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Where War Eagles Soar and Tigers Roar
In college football, there are elite programs. Many of these programs are found in the Southeastern Conference, and among these programs are the Auburn Tigers. Auburn's football history dates back to 1892, when the Tigers played the first college football game in the Deep South ever against Georgia. Auburn won, 10-0, and since then have established a great tradition in that includes a 716-404-47 record, two national championships, three Heisman Trophy winners, seven undefeated seasons, eleven conference championships and five #1-overall NFL draft picks (tied for most with USC and Notre Dame).
Every great college football team needs a great home-field advantage, and Auburn is no exception. Jordan-Hare Stadium (named after Ralph "Shug" Jordan, Auburn's winningest coach ever, and Cliff Hare, a member of Auburn's first football team) was opened on November 10, 1939, as the Tigers played host to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Since then, many great moments have occurred at Jordan-Hare. Many great players have suited up on this field as well, such as Bo Jackson, Cam Newton, Cadillac Williams, Ed Dyas, Pat Sullivan, and many other greats.
Auburn has one of the best home-field advantages in college football, and a game at Jordan-Hare is a must for any true college football fan.
What is FANFARE?
The FANFARE scale is our metric device for rating each stadium experience. It covers the following:
- Food & Beverage
- Atmosphere
- Neighborhood
- Fans
- Access
- Return on Investment
- Extras
Each area is rated from 0 to 5 stars with 5 being the best. The overall composite score is the "FANFARE Score".
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.
Atmosphere
5
Auburn's traditions are second-to-none in college football. Two hours before kickoff, fans gather to greet the team as they head to the stadium in a tradition called "Tiger Walk." Crowds as large as 20,000 have been reported.
45 minutes after Tiger Walk, the Auburn University Marching Band performs for fans outside the stadium in a pep rally. This occurs at the four-way stop outside the South end of the stadium.
Another famous tradition is "War Eagle." While this is the battle cry of Auburn football, this is also one of college football's most famous traditions. Before kickoff, an eagle circles the stadium before landing at midfield as the fans cry, "Waaaaaaaaaar Eagle! Hey!"
However, my personal favorite tradition at Auburn is the rolling of Toomer's Corner. After the Tigers win, fans gather at the large oak trees at Toomer's Corner and roll the trees with toilet paper. Anything at Auburn that's worth celebrating results in the rolling of Toomer's, whether it's a win, a player winning an award or even news breaking. After it was announced Cam Newton was cleared, Toomer's Corner was rolled.
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
5
Auburn fans consider themselves a "family." This is really stressed at Auburn University. It isn't Auburn Nation or Auburn Gang or anything like that. It's the Auburn Family. This mentality brings Tiger fans close, making gamedays at Auburn seem like family reunions"¦with grills and beer, of course.
Auburn fans are considered some of the nicest in all of college football. But don't take my word for it. Ask Oregon fans. Other schools, such as South Carolina and West Virginia, had articles in their respective student papers detailing how great their trip to Jordan-Hare was.
While Auburn fans are among the nicest, they are also some of the loudest. 30 minutes before kickoff, there isn't an empty seat to be found at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The fans are loud, proud and scream their lungs out to help the Tigers win. With 87,451 die-hard fans, it's difficult for opposing teams to go into Auburn and come away victorious. Auburn fans are some of the most passionate in the country, no doubt.
Access
4
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.
Getting to Jordan-Hare, however, is not that easy. It's impossible to park on-campus unless you get there days in advance. There are some good places to park away from campus, but you'll have to walk a good distance to get to the stadium. If you think you can show up Saturday morning and park outside the stadium, you need to think again.
Return on Investment
4
Auburn tickets are actually less expensive than tickets at fellow SEC schools like Alabama, LSU, and Florida. Not to say it's cheap, however, but it could definitely be worse than it is.
Restaurant prices are alright, but hotel prices on big game weekends are expensive. These rooms also sell out quickly, so if you want to stay at a hotel in Auburn, you need to act quickly.
Extras
5
Like I said, should Auburn win, you can't miss out on visiting Toomer's Corner.
Even fans of the other team visit the corner to see the party occurring in downtown Auburn.
