeter of the Intramural Fields on Biggio Drive. Fans can reserve spots (again, for free!) on a first come, first serve basis beginning at 9 am the Monday before game day.
Tailgate at the ParkParking packages for this tailgate are available to all Auburn fans as just a parking pass or to include more extensive tailgating amenities such as tents, tables, and chairs. Tailgate at the Park is a convenient and hassle-free way to enjoy tailgating as they will set it up and take it down for you.
Downtown AreaThere are plenty of bars/restaurants to enjoy the pre-game festivities in if that is more your scene. The Downtown area is a strip of a few blocks on College Street and offers plenty of local hot spots for pre and post game celebrating. Some favorites include the Bank Vault, 1716, Bourbon Street, and Sky Bar.
Auburn Hospitality TentThis Auburn University sponsored tailgate provides food, entertainment, and visits from Auburn mascot Aubie the Tiger during their pre-game celebration. The Tent usually opens 3 hours prior to kickoff at Auburn Alumni Center.
Tigers Stadium Guide
In Game
Jordan-Hare Stadium is the home of Auburn University’s football team and is located in Auburn, Alabama. With its most recent expansion in 2004, the stadium seating capacity is 87,451 and is often considered one of the most intimidating stadiums to play in due to its size and the Tigers extremely loyal and passionate fan base. The stadium is named after Ralph “Shug” Jordan and Cliff Hare. The former being the most winningest coach in Auburn history and the latter a member of the first Auburn football team as well as the Dean of the Auburn University School of Chemistry. The grass playing field was named the Pat Dye Field in 2005, in honor of former Auburn coach and athletic director Pat Dye.
The atmosphere inside the stadium can be described as electric and high-spirited as fans pour in wearing their orange and blue. You’ll quickly see and feel the love and pride Auburn fans have for not only for their team but their stadium as well. Grab your orange and blue and head down to Jordan-Hare Stadium to witness one of the best atmospheres in all of college football.
The stadium has been renovated and expanded multiple times. In the reflection of the success of the Auburn Tigers: the success of Pat Dye-coached teams led to the addition of the east side upper deck and luxury suites and the success of Jordan-coached teams led to the addition of the top half of the lower west stands as well as the north and south end zone seats.
The beautiful Jordan-Hare Stadium is the epicenter of Auburn, Alabama and offers one of the best game-day experiences in all of college football. Game day is almost equivalent to a national holiday in Auburn, Alabama and Jordan-Hare is a must-see for all you college football fans.
Despite Auburn’s official mascot being Aubie the Tiger, the term “war eagle” is used as a battle cry for Auburn fans and is yelled during kickoff as well as throughout the game. One of the unique traditions about Jordan-Hare Stadium is the flight of the war eagle in which a live eagle circles the stadium before landing at mid-field.
The Auburn Marching Band is a big part of any Tigers game and a must-see for anyone visiting Auburn. The band puts on spectacular pregame and halftime shows, featuring a variety of school songs including “War Eagle” and “Glory to Olde Auburn,” so don’t miss them during your trip to Auburn.
Auburn’s mascot, Aubie, debuted in 1979 and quickly became one of the most famous mascots in the country winning nine national mascot championships. Aubie will keep you entertained throughout the game with his antics, so don’t miss him when attending a Tigers game.
On the rolling plains of Dixie ‘Neath the sun-kissed sky, Proudly stands our Alma Mater, Banners high. To thy name we’ll sing the praise, From hearts that love so true, And pledge to thee our loyalty The ages through. We hail thee, Auburn, and we vow To work for thy just fame, And hold in memory as we do now Thy cherished name. Hear the student voices swelling, Echoes strong and clear, Adding laurels to thy fame Enshrined so dear. From the hollowed walls we’ll part And bid thee sad adieu; Thy sacred trust we’ll bear with us The ages through. We hail thee, Auburn, and we vow To work for thy just fame, And hold in memory as we do now Thy cherished name.
War Eagle (Fight Song)
War Eagle, fly down the field, Ever to conquer, never to yield. War Eagle, fearless and true. Fight on you orange and blue. Go! Go! Go! On to vict’ry, strike up the band. Give ’em hell, give ’em hell, Stand up and yell, hey! War Eagle, win for Auburn, Power of Dixieland!
Tiger Rag
Where’s that tiger! Where’s that tiger! Where’s that tiger! Where’s that tiger! Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger! Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him! Where’s that tiger? Where’s that tiger? Where oh where can he be? Low or highbrow, they all cry now ‘Please play that Tiger Rag for me’ Where’s that tiger! Where’s that tiger! Where’s that tiger! Where’s that tiger! Hold that tiger! Hold that tiger ! Hold that tiger! Choke him, poke him, kick him and soak him! Where’s that tiger? Where’s that tiger? Where oh where can he be? Low or highbrow, they all cry now ‘Please play that Tiger Rag for me’
Glory to Ole Auburn
Glory, glory to ole Auburn! Glory, glory to ole Auburn! Glory, glory to ole Auburn! A-U-B-U-R-N. Glory, glory to ole Auburn! Glory, glory to ole Auburn! Glory, glory to ole Auburn! A-U-B-U-R-N.
Moe’s Original BBQ is a Southern soul food revival where great food is served in an atmosphere that is relaxed, spontaneous, yet civilized….well, sometimes.
A visit to Auburn would not be complete without visiting Toomers Corner on the corner of Magnolia Ave and College Street. Toomers has great food, World Famous fresh squeezed lemonade and other soft drinks.
Appetizers, salads and sandwiches are available throughout the day. The menu consists of diverse contemporary American selections which include beef, pork, fish and chicken of the finest quality.
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