The second home football game of the season brings even more celebration than the first, especially to downtown Auburn as a group of hopeful fans wanting victory over the Arkansas State Red Wolves piles in through the Auburn's Entertainment District.
Downtown AUtumn Nights will jumpstart the weekend Friday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. and festivities will continue until 10 p.m. on Magnolia Avenue between Gay and College Streets. The celebration will include appearances from Aubie, the marching band and Auburn cheerleaders with a performance by the 1st Generation Band.
"The downtown entertainment district will also be in effect for the AUtumn Nights event," said Jennifer Fincher, vice president of communications and marketing for Auburn Chamber of Commerce. "The special measure allows individuals to purchase alcohol at a licensed establishment, leave that establishment with an open container and consume alcohol in shatterproof containers outside during special events approved by the city council. No coolers are permitted."
This is the second year for the Downtown AUtumn Nights and there are three events set to take place this fall on Oct. 25, before the Florida Atlantic University home game and again on Nov. 15, as Georgia comes to town.
"It began last year as a way to enhance and extend the game-day experience for both visitors and the local community," Fincher said.
At the Auburn City Council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 20, the Council authorized closing Magnolia Avenue between College and Gay Street to vehicles for the event. Rain and delays have moved the event from its original location, so the Council approved the September AUtumn Nights to take place on Magnolia Avenue.
"As soon as we get the parking lot on Gay Street done, we will be shifting the stage and everything there so people can have fun and not impair traffic," City Manager Charles Duggan said. "From that location, they should be able to get around to all the business and everything fairly easily."
AUtumn Nights is a collaboration among the Auburn Alumni Association, Auburn Athletics, Auburn Chamber of Commerce, the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, the City of Auburn and the Downtown Auburn Merchants.
"Most stores have plans to stay open later than usual. Anyone is welcome to attend and there is no admission fee," Fincher said.
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