My husband and I had the opportunity to experience an Auburn game day this fall and we had an absolute blast! If you’re tailgating at Auburn for the first time, we can help. Here are 9 tips for tailgating at Auburn University before a football game.
Game day in Auburn is one of the best in college football. Between the Tiger Walk tradition, Auburn Eagle flight, and celebrating a win at Toomer’s Corner, it’s an incredibly unique, and family-friendly, experience.
As you can imagine, tailgating before the football game is very popular. Auburn has a great mix of what I call “real tailgating” and “SEC tailgating”. You will see people camped out in chairs watching satellite TV while wearing their Sunday best in tents decorated to the 9’s, but you will also see people sitting in chairs behind where their car is parked with no tent, wearing casual clothes.
War Eagle!
1. Free Parking On Campus
My favorite thing about a football weekend at Auburn is that fans are allowed to completely utilize campus. While there are reserved areas for people with parking passes and students, many lots are open to anyone–and free. During our visit, the free lots were crammed full, with cars on sidewalks and in the grass. But the school allowed it. (As an Ole Miss Alumni where almost all of campus is roped off on game day) It was so nice to see!
That being said, you will need to arrive early to take advantage of the free parking.
Here is a game day parking map.
2. You Can Tailgate Nearly Anywhere
The Auburn campus is pretty much wide-open as far as tailgating goes.
If you wish to reserve a spot close to the stadium, you can do so starting at 4 PM on Friday of a home game weekend.
Check this tailgating map to see the available lots and view Auburn’s tailgating rules.
3. There Are Lots Of Dining Options
The first option, is to eat before you arrive. We went to Bow & Arrow (South Texas BBQ meets Alabama pot luck) for lunch and had a great meal.
You can also eat downtown, since it’s right beside campus. Toomer’s Drugs, Pieology, Moe’s Original BBQ, Auburn Draft House, Taco Mama Auburn, Cheeseburger Cheeseburger, Arigato Sushi, The Hound, and Tacorita, are just a few of your options.
If you wish to go the traditional tailgating route, you can use a grill on campus–as long as it’s not within 50 feet of a building.
4. Don’t Miss The Tiger Walk
Two hours before kickoff, take part in the Tiger Walk. Cheer on the Auburn football team as they walk from the Athletics Complex to Jordan-Hare Stadium, down Donahue Drive. It’s one of Auburn’s most treasured traditions–around since the 1960s.
5. Visit The Coca-Cola Fan Fest
The Coca-Cola Fan Fest is Auburn’s free pre-game interactive entertainment area. It’s just north of Jordan-Hare Stadium, in front of the Nichols Center on Donahue Drive. Kids can play on inflatables while you participate in free giveaways and listen to the live DJ.
6. Explore Downtown
Downtown Auburn is right beside of campus. Take a break from tailgating to explore it. There are some really cute shops where you can pick up something to wear to the game or some Auburn decor for your home.
7. Other Ways To Tailgate
Don’t feel like dealing with setting up your own tailgate? No problem!
The Auburn Hospitality Tailgate at the Auburn Alumni Center is open to all Auburn fans. It has food, special guests, and game-watching opportunities.
For $5, you can join the Home Plate Tailgate in the Plainsman Park parking lot. This area opens four hours prior to kickoff and has TVs for watching other college football games, live entertainment, access to restrooms, plus food and beverages available for purchase.
If you want the Auburn tailgate experience without having to do any of the work, check out the Tailgate Guys. They’ll do it all for you!
More Game Day Tips
- Jordan Hare Stadium has a clear bag policy.
- Please don’t bring glass on campus.
- Arrive at the stadium early to get through security.
- Be in your seat 25-minutes prior to kickoff to watch the Auburn Eagle flight. It’s really cool!
- End your weekend in Auburn with Sunday Brunch at The Depot. The food is fantastic and the restaurant has a build-your-own Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar. Reservations are recommended.
Tailgating At Auburn
As you can see, tailgating at Auburn University before a football game is a lot of fun. Don’t miss exploring downtown Auburn and trying some of the local eats, too. Enjoy your time on Auburn’s beautiful campus!
For more information about Auburn, visit Auburn Opelika Tourism.
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Our Auburn Football tickets were provided by Auburn Opelika Tourism. All opinions and reviews are unbiased and completely my own.
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Check out some of our other Alabama posts:
Great Restaurants in Huntsville
Vacation Guide to Orange Beach
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