Auburn Arena, Auburn's new basketball facility, features a museum filled with historic items from Auburn's history, including the 2010-2011 Coaches' Trophy, Bo Jackson's Heisman Trophy, and many other cool things. It's worth a visit.
Final Thoughts
Auburn gamedays are unique and special events. Auburn fans have the perfect mix of hospitality and pure passion. Jordan-Hare Stadium is one of the best places to watch a college football game, especially at night. A visit to Auburn should be on a college football fan's bucket list.
What can I say? It's a family thing. War Eagle!
Crowd Reviews
Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium and the Loveliest Village on the Plains
Total Score: 3.86
- Food & Beverage: 3
- Atmosphere 5
- Neighborhood: 4
- Fans: 5
- Access: 3
- RoI: 4
- Extras: 3
Jordan-Hare Stadium was built in 1939 and is located on the campus of Auburn University, which is located in the town of Auburn, AL.
Auburn is located some 50 miles northeast of Montgomery, AL and approximately 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, GAâ?? just off of I-85.
Jordan-Hare (pronounced /Je'r-de'n/-Hare by the locals) carries the names of Ralph "Shug" Jordan, who is Auburn's winningest football coach and Cliff Hare, who was a member of Auburn's first football team. Cliff Hare went on to become the Dean of the Auburn University School of Chemistry as well as President of the Southern Conference.
How would I describe Auburn University? We have all heard the term "small college town;" well, Auburn University would be a "small town college."
What do I mean when I describe Auburn University in this way? The town of Auburn is all about the college and in turn, Auburn University is all about the small town of Auburn.
They call Auburn "The Loveliest Village on the Plains" and that certainly is true. The town of Auburn could be described as Mayberry on steroids, and I mean that in the most complimentary way. Auburn University dominates the town of Auburn, both geographically and ideologically.
The town of Auburn has a population of just over 50,000 and I would wager that 90% of that population is connected to Auburn University in some form or fashion.
I tried to think of another situation where a town and the university carry the same name and are so intertwined with each other. Even though I am sure there is another, one just doesn't come to mind.
The moment you enter the city limits of Auburn, you know you are entering the home of Auburn Universityâ?? there is no doubt. Auburn is small town USA personified and Auburn University embraces that concept with pride.
Everyone in Auburn was so friendly and helpful and that affected my opinion of Auburn University and Jordan-Hare Stadium immensely.
Best overall experience
Total Score: 4.57
- Food & Beverage: 3
- Atmosphere 5
- Neighborhood: 5
- Fans: 5
- Access: 4
- RoI: 5
- Extras: 5
Nathan's review is spot-on. Tremendous overall experience. Classy fans who love their Tigers and are boisterous, but completely respectful to opposing fans. One of the few places where talk of "family" really seems sincere and holds true. The traditions of the pre-game flight of the War Eagle and post-game "rolling" of Toomer's Corner are two of the best in any sport, much less college football. First rate experience and a must for any college football fan. Regardless of your allegiance, they'll make you feel welcome.
A loud stadium with some great fans.
Total Score: 3.57
- Food & Beverage: 3
- Atmosphere 5
- Neighborhood: 4
- Fans: 5
- Access: 4
- RoI: 4
- Extras: 0
I saw several games here and thought it held weight with the best stadiums in the SEC. The place is arguably one of the loudest in the country and the fans are rabid. The stadium is located pretty much on campus and made for easy access. The tailgating wasn't nearly as good as at other SEC stadiums though.
Auburn game
Total Score: 1.86
- Food & Beverage: 3
- Atmosphere 2
- Neighborhood: 1
- Fans: 2
- Access: 4
- RoI: 1
- Extras: 0
Went to the Iron Bowl last year and witnessed one of the worse atmosperes in my entire life. the fans were rude and acted like drunks. The town was small and run down.
All in all, my worse experiance at a stadium i have ever been too. and I have been to Commonwealth Stadium
Auburn
Total Score: 4.71
- Food & Beverage: 5
- Atmosphere 5
- Neighborhood: 5
- Fans: 5
- Access: 3
- RoI: 5
- Extras: 5
Great environment! Best is all of college football. Tiger walk, eagle flight, all need to be on everyones bucket list.
Food is plentiful, reasonably prices, high quality, and many varieties. One of best in SEC!
