Signed football? Check. Women's basketball poster? Check. No, this isn't Christmas in July. It's Auburn's annual Fan Day, a favorite event not only to Auburn fans, but also coaches and athletes.
"Fan Day is a great event that brings the Auburn Family together and allows fans, student-athletes and coaches to interact with one another," said head football coach Gene Chizik. "Auburn fans are an integral part of our program, and Fan Day allows us to thank them for their support. It's a fun day for everyone involved and is a great way to get everyone excited for the upcoming season."
Fan Day, a free event sponsored by Golden Flake Snack Foods, will be held Sunday, Aug. 15 from 2-4 p.m. in the new Auburn Arena. The doors will open at 1:45 p.m.
"Fan Day is an opportunity for true Auburn fans to get up close and personal with the team, get autographs, pictures and ask questions of the players and coaches," said Jim Ward, senior director of sales support services at Golden Flake. "It promotes school spirit by connecting the players and fans face-to-face."
The Auburn Ticket Office will be open during Fan Day for football and basketball ticket sales, and fans can purchase the 2010 Auburn Football Media Guides. Team posters and schedule cards will be provided free of charge.
"Fan Day is important for everyone to participate in because it is the kickoff to the new year of Auburn athletics," said head soccer coach Karen Hoppa. "My team really enjoys participating in Fan Day because it's fun for them to get to meet their fans. It's especially fun for our new freshmen because it's one of the first team activities they do on campus."
The football team will be set up on the main concourse of the arena to sign autographs, while the men's and women's basketball teams, soccer team, volleyball team, Auburn cheerleaders, Tiger Paws and Aubie will be available for signing autographs on the practice court facility.
"Fan Day is an exciting time for the Tiger Paws because it is the first athletic event of the year for the team, and they love to meet and interact with the fans," said Tiger Paw coach Jennifer Hart. "It's also the first time fans get to see the poster of the new dance team."
Nell Fortner, head coach of the women's basketball team, said her favorite part of Fan Day is meeting new people and hearing their stories of attending the Auburn basketball games.
"I just think it's always great being around Auburn people, and once you get a whole stadium full of them, I'm not sure there's a better atmosphere than that because everyone is just so passionate about Auburn," Fortner said. "It's nice to just be in the environment."
In addition to providing the posters, Golden Flake is giving out 1 oz. bags of potato chips to hungry fans waiting in line. The concession stands will be open throughout the event for those who crave "gameday food."
Fan Day not only allows the Auburn family to get to better know one another, but also benefits the teams involved.
"The exposure our soccer team gets to so many Auburn fans is one of the main benefits of Fan Day," Hoppa said. "Any time any of our teams get significant exposure like we do at Fan Day, it's great for recruiting."
Fortner said her team benefits from Fan Day because they have the opportunity to show a different side of themselves to people who don't know them, often resulting in a bigger fan base.
"This is a once a year experience," Ward said. "Fan Day is a chance for fans to get their favorite athlete's autograph, to show genuine support of Auburn athletics and maybe even get a picture or two. Fans should come out and be part of that fun."
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