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.
Traditions
Toomer’s Drug Store
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.
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Rolling Toomer’s Corner
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.
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A-Day
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.
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Tiger Walk
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.
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Heisman Winner Statues
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.
Stadium Murals
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.
Fan Fest
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.
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Where to tailgate
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
