Auburn Football is one of the most prominent factors of Auburn University's culture, and there is a lot to know about Saturdays in Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Game days tend to be an all-day affair, but the effect of game day shifts the campus atmosphere days before kickoff.
“I didn’t realize how happy everyone was the Friday before game day,” said Mackenzie Dean, junior in psychology.
However, on Saturday, an early wake-up call is in order even if the game is in the evening, such as 6:30 p.m. It's something students can always count on in their game day routine, an early alarm prompted by the many activities that campus provides for the fans each Saturday.
Auburn Football includes many different events and traditions. From the eagle circling the stadium during pregame to the marching band increasing the energy with a captivating sound, students feel the Auburn spirit is all around.
“I wish I knew how loud and crazy the stadium could get so I am more excited to go to the games. I didn’t really know what I was getting into,” Dean said.
However, there is a tradition that takes place outside of the stadium that is, for many, just as important to the overall experience of a Saturday on the plains.
Upon arrival to game day at The Loveliest Village on the Plains, white tents will immediately come into view. These tents cover the sidewalks and the available grassy areas all around campus.
These white tents are tailgates. Each tent is identified by a banner that indicates the name of the tailgate. Here, family and friends gather hours before kickoff to enjoy community, food and football.
One of the most exciting parts of tailgating is the “Tailgate of the Game.” Each week, one tailgate is chosen by the university as the “Tailgate of the Game.” That particular group is chosen based on the atmosphere they provide for fellow fans. Once chosen, that tailgate is rewarded with a bag full of goodies which is typically sponsored by Conecuh Sausage.
The tailgating community, as well as other campus visitors, gather for Tiger Walk two hours before each game. The Auburn football team, including the coaches, walk from the Athletics Complex down Donahue Drive to Jordan-Hare Stadium. Fans line the streets and cheer on the team as they enter into the stadium and prepare for kickoff.
Jordan-Hare Stadium is not only known for its football, but for its food as well. From stadium hot hogs to Ben’s pretzels, fan favorite game day foods are found amongst the many options surrounding the field. Chick-Fil-A is also a popular vendor within the stadium. The lines may be long, but they move quickly and efficiently.
Elizabeth Middleton, a sophomore in Business Administration, said her favorite game day food is Chicken Salad Chick.
“It is my favorite because it is cold enough to cool me down but also savory with the crackers,” Middleton said.
According to stadiumjourney.com, Jordan-Hare Stadium has over 20 different concessions to feed all its hungry patrons.
Visit auburntigers.com/sports/football for more information on Auburn Tiger football.
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Becca Benner, senior in public relations with a minor inmarketing, is a culture writer at The Auburn Plainsman.
