The atmosphere of Auburn is unmatched and something I have felt in very few places. From the moment I stepped onto campus in my Florida Gator gear, Auburn’s hospitality was something I never had to question. Throughout the day, people came up to me to shake my hand, thank me for coming and make sure I was having a great time, even hours before kickoff. It was something I had only heard about but never truly experienced.
The Fans
Fifteen years since Florida had stepped onto the field at Jordan-Hare, two passionate fanbases came together for a game day I will never forget. Going to tailgates with Auburn alums Mary Glen Grant and Ginny Phillippi, who have been Auburn season ticket holders for life, gave me a firsthand look at what it means to be an Auburn Tiger.
They gave me all the information I needed, from the campus buildings we walked by to what I shouldn’t miss at Jordan-Hare, and even the lore behind the Toomer’s Corner acorns they take home after every game to preserve a little piece of Auburn.
Auburn has some of the greatest fans in all of college sports. As people were leaving the stadium, they wished us good luck and celebrated the Florida win with us. Those moments made me want to come back even more. In a world that can get so caught up in the game and fandom, Auburn has found a way to make everyone feel like family.
Even former Auburn running back Mark-Antony Richards gave me insight into what campus would be like, but hearing about Auburn is different from experiencing it for yourself. The buildings, scenery, people and everything that makes Auburn the city it is gave me an experience I will not forget.
Jordan-Hare Stadium & Campus
Jordan-Hare is an environment that is truly one-of-a-kind. From the War Eagle flying around the stadium to the light show, Auburn put its stamp on the night and made it one of my favorite college venues I have ever visited.
Even walking around the stadium before the game, I never felt out of place. Instead, I felt welcomed and felt like Auburn was a place where I belonged. Walking around the stadium there is not a bad view of the field even seeing fans hanging over the side of the ramps to catch a glimpse of the highly anticipated matchup since the teams last played in 2019. The fireworks, the cheers from both fanbases, and a highly competitive game Auburn is the place to be.
Getting to experience Toomer’s Corner, from seeing the line for the viral lemonade to seeing the oak trees that fans roll with toilet paper after a Tiger win, gave me another glimpse into what makes Auburn so special. The energy continued throughout town, from the scene at Moe’s Barbecue to everything else Auburn had to offer. Having SEC Nation in town only added to the experience, with signs of rivalry banter, cheerleaders, Florida great Tim Tebow, and the feeling of a fall rivalry all around us.
Marked Auburn off the bucket list with great people, great memories, and now home with a Gator win. I can’t wait for my next trip back to Jordan Hare and to continue seeing the sights and traditions of college athletics.
Love the article! Atmosphere was electric capped off with a Gator W! You captured it so well!