Walking by Neville Arena in the week leading up to a marquee matchup can feel overwhelming — tents, chairs and music blasting into the night. But for die-hard Auburn fans, it’s one of the most memorable experiences they will take away from their time on the Plains.
The Jungle is one of the most raucous environments in college basketball — but also one of the most intimate. Auburn’s student section holds approximately 1,500 students, leading many to camp outside before a big matchup to secure entry.
Rules
In the days leading up to the game, an official announcement from @aujungle on social media and in your Auburn email inbox will indicate whether the game is designated for camping or queuing. If the game is designated for camping, the post will also specify when students are allowed to begin checking in their tent groups. As of this past season, groups were capped at four students.
Once students start to camp, The Jungle’s leadership staff will announce tent checks at random points throughout the day. When these are called, groups must have at least one to two group members present from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. — or the group will risk being kicked from the line.
What to bring
Essentials for camping out in Pearlville include a tent, sleeping bags, pillows, blankets and portable chargers.
Some items that I recommend but aren’t necessary include a change of clothes for sleeping, toiletries, a speaker and, if accessible, a table of some sort to eat and play card games on.
My tent on the grass outside Neville Arena on Feb. 5, 2026.
What makes camping fun
As fun as hanging out with your friends in anticipation of a huge game is, that’s not all that happens during camping week.
From free merchandise to Steven Pearl and his players delivering dinner, you never know what might happen — and it’s not just the basketball team that may pay a visit to the tent city. Football, baseball, gymnastics, volleyball and other teams have all stopped by during my three camping experiences.
Win or lose, camping outside Neville with my friends has been one of the most fun experiences I’ve had on the Plains in my two years here. By the time the Auburn Family yells “Waaaarrrrr Eagle, Hey!” you kind of forget that you slept outside and are fully immersed in the electric atmosphere.
So, if you’re on the fence about whether you want to camp out for Auburn basketball, I would say, give it a chance. The feeling when you’re walking down the stairs into the gym with your best friends to sit courtside at one of the best college basketball matchups in the country is unmatched.
This article is featured in The Auburn Plainsman's Summer 2026 print edition.
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Rory Garvin, junior in journalism sports production, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since Spring 2025. Garvin previously served as a Sports Reporter. He is currently serving as the Assistant Sports Editor.
