Football, food and fun are just a few of the elements of Homecoming week at Auburn University.
College football is a celebrated sport in Alabama. Having Homecoming in the fall at Auburn allows the events to take place when the Auburn Tigers football team is in the midst of its season.
"We (Auburn University) are a football school and that is what brings us back to The Plains in droves," said Tanja Matthews, alumni programs coordinator for the Alumni Association and class of 1992. "It also gives alumni the chance to see changes to the campus, especially in recent years."
Homecoming is more than just a football game in Auburn.
It is a week-long celebration of events that includes the election of a new Miss Homecoming and bringing back Auburn alumni to their alma mater.
"The Homecoming game is important because it welcomes the return of alumni back to the University," said Brad Gust of the athletic department of media relations. "It gives the alumni a chance to still feel like a part of Auburn even if they are no longer on campus taking classes."
Until 1924, Homecoming was held in connection with spring commencement. It was also observed in Montgomery or Columbus until 1939 because Jordan-Hare Stadium was not complete, and therefore not an adequate venue to host a football game, Gust said.
Auburn Alumni Association said Homecoming is a time when alumni, family and friends come back to The Plains to relive that War Eagle spirit.
"Fall is when most students start their college journey, and it is the best time of the year to come and experience Auburn," Matthews said. "It is beautiful to see the sun set over Jordan-Hare Stadium and the Haley Center here on The Plains."
Alumni are also important to Auburn University because they contribute funds to improve the college.
"In my business we have a lot of returning alumni coming back to their alma mater," said Wes Williams, director of major gifts at Auburn University. "It gives them (alumni) an opportunity to renew their memories of what Auburn did for them with the hopes that they will give back to the University."
According to Auburn University's Web site, Homecoming is not just for returning alumni. Students are included as well.
Some events include the Omicron Delta Kappa Cake Race, the big game on Saturday, painted signs and windows, selling of the traditional mums by Mortar Board and band parties.
In addition, University Program Council brings events to celebrate the week, known as "Tiger Nights."
Events include an outdoor cartoonist, hypnotists, fireworks and bands on campus for students to enjoy.
"I have either worked at or attended 10 different universities, and the nice thing about Auburn is the decorating competition on campus residence supporting Homecoming," Williams said.
The Auburn Tigers play the Furman Paladins, Saturday Nov. 7.
The Tigers are undefeated against Furman, with an overall record of 3-0 in the history of the two teams meeting.
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