Beginner Game Day Guide: Auburn Football
New to Auburn and its game day traditions? I’ve got you covered!
Before coming to Auburn, my football loyalties did not lie with Auburn— and no, they did not lie with B*ma either. I was not accustomed to the school’s traditions when it was time for my first home game. Luckily, I have since learned the Auburn game day customs that are needed to get into the school spirit.
The pre-game activities are essential for getting you in the mood for an Auburn football game. If you are in a similar position as I was during my first football season, here are some of the big things you need to know before attending.
Tiger Walk
Do you want to know one of the best ways to ensure the Tigers are in the game day spirit? Hype them up during Tiger Walk! Two hours before kickoff, the team will walk from the South Donahue dorms down South Donahue Drive to Jordan-Hare Stadium. This is where they are greeted by hundreds of fans. Make sure you get there early (and bring an Auburn shaker) because it gets crowded fast. Everyone is eager to see their favorite team up close, and possibly get a high five when they walk by.
The Eagle Flight
If you participated in a campus tour or orientation session, you have probably heard the story of the famous War Eagle. Auburn has been keeping this tradition up for years, and they aren’t stopping anytime soon! Make sure you get your game snacks before the pre-game traditions start because you do not want to miss this!
The eagle flight will start at the corner with the flagpole, opposite of the student section. At this moment, get your shaker spinning in a circular motion as you yell “warrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr” for as long as the eagle is in the air. As soon as the eagle has landed on the center of the field, say “eagle HEY!” The drawn out “war” will feel forever, but don’t quit! This tradition only happens once every home game.
The Auburn Band
Strike up the band! Can’t wait until halftime to see the legendary Auburn University Marching Band? You don’t have to! This is another pre-game tradition unique to Auburn. This pregame performance is one of my favorite game day events. We are also the only school in the SEC whose band does a pregame jog.
The band and Tiger Eyes excite the fans with an unforgettable show. To start, three drum majors will come out with maces. They have a practiced routine of twirls and flips. Pro-tip: when the head drum major brings the mace up in the air, get ready to yell “HUH!” extremely loud as he slams the mace into the ground. From here, the three majors will run down the field and the rest of the band will join them.
When the band joins, the stadium gets crazy loud, and it is the best environment to be in! The band will play the chants and fight song as well as the National Anthem. This is the perfect way to get the fans and team fired up in Auburn spirit.
Chants
Whether it’s my personal favorite, “Bodda Getta,” or the classic “War Eagle,” it’s important to make sure you know the Auburn chants that the crowd yells at the start of every game.
The first chant you will be screaming out with the crowd is Bodda Getta— originally created by a high school class in 1962. Since then, the cheer has become a staple for Auburn game days.
Bodda Getta is followed up by the “War Eagle” cheer. No, this is not the same as yelling War Eagle during the eagle flight. You can expect this tune to play throughout the game, especially after a touchdown.
Aubie
It is common to see a school’s mascot at a football game, but Aubie just does it better. During football games, not only will he come around and help hype up the crowds, but he’ll probably be wearing a cool costume while he’s at it. Don’t be afraid to say hi if you see him. He may even stop by for a quick selfie if you’re lucky.
Rolling Toomer’s Corner
The most iconic of all the traditions is Rolling Toomer’s Corner. After a big win, don’t be surprised when you see the Auburn family migrating across campus with rolls of toilet paper in their hands. The tradition dates back to the 1890s when Toomer’s had the only telegraph in the city. When employees of the local drug store received news of a win, they would throw the ticker tape from the telegraph onto the power lines. While ticker tape and power lines have evolved into toilet paper and oak trees, the sense of community has stayed the same for generations.
I hope this helps prepare you for game-day and…
Be well, Auburn!
