This week we’re exploring the Auburn tailgating scene at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama.

At the top of this segment is Auburn’s fight song, “War Eagle.” Yes, it’s the Auburn Tigers, but their chant is “War Eagle,” named after a Civil War veterans eagle that flew around the Auburn football field in the late 1800s.

We’ll get into that story a bit later in my interview with Auburn alumni and resident Todd Gilbert, affectionately known as the “Mayor” of Auburn’s party scene.

Auburn is located along the eastern edge of Alabama, not far from the Georgia state line. The town’s population is now 75,000, and it’s situated near Opelika. 

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The nearest major airports are Birmingham and Atlanta. I-85 passes through Auburn on the Atlanta to Montgomery route.

Auburn friends gather at their Tigeritaville tailgate (OneSouthernMan)

Keep in mind that if you’re driving into Auburn and not on I-85, the other state highways pass through small Alabama towns, which means watch your speed because small-town police and sheriffs departments in the South love to write speeding tickets to incoming fans. 

There are several mid-size hotel chains in the Auburn/Opelika area. As always, I recommend checking out the Airbnb market in college football towns. 

Some of the hotels around Auburn include:

  • The Hotel at Auburn
  • Marriott Resort and Spa
  • The Collegiate Hotel at Auburn
  • Heritage House in Opelika

I always encourage visiting and new fans to forget doing their own tailgate when visiting an SEC campus. It’s challenging to know where tailgating is allowed, and more importantly, it’s too much fun to immerse yourself in the local scene.

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For a pre-planned tailgate experience, check out Tailgateconnect.com. They’re the Airbnb and Uber of tailgating. For around $40 per person, they’ll set you up with a host tailgating crew. The best part is you don’t have to bring a thing because the host agrees to share their food and beverages with you. However, in the South, it’s always nice to bring a “host gift.”

It’s always best to Uber so ask your hotel if they provide shuttle service. Unlike most SEC towns, fans can find some free parking around town, and there are always several pay lots around too. I also encourage everyone to arrive on campus 3-4 hours before kickoff.

The Auburn football and tailgate experience center is Toomer’s Corner, where the infamous Toomer’s Drugstore is located at the corner of College & Magnolia. Grab a glass of their lemonade, then walk across the street to Samford Park, where you’ll find a host of Auburn fans that set up their own tents. I was there in 2018 when ESPN Gameday broadcast their show before the Alabama-Auburn matchup. 

Auburn Tailgating & Toomer’s Corner

Speaking of Toomer’s Corner, that’s where Auburn tailgating fans celebrate winning games by rolling the huge trees. Several years ago, a disgruntled Alabama fan poisoned the largest trees, leading to their removal. Fortunately, the guy was caught and sentenced. Although a heated rivalry, Bama fans are much too classy to engage in such nonsense.

Some of the spots you’ll find unique Auburn tailgates are around the Ag building, south of Samford Park. Auburn does allow grills if they’re 50 feet or more from buildings. 

Look around for a decked-out custom black trailer known as “Skipper’s Tailgate.” Jay Skipper and his crew have been tailgating at that spot for years. 

Tailgate Guys, now a national company operated by Revel, started in Auburn, and the company’s presence is huge.  Campus Green is the top spot, followed by Main Campus, then Tiger Walk, just south of the baseball field.

You can always spot a Tailgate Guys tent on any campus because they’re bright white. If you are inclined to have your own tailgate at Auburn and your budget allows, contact Tailgate Guys for a list of packages and add-ons.

Places to Eat & Drink In Auburn

A few of the best restaurants in Auburn include:

  • Hamilton’s (downtown Auburn)
  • The Hound Bar & Restaurant
  • Pannie-George’s Kitchen
  • Byron’s Smokehouse
  • Cafe 123
  • Bow & Arrow

The bar scene in Auburn is also vibrant. Several nicer places include:

  • Piccolo
  • Live Oaks (patio bar in downtown Auburn)
  • 8th & Rail
  • Avondale Bar & Tap Room

If you’re looking for the top college hangout in Auburn, Sky bar is the spot. Check them out at Auburnskybar.com. It’s easy to find and near Toomer’s Corner. 

As I mentioned in the intro, my guest for this episode is Todd Gilbert, Auburn’s unofficial “Mayor.” Regardless of his political stature, Todd attended Auburn and now operates a specialty corporate events planning company and knows everything about everything when it comes to Auburn and the tailgating scene.