Following the biggest turnaround in SEC history, Auburn sold all of its football season ticket packages, a feat that has not been accomplished since the 2011 season.
The University has sold 62,900 ticket packages; a new school record.
The preseason hype surrounding head football coach Gus Malzahn and his program has both longtime fans and new fans eager to see the Tigers in person.
Mark Winne, who has attended several games over the years, decided after last season it was time to buy season tickets.
"I'm all in for Auburn every year, but this year the excitement surrounding the football program is palpable, uplifting, even inspirational," Mark said. "Coach Malzahn's fast-moving, innovative offense is one of the most exciting phenomena in sports and a joy to behold, particularly in person."
Malzahn's teaching philosophy and his off-the-field character also attracts Winne to the games.
"I have the sense Coach Malzahn, a man of strong faith, and his staff, which seems to include some good men, stand for something that transcends football, and that makes me feel even more inspired to sit in those stands," Mark said.
Auburn also implemented a Young Alumni program, which allows graduates within the last three years to purchase season tickets for only half the contribution.
Jack Winne, 2013 Auburn graduate, decided to take advantage of the deal even with the Alabama and Georgia games being on the road this season.
"Auburn offered the Young Alumni tickets at a reasonable price in the lower bowl. It's a heck of a deal," Winne said. "Having to play both of those red teams on the road is unfortunate and I was slightly more apprehensive about pulling the trigger as a result, but I'm expecting big things from the Tigers this year, so I'm glad I did."
There is no question last year's magical season is the main selling point for most season ticket holders, but Cassie Arner, Auburn's associate athletic director for strategic communications, believes there's much more to the Auburn game day than just the game.
"Our fans know there's no better way to experience Auburn football than being inside Jordan-Hare Stadium," Arner said. "There's so much pageantry and tradition that can only be felt while on campus."
Arner expects the increased ticket sales to continue due to the amazing support of the Auburn fans.
"We've averaged over 80,000 [fans] in Jordan-Hare Stadium over the last few years," Arner said. "Auburn fans are very passionate about Auburn football and all Auburn sports, and when they come to the stadium, they know they are going to experience a lot of tradition, and that stands the test of time."
The success and excitement around the football program is also rubbing off on the rest of the athletic program, especially the basketball team and Bruce Pearl.
Arner can see the difference already.
"There's a lot of excitement on Auburn's campus right now about all of our sports," Arner said. "(Basketball tickets) are already selling better than they have the last few years. Bruce Pearl is a very exciting coach, a very exciting figure, and people are more than thrilled about what we can expect from men's basketball in the coming years."
Besides football season tickets, Mark Winne has also contemplated buying basketball tickets as well.
"I have thought of buying basketball tickets, purely because of Bruce Pearl," Mark Winne said. "I get a lot out of watching his embrace of the Auburn family and his unfolding story of redemption."
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