There’s nothing quite like a fall Saturday on the Plains.
There's a noticeable buzz is in the air that’s different from any other day in the year. You walk around campus and see hundreds of white tents grilling out before the game with other members of the Auburn Family. Before you enter Jordan-Hare Stadium later that day, you watch the eagle fly and sing along as the marching band makes its entrance onto Pat Dye Field.
There’s just something different about Auburn football. The University is often termed as an “everything school,” but realistically, Auburn always has been, and will continue to be, a football school.
Although it’s hard to imagine, as the Tigers have experienced five consecutive losing seasons, everything revolves around football, and it is widely known as the crown jewel for the vast majority of fans.
So what exactly makes Auburn football so special?
The program's overarching pillar is its rich history, boasting nine claimed national championships and three Heisman Trophy winners — Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson and Cam Newton.
But aside from accolades, Jordan-Hare Stadium has seen some of the most iconic plays in college football history. The Kick Six to win the 2013 Iron Bowl, the Prayer at Jordan-Hare to defeat Georgia, Bo Over the Top in 1982 — just to name a few moments that are forever etched into glory.
Another reason is Auburn's historic traditions. The eagle circling the stadium pre-game, as all 88,043 fans roar in sync, gives me chills every time. The pre-fourth quarter swag surf — especially at night — is a scene like no other and rolling Toomer’s Corner is the cherry on top after a big win.
Lastly, the electric atmosphere that fans produce every Saturday is unmatched, even during Auburn’s worst stretch in the program’s history. Auburn fans have recorded 22 consecutive sellouts and counting, and the noise inside that stadium is simply deafening due to the unwavering loyalty consistently displayed by alumni and students.
So, appreciate the moments you experience in Jordan-Hare Stadium this fall. You’re in one of the grandest cathedrals in all of college football, supporting a historic program with deep-rooted traditions. Take it all in, because it goes by fast. Memories in that stadium are some I’m going to remember forever.
This article is featured in The Auburn Plainsman's Summer 2026 print edition.
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Gunner Norene, junior in journalism, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since Fall 2024. Norene previously served as a Sports Writer. He is currently serving as the Sports Editor.
