Just two years ago, the Auburn Tigers won the national championship and were on top of the college football mountain. After Saturday's loss to Ole Miss, Auburn has dropped to last place in the SEC West and holds the longest active losing streak in SEC games.
This losing streak has impacted local restaurants, bars and travel accommodation facilities.
Businesses that rely on sports to sell their menu items and drinks have seen the most impact. Louis Williams, owner of Balcony Bar and Fishizzles Fish and Skrimps, has noted a 30 percent loss in the last two years. Williams said Auburn's losing streak is affecting game times, which in turn affects business.
"Another big component is what time of day we play," Williams said. "If we're having a winning record, we get prime time game slots and night games. But when our record is not so good, we get 11 a.m. games. That has people in and out of the city in one day. No folks are staying until Sunday or staying out late downtown after rolling Toomer's."
Multiple bar owners have also noticed a drop in nightlife and, consequently, revenue.
Skybar Cafe owner Daniel Grider said business has dramatically changed since 2010 when Auburn won the national championship.
Skybar Cafe has also seen a 30 percent decline in the last two years.
"We have a little less revenue due to the fact that a lot of football fans aren't coming to the games," Grider said. "Arkansas didn't bring a single fan that I could see."
University Station RV Resort, an Auburn football tailgate community, has also been affected by the Tigers' football season. While owners Mathan and Jill Holt have recorded a slight decline, they attribute that loss to the economy and an election year, in addition to the Tigers' football performance.
"We always do better when Auburn wins, but the Auburn family really is 'All In,' because it only seems to diminish our sales marginally," Holt said.
While some businesses have seen declines since Auburn's national championship win, business owners continue to show support for the Tigers.
"We struggled mightily in 2003 and went undefeated in 2004," Grider said. "So miracles are possible. Don't give up on Auburn because Auburn will never give up on you. Enjoy Auburn as you always have."
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