On October 17, Tipoff at Toomer’s marked the highly anticipated beginning of Auburn University’s men’s and women’s basketball seasons. The event made its long-awaited return to the Plains since its last appearance three years ago in 2021. This year, Tipoff at Toomers expanded to include more festivities, including a marketplace and a live music performance by popular country music artist Cole Swindell.
The first Tipoff at Toomer’s was held in 2019 and the second in 2021. While initially meant to be a recurring, annual event, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Tipoff to take a two-year hiatus until 2024. Hundreds of fans excitedly crowded the streets of downtown Auburn to see what this year’s Tipoff had in store. The main concert stage was set up next to a raised basketball court at the intersection of West Magnolia Avenue and College Street, and large electronic billboards surrounded the event detailing the night’s itinerary.
The event officially began at 4:00 p.m. with a performance from a local group, The Broker’s Band, followed by the opening of Tipoff Market, a street marketplace lining North College Street and West Magnolia Avenue that featured local vendors and Auburn’s downtown merchants and businesses. Participants included The Atelier with vintage Auburn merchandise, Agave Bar and Grill with fresh street tacos, and Eddie’s Calzones with drinks.
Groups of students and families crowded down the streets around the stage, hoping to find the perfect view for the basketball student-athletes' introductions.
“I’m really excited for basketball season,” Jacob Jerkins, senior, said, who attended the last Tipoff in 2021. “I definitely think [vendors and concerts] are going to bring more people to the event, and hopefully get more people excited.”
At 6:30 p.m., the introductions to Auburn University’s 2024 basketball teams began. As hundreds of people crowded around, the women’s team, coached by Johnnie Harris, was recognized first. Next, Coach Bruce Pearl and the men’s team were introduced, followed by both coaches sharing their thoughts and expectations on the upcoming season.
“We are blessed to play in front of the best fans in the best arena,” Pearl said, expressing his gratitude for the attendees of Tipoff. “This is an amazing turnout.”
The Tiger Paws, Auburn University’s dance team, were the openers for the basketball events, performing a fast-paced routine. Each basketball event was a short competition game, starting with Shooting Stars, followed by a dunking contest and several rounds of Knockout.
The dunking contest drew the most attention from the audience. As “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses played over the speakers, men’s basketball players planned their most exciting dunks for the crowd. Jahki Howard, a freshman forward, jumped over Aubie the Tiger and Coach Pearl in his first round and three men’s basketball athletes in his second. After three closely-scored rounds, Chaney Johnson, a senior forward, won the championship round versus Howard.
“I thought [Tipoff] was sick,” Stephen Freuman said, a freshman at Auburn. “The basketball players looked cool, the dunking competition was awesome.” Freuman’s friend, Cam Wheeler, added that the “night [was] fun. Busy, but fun.”
At 7:30 p.m., fans had the opportunity to attend an autograph session with basketball coaches and student-athletes along South College Street. Many Tipoff attendees who did not follow the crowds to get autographs stopped into local restaurants and bars to fuel up before the night’s last major event.
“I love it. The energy’s been great,” junior Addy Pitts said, after the basketball events. “I’m excited to see Cole Swindell, I love country music.”
Starting just after his scheduled concert time of 8:15 p.m., event attendance reached its peak as country music artist Cole Swindell performed live on the Capstone Building Corp Stage to close out the night’s festivities. Swindell is a multi-platinum singer-songwriter, with 12 singles that have reached number one on the charts. Swindell had his own vendor’s tent next to local businesses, selling merchandise including t-shirts and baseball caps, set up just beyond the stage.
The basketball court, which was closest to Swindell, was reserved for VIP pass holders, while other fans crowded streets surrounding it. Opening with “Flatliner” and ending with his most popular song, “She Had Me at Heads Carolina,” and covering many other popular songs in between, Swindell had the crowd singing along for over an hour and a half. At the concert’s end, Swindell reminded the crowd, “Tell the people you love that you love them. Treat each other right.”
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
