Auburn Football: 10 Ways You Know You're a Tigers Fan

Every college football team carries its own traditions. At Auburn, most are so unique that it’s pretty easy to know you’re a true Tigers fan.

Auburn, Ala., is a quaint town that sits along the interstate between Montgomery and Atlanta. If not for Auburn University, the town would be just another possible gas stop for a passerby. Because the town and the university feed off one another, most traditions have become intertwined.

Auburn may not be the most unique football venue in the country, but don’t tell Auburn people that. They won’t believe you.

To the Auburn Family, it’s so much more than a campus or a city, it’s a place where dreams are fulfilled and goals are reached. Memories are shared with some of the best friends you never met. 

You Say 'War Eagle' Instead of Hello

On game days, Auburn becomes filled with orange-and-blue clad fans that roam the streets and fill the shops and local restaurants. The sound of “War Eagle” is everywhere as fans enter shops and pass on the streets.

The battle cry of “War Eagle” began in 1892 with Auburn’s first game against Georgia. According to legend, a Civil War veteran attended the first game with his pet eagle he had found on the battlefield.

During the game, the eagle took off and circled the field as Auburn drove for the winning score. The student section began to chant “War Eagle” and the tradition began.

What it has become is a greeting and goodbye, a friendly passing phrase and a firm hello. “War Eagle” is heard all around the globe and in more places than most would expect. Foreign countries and airports seem to be popular. My most outrageously out of place “War Eagle” was in Coronado Beach, Calif.

When an Auburn man or woman passes the other and takes notice, “War Eagle” will undoubtedly be spoken, instantly connecting people and a place they hold dear.

No Red Cars or Clothes

In the state of Alabama, choosing sides between the Tigers and Tide happens at birth or in the DMV when the new move is made official. If you live or even pass through Alabama, it likely will be asked "are you for Alabama or Auburn?"

One of the most telling signs of your fandom is clothing and car color. It may seem ridiculous, but the majority of Auburn fans will not drive a red car or buy red clothes. Getting a crimson sweater for Christmas is a curse.

It seems crazy and a bit outlandish, but most die-hard Auburn fans will not be caught dead buying anything that may remotely resemble crimson. Why, you ask? Everything that is crimson inside the state lines wears a scripted “A.”

You Hate Paul Finebaum, but Listen Occasionally

Paul Finebaum knows his role in the state of Alabama. He is the Jerry Springer of sports radio for the state. To make things worse, he is now nationally broadcast through satellite radio. As if the world needed to be exposed to the idiocy that fills the Paul Finebaum Radio Network most days.

Auburn fans complain constantly about Finebaum, but they still tune in the dial on occasion to get the blood boiling again. It is almost like a fire by the road: you have to take a look as you pass.

Auburn has a very famous caller by the name of Tammy. Unfortunately, she doesn’t make her fellow Auburn fans very happen with her rants. Tammy fits the mold of the typical caller of the show.

Another famous voice on the Paul Finebaum lines was Harvey Updyke, the alleged Toomer’s Oaks poisoner. If not for his virtual confession on the show, the Toomer’s Oaks would surely be dead by now. For that, the Auburn fans should dial in just once more. 

Rolling Trees Was Never This Fun in High School

Rolling trees with toilet paper was the thing to do in my town in high school. When there isn’t much to do on a Friday night and there are no cows to tip, you throw toilet paper into people's trees. It makes sense.

No late night tree rolling was nearly as fun as rolling the oaks of Toomer’s. There is something special about the tradition that has grown over the years. No other fanbase gets this tradition, and it is very unique to Auburn.

When the dust settles on a home football win or major victory for an Auburn athletics team, people of all ages flood the streets for the traditional rolling. It is more of an experience than anything; celebrating a Tigers victory while layering Charmin Ultra onto the limbs of a beloved oak tree is an unbeatable experience. 

You Hated the BCS, Until 2010

The 2004 season was a travesty to Auburn fans. 

The Tigers went to the Sugar Bowl that year and finished the season undefeated with a 16-13 win over Virginia Tech. Auburn deserved their national title, but they weren’t given a shot at the game. Auburn fans began to despise the BCS in early 2005.

Since then, the Tigers have won a national title. In 2010, the Tigers rode another undefeated season to the BCS title game. The scar of 2004 seemed to clear up a little, and now the Tigers are okay with landing in the national title game after a conference title victory.

Interestingly, the Tigers are the only SEC team to go undefeated more than once in the BCS era. Only one other SEC team carries an undefeated season: the 2009 Alabama team.

Shakers Are Normal When It's Gameday

Let’s be honest, almost every occasion imaginable using a shaker or pom-pom as a dude is off limits. On Auburn game days it is forgivable and actually encouraged. Adding to the sea of orange and blue shakers throughout the stadium is a virtual must.

Almost every fan will carry the shaker into the game. Gentlemen, just don’t get caught in the living room dancing with the pom-poms in the middle of July. They change from shakers to pom-poms in the offseason.

Gameday Shirts Are Worn on Gameday

One of the many traditions that come with college football is gameday shirts. There is nothing wrong with being a fan and showing your pride for your team. By all means, wear that jersey in public; who am I to stop you?

There are a lot of schools that see its fans constantly wear apparel that bears its logo. I am willing to bet that the school loves the revenue that is driven from merchandising.

Auburn has a great fan following, but the Tigers fans are a little more modest than their in-state rivals with apparel and trinkets.

Auburn people will wear the occasional score shirt or gameday shirt out in public, but it is a rare occurrence. Having a wide array of wardrobe options seems to be an important quality-of-life standard for most Auburn fans. 

Niffer’s Lands on the Menu Annually

If you take a trip to Auburn and ignore the eateries that are found on Opelika Road, you don’t know Auburn. Niffer’s Place is an Auburn original and there are only two around. The other restaurant is in Dadeville, Ala. at Lake Martin.

Niffer’s is known for its killer burgers of all meat (and non-meat) varieties. They also have the famous fish bowl that will likely take two to drink. With a great after-game atmosphere and terrible parking, Niffer’s is a must for all Auburn Tigers when they make the trek to the Plains. 

Tailgating by Affiliation

One of the great traditions that surround college football is the tailgating. Of course there is tailgating in other sports, but nothing compares to an SEC campus in the fall.

One thing that will happen for good Auburn people offering a “War Eagle” and a smile is free, masterfully crafted tailgating food. There isn’t anything better than a fresh grilled burger or rib that comes right before kickoff or after a victory.

The Auburn RV’s come in starting on Wednesdays of game week. They typically stay until late Sunday. Starting Thursday for big conference games, free meals are had by many college students dodging Ramen noodles by roaming tailgate spots. It’s a beautiful thing. 

The Auburn Family Is More Than a Motto

When other schools refer to themselves as a nation, Auburn quietly moves about its family business. The Tigers faithful take a lot of pride in the family atmosphere that not only surrounds their athletic programs, but also their school.

The Auburn Creed labels what every Auburn man and woman should strive to be and achieve in life. It speaks of believing in hard work, sympathy and helpfulness for fellow men and women. It speaks of honesty, truth and wisely developing yourself and skills over time.

Auburn and its people strive to help each other gain these things in their own lives. They look out for one another and will reach out for a fellow Auburn Family member, even if they don’t know them personally or by name.

Being a part of the Auburn Family is what makes an Auburn fan so unique. It is also what makes Auburn so special to the people that “believe in Auburn, and love it.”

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