Merely Average
Total Score: 3.00
- Food & Beverage: 1
- Atmosphere 4
- Neighborhood: 4
- Fans: 2
- Access: 3
- RoI: 4
- Extras: 3
If you're going to Auburn, go when the Tigers are competitive and winning. The atmosphere and the fan base are unlike no other when they're winning. When they aren't winning, Jordan-Hare Stadium is a dud, which gives a fan base a low score in my book.
Getting there isn't the easiest place to get to but not overly hard for the fact there is nothing really between Columbus and Montgomery besides Auburn.
Besides their hedges and their big scoreboard, the stadium at Auburn isn't much to look at really. Two major decks on each sideline and that is pretty much it.
The worst part about Auburn is their food. There's more variety outside the stadium than inside the stadium and the food quality is rough. I had a hot dog and I could have been fooled by eating two large croutons for hot dog buns and an eraser in the middle. It was brutal.
Overall, I was very disappointed on my trip to Auburn, but maybe I am thinking it was because the Tigers were not doing so hot.
Homer Review
Total Score: 4.71
- Food & Beverage: 4
- Atmosphere 5
- Neighborhood: 5
- Fans: 5
- Access: 4
- RoI: 5
- Extras: 5
Basically everything the official review, except the food and beverage needs to be amended. I believe that there have been improvements in this area, especially right outside the stadium with the addition of food trucks and the student center has Chick-Fil-A and other restaurants. They have tried to fix the parking issues by adding a parking deck right next to the stadium and a few more lots. I don't know if his review was before these additions but it still is packed every weekend. But that is to be expected from a big school.
Local Food & Drink
Local Entertainment
Parking
Lodging
Holiday Inn Express & Suites (map it!)
2013 South College St.
Auburn, AL 36832
(334) 502-1090
http://www.hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/auburn/auoau/hoteldetail
Recent Stadium News
Recommended Food & Drink
- Skybar Cafe (map it!)
(334) 821-4001
- 17-16 Bar (map it!)
(334) 826-1211
- Moe's Southwest Grill (map it!)
(334) 466-8035
- Niffers Place (map it!)
(334) 821-3118
- Hamilton's on Magnolia (map it!)
(334) 887-2677
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Information
I\'ve attend Alabama - Auburn games there dressed all out in Bama stuff, and for the most part, the
I've attend Alabama - Auburn games there dressed all out in Bama stuff, and for the most part, the fans were very nice. Only the younger ones barked some, but then the last time I was there was the famous, Honk if you sacked Brodie game...
I thought the fans in the stadium were FANTASTIC good sports and I had them in stitches as I was the only Bama fan dressed out like I was, in the front row of the upper deck, and after Auburn yet clobbered us again and turned around and yelled to them all, "Oh yeah!? Well our cheerleaders are prettier!" and got howls and a free drink out of it from the good natured fans.
Great write up. I enjoy all of these.
Larry Burton
by beachfinder | Sep 30, 2010 08:23 AM
Larry, Funny story! Thanks for reading and leaving a comment...
Larry, Funny story!
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment...
by Franklin | Oct 04, 2010 04:13 AM
This review is one of the reasons I absolutely love being and Auburn fan. I currently attend and lov
This review is one of the reasons I absolutely love being and Auburn fan. I currently attend and love everyday of it. I believe Auburn is the greatest place on the planet. But, of course, I'm biased one way on the subject.
One thing I would like to correct is the restaurant Cheeseburger Cheeseburger is actually Cheeburger Cheeburger.
Thanks for the review! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!
by bigvariable | Oct 15, 2010 02:13 AM
You should be very proud of Auburn and Jordan Hare, I know we really enjoyed our time in Auburn and
You should be very proud of Auburn and Jordan Hare, I know we really enjoyed our time in Auburn and we are looking forward to returning someday...
Cheeburger, cheeburger? I stand corrected. LOL!
Thanks for you comment...
by Franklin | Nov 04, 2010 08:19 AM
Great review!
Really makes me want to make the trip!
by paul | Nov 14, 2011 07:04 PM
RE: Great review!
There is none finer when it comes to fan atmosphere!
by Franklin | Nov 29, 2011 06:45 PM
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