Auburn is a University historically defined by its loyalty to their football program, but a shift in momentum is now undeniable. Even in the post football season, the energy on campus refuses to quiet down. Jerseys shape shift accordingly, a sports buzz hangs in the air and lines stretch across The Village for Auburn's winter spectacle. Neville Arena becomes a commune for the devoted, who stay till the end of the game, win or lose. Basketball culture at Auburn University has evolved as both students and community members alike race to cheer on The Tigers.
A genuine appreciation for Auburn basketball has taken center stage, but it can be credited to the hiring of Bruce Pearl, former head basketball coach. Pearl's approach in actively engaging students and his involvement on campus is the general consensus for the beginning of the unwavering student support. Pearl interacted with students through small acts like handing out ice cream and waters to students on campus to larger events such as speaking at Camp War Eagle to incoming freshmen.
“I feel like his personality towards students is pretty unique. I can’t think of a single coach in any other sport that has the same love from the fans," said Carter Blackmon, senior in business. “The Pat Dye following is the same as the Bruce Pearl following. Like the love for Bruce is just as strong as it was for Dye when he coached.”
With the evolution of this new culture, new traditions have arisen. "Pearlville," named after the former head coach, is the camping ground that only appears for particularly pertinent basketball home games and settles right outside of the arena's student entrance. Students ditch the comfort of air conditioning and mattresses in anticipation for these high stake games. While this is a men’s basketball event, other sports are just as involved in their support. Appearances from the football, volleyball, baseball teams and others are depended on to offer the campers food, Dude Wipes and fellowship. Athletes and Aubie take the time to sit with their peers to play card games, chat or compete on PlayStations. Aubie was even seen taking part in playing a 2K game with a camper.
Inside The Jungle, the Auburn University student section, students cram to maximum capacity into bleachers where they will stand the entire time the ball is in play. Heckling the opposing team when they foul out, shoot an airball or even when they walk out of their locker room- a sense of community is fostered.
“I don’t know if it actually works, but it’s fun to do, especially if the other team actually fouls,” said Miles White, senior in political science.
A student section with its own hype video, The Jungle also receives free merchandise for some games. To name some, the bucket hat from the Auburn Kentucky game, which was also a "Pearlville" game, can still be seen worn regularly around campus. Some merch also includes Aubie with the slogan “stand on business,” tiger print cowboy hats and shirts given for the Auburn AUTLIVE games annually, where each student writes the name of someone they know affected by cancer on signs to raise support for cancer awareness and early detection.
It is difficult to recognize the growth of the fanbase without acknowledging the Auburn Athletics staff’s commitment to accommodate it. The student entrance line is under constant improvement in order to run efficiently and safely. "Pearlville" has a check-in system with rules outlined and acknowledged before campers arrive, with weekly emails sent to students informing them of the times gates open, merchandise or food being offered and other sports events with the subject line of the email being “This Week In The Jungle.” When asked about the quality of how Auburn Athletics administers games, students emphasize the priority they have.
"I can’t think of any other SEC school that does this, but Auburn puts the students right on the court,” said Fischer Wright, senior in sales marketing.
Jordan Hare stadium may be considered haunted, but Neville Arena is just getting started.
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Melana Mcneely, a senior majoring in political science, is from Auburn, Alabama. She has been with The Auburn Plainsman since the spring of 2026.
