Welcome to the Jungle

Official Review by Nathan Deal, Stadium Journey Regional Correspondent

Throughout the years, Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum was the home of the Auburn Tigers. The arena usually saw the Tigers win and was home to many memorable events, ranging from basketball games to concerts to graduations.

As time passed, however, the Coliseum became old and Auburn knew it had to build a new home soon or else their current home would collapse right on top of them at some point. Thus, after an emotional goodbye to Beard-Eaves, the Tigers headed to Auburn Arena, the SEC's most technologically-advanced coliseum. The Tigers' new home includes an upper deck, a museum and other forms of sports entertainment.

Food & Beverage    3

It's stadium food at its most-average form. It's as simple as that. Not to say that the slightly overpriced food and drink is bad, but it isn't exactly delicious either. It's enough to tide you over if you're hungry. There's the typical candy, soda, burgers, etc.

Atmosphere    3

Auburn has a lot of school pride, and that's evident at Auburn Arena. From the interactive Tiger Walk to the showcase of trophies won in many different sports, the museum is a must-visit. One of the trophies shown is the 2011 Coaches' Trophy, which Auburn's football team won for winning the BCS title game to end the 2010-2011 season.

There are plenty of reminders of Auburn's basketball history throughout the complex as well. This would be an easy 4/5 stars if not for fan inconsistency. Unlike Jordan-Hare (Auburn's football stadium), Auburn Arena isn't always full. If the Tigers are hosting a small-name team, the stadium is half-empty (or half-full, if you're optimistic). If a historic program like Kentucky is in town, Auburn Arena is sold out and becomes a true home-court advantage with a raucous student section to boot.

Neighborhood    5

Auburn, Alabama, is often regarded as one of America's best college towns. It's a small town with southern charm and a love for the University. Everything in Auburn revolves around the school. It's a simple town that's filled with Southern hospitality.

One place you must visit in Auburn is Toomer's Corner, a drugstore (in which the trees across the street are named after) that sells the "World's Best Lemonade."

Other great places to eat or drink in Auburn are Mama Goldberg's Deli, the 17-16 Bar, the Bourbon Street Bar, Five Guys, the Amsterdam Cafe;, the Barbeque House, and Moe's Southwest Grill.

Fans    3

The fan experience always depends on the game, as I stated previously. If the Tigers are playing Nicholls State, this could be a one-star or two-star experience. If the Tigers are playing Kentucky or Alabama, this is a four-star or five-star atmosphere. The arena was almost sold out for a recent game against an average South Carolina team, so you never truly know what you're going to get from this crowd.

Auburn Arena very recently opened the new student section, named "The Jungle." This student section is very impressive and can make life miserable for the opposing team. The rest of the crowd, however, can leave a little to be desired.

Access    5

Auburn is just off of Interstate 85 between Atlanta and Montgomery. Getting to Auburn is extremely easy. You can approach it from basically any direction.

Parking is also rather easy, as even for a big game, you should be able to park close to the arena. You won't have to walk very far to reach the stadium. You may have to park in a parking deck, but the walk is still extremely easy.

Return on Investment    3

The fair ticket pricing is worth watching some college basketball and taking in a pretty good basketball experience at a very impressive stadium.

Extras    3

The stadium features a lovely 4-sided jumbotron that is visible to everyone in the audience.

This usually only applies to football, but if you witness the Tigers get an upset win over a team like Kentucky, there's a good chance that Toomer's Corner will be rolled. Toomer's usually isn't rolled for anything outside of football, but there is always a chance that, if the Tigers get a home win over a highly-ranked team, there will be toilet paper flying into the old oaks at Toomer's Corner. The average basketball experience at Auburn will not include this tradition, though.

Final Thoughts

Auburn is on the upswing on the hardwood, and fans are beginning to show themselves more and more at Auburn basketball games. But Auburn is a football school and always will be, making for a basketball experience that, while good, isn't elite.

War Eagle!