Crafting the Ultimate Auburn Football Game Day Experience
You can’t miss these Auburn Game Day bucket list items, if you’re visiting The Loveliest Village on the Plains. A local’s guide to experiencing an Auburn football game day at its absolute orange and navy peak. We’re talking everything from pre-game traditions to post-game “must-dos” for the best fan experience.
There are so many fun traditions to partake in (it could easily get overwhelming for a first-timer). I think this list is doable for a first Auburn football weekend experience! For a full Auburn Athletics-approved schedule of game day events, visit THIS LINK.
I also have a full travel guide to the Auburn-Opelika area, complete with where to stay, what to do, and my favorite spots to eat and drink!
FRIDAY BEFORE GAME DAY
Raptor Center. Every Friday (~4pm) before a home game, The Raptor Center hosts a ticketed, public event called “Football, Fans and Feathers”. It is an opportunity for fans to learn more about the raptor flight traditions and see the birds up close and personal. This show would be a great way to immerse yourself in Auburn’s battle cry tradition of yelling “War Eagle!”.
Come Home to the Corner. Every Friday before a home game, Downtown Auburn becomes an entertainment district from 6-9pm! Pop in and out of shops, enjoy an ice-cold beer and listen to live music!
Jordan-Hare Stadium Locker Room Tours. Open to the public from 4-6pm the Friday before a home football game, fans can get a “behind the scenes” experience of Auburn football!
GAME DAY
Lemonade at Toomer's. Toomer’s Drugstore is an Auburn original (“an Auburn tradition since 1896”) and located just caddy-corner to campus in Downtown. Be sure to stop in for a refreshing lemonade on a game day before walking around campus! I love adding some vanilla flavoring to my lemonade.
Tiger Walk. Tiger Walk is a classic Auburn game day tradition, where fans line Donahue Drive and cheer on the Auburn Tigers as they walk from the Athletics Complex to Jordan-Hare Stadium. Kiddos sit atop their father’s shoulders to sneak peeks and wave hello to Aubie, the football coaches, players, cheerleaders, marching band and Tiger Paws.
White Tent Tailgates. Tailgating in the SEC is a sport in itself. Walk around the white tent tailgates surrounding Jordan-Hare stadium, admire the setups and enjoy some traditional southern tailgate snacks (buffalo chicken dip on game day is chef’s kiss).
Eagle Flight. Be sure to arrive at your seat in the stadium 30-45 minutes early, so you can watch the Eagle take flight! The Eagle is released from one of the four corners of the stadium, he circles the stadium as the crowd yells “WAR EAGLE” and lands at center field. I get shivers every time I witness the hype in the stadium during the Eagle’s flight.
Grab a game day shaker! A game day essential. You’ll often see shakers tucked into boots as college girls walk around campus in their game day outfits. The navy and orange game day shakers are passed out once you enter the stadium, so be sure to snag one! It makes for a great keepsake.
Rolling Toomer's. After a win, fans flood Toomer’s corner and roll the Oak trees with toilet paper! Downtown turns into a snowy-looking wonderland after an Auburn win.
Suggested Reading
Best Cocktail Spots in Auburn-Opelika
