The energetic, head-bobbling beloved mascot of Auburn University, Aubie the Tiger has been a fan favorite now for over 60 years. His charm and ability to get the crowd on their feet have consistently won over new and longtime fans alike. It’s hard to imagine a time before this lovable mascot was the face of Auburn, but Aubie has not always been around.
Aubie was first drawn as a cartoon for the cover of a football program in 1959 by Birmingham Post-Herald artist Phil Neel. The cartoon tiger, more like a normal tiger than the Aubie everyone knows today, continued to appear on Auburn football programs for 18 years in a comic-like scenario, typically scaring that week’s opponent.
Eventually, the cartoon tiger began to walk on two feet and wear clothing.
Aubie made his first real-life appearance in 1979 at the SEC basketball tournament in a costume inspired by Neel’s football program illustrations. The first Aubie, Jamie Lloyd, helped to bring the tiger to life.
“I feel like that’s kind of just when Aubie as a whole began to be the goodwill ambassador for Auburn, and since then, it's just kind of taken off,” said Ella Coons, the director of scheduling for Aubie.
The first Aubie costume, designed by Brooks-Van Horn Costumes, featured dark colors and the iconic orange. There were thin black stripes, spots of white and thick blotches of gray.
Unlike today’s Aubie, he usually didn’t wear clothes, just like the early football programs he appeared on. His first well-known costume was at the 1979 Iron Bowl when he dressed up like the University of Alabama’s coach at the time, Paul “Bear” Bryant, in his suit jacket and iconic houndstooth hat.
Regardless, Aubie left an impression not only on the fans but also on the games. During his first appearance, he cheered on the Tigers, as they defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores, and he continued to bring good luck in many games after that.
Soon after his historic first appearance, he began attending campus and community events beyond games. Fans could also start requesting Aubie’s appearance at their events. Today, Aubie is requested for approximately 1,500 events a year.
“We get stuff for SGA. We get requests for involvement, for athletics,” Coon said. “We get requests for events in other states all the time. Aubie does travel a good bit. He’s been all over the world.”
Aubie’s wardrobe and props have also expanded over the years, and he has recieved an upgraded costume suit with larger eyes and brighter colors. During football games, Aubie often appears in four or five different outfits, some with their own props. Some of his popular costumes include candy corn, Aubie Claus, superheroes and more.
“Aubie loves to shop,” Coon said. “Aubie’s also very crafty, so all of his props he makes with the help of the Aubie Committee.”
Although Aubie has changed a lot over the years, his impact and charming personality are widely felt throughout the Auburn community. As one of the most decorated college mascots in history, this beloved tiger will continue to be the face of Auburn for many years to come.
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Katelyn Smith, sophomore majoring in journalism, is from Birmingham, Alabama. She has been with The Auburn Plainsman since the fall of 2025. Smith previously served as a lifestyle writer, and she is currently serving as the Lifestyle Editor.
