Pearlville, Tent City, Jungle City was coined on January 21, 2022, when Auburn Men’s Basketball received unmatched support from the Auburn Family. Will it happen again?

Throughout the season, Auburn Men’s Basketball’s support dramatically increased. The team was on fire winning games and on track to play in the SEC Championship. The Auburn Family stepped up to be loud and proud of their team.

The day before Auburn hosted Kentucky, dedicated fans lined the sidewalk starting at 10 a.m. bringing tents, sleeping bags, cots, and countless blankets to bundle up for the night in the cold January weather.

This event sparked a sell-out of tents at every store in the area and depleted Auburn Outdoors of their rentable tents. By the way, did you know Auburn Outdoors has a Rental Center? Click here to learn more.

Air-footage of the area shows the vast amount of tents and people packed right outside of Neville Arena. The support grew on Twitter and GoFundMe. Funds were collected to purchase water, hot chocolate, snacks, Gatorade, and more for those who were braving the cold. The basketball team responded to the heart-felt support by bringing pizza and socalizing with the fans.

I personally did not participate in the slumber party outside, but I had friends that did.

In an interview with Riley Cox, an avid Auburn Basketball supporter, she tells me, “after hearing that everyone was camping out for the Kentucky game, all it took was for me to walk past it to know that I wanted to be there. I called my friend and said, ‘layer up, we’re going!’”

Riley continues by sharing, “It took some convincing, but finally we were both ready to go. We got in line with nothing except for the seven layers we were each wearing, and as soon as we did, people were coming around with pizza and t-shirts. Despite the freezing temperatures, we had the best time meeting new friends in line. We slept for only 14 minutes that night, in 20-degree weather, but I would not change a thing and I would without a doubt do it again this year!”

Will it happen again? I’m predicting Tent City will happen again. Although the Kentucky game will be played in Lexington, I foresee Jungle City coming back for the UGA, Alabama, or Tennessee games.

If you didn’t experience Tent City in 2022, be prepared for it to happen again!

Be Well, Auburn.

Pictures and video by Grace S.