Auburn Football: A Simple Fan's Traditions

This is a typical day for me on football Saturday.  I will share my family's routine during a night time kickoff.

7:00 AM - My dad is usually up by now, has already gotten the paper, and is reading the Game Day section.  My brother and I are just usually getting up at this time, excited knowing what lies ahead.  A quick breakfast of cinnamon rolls and orange juice gives the three of us a sugar rush to get the day started. 

8:30 AM - By now we take our showers.  I usually have read the Game Day section by now and brush up on any last minute information from the Internet and fan forums. 

10:00 AM - We leave to go to the Auburn Bookstore in Haley Center.  We also buy a program from Mr. Campbell, a fine gentleman who spends his golden years selling programs at Auburn sporting events. 

My brother usually buys something in the bookstore.  He always manages to find the stuffed tiger or Auburn football he does not already have.  We make our purchase, only purchasing from a particular person who runs the cash register. 

12:00 PM - By now we head to Foy Student Union to grab lunch.  Traditionally they have the War Eagle Food Court open with Maryland Turkey ready for the consuming. 

We all get the turkey, and sit in front of one of the many flat screen TVs in the court. They all show usually one of three games that have started already.  We find the one we want to watch and sit in front of it, gobbling down our lunch.

2:30 PM - By now we usually awake from our after lunch nap, and my little brother and I go outside to throw the football.  Dad is usually still asleep or watching the games now kicking off at this time slot.  By now we are all ready to get to the game.

4:00 PM - By now, it is nearly two and a half hours before kickoff.  We begin walking to that famous corner of Roosevelt and Donahue where many of those wearing the orange and blue of Auburn gather for Tiger Walk.  The excitement is just beginning for us as well as the other fans around. 

Two hours before kickoff - Tiger Walk begins, usually a few minutes late.  Head Coach Tommy Tuberville leads his team into the stadium, the band playing, the fans cheering and singing "War Eagle" as the team turns.  The players get fired up, the fans get fired up, and we all know what we have been waiting for is coming soon.

After Tiger Walk - We go to the Auburn Alumni Association hospitality tent for food and refreshments.  A local band is playing several songs from days past.  The cheerleaders and band comes by the area to play a few songs to give another jolt of excitement and cheering. 

One hour before kickoff - We all leave to take our seats inside the stadium.  We know that familiar spot of Section 3, Row 6.  It has been home for us during the fall for the past 13 years.  We chat with those who have been there as long as we have.  We have all grown up and grown old in this area over time.  I look at the clock as it begins to tick away, the moment fast approaching.

Twenty minutes before kickoff - The festivities begin with different recognitions of Auburn excellence.  War Eagle VII flies around the stadium, getting the crowd pumped; the band storms the field, playing those familiar tunes that never get old.  The national anthem is played, the video screen shows the entrance video for the team. 

Fog machines spray out from the tunnel, and the team emerges from the smoke.  The team comes out arm in arm and splits the AU formed by the band.  Another video is played, pumping the stadium up even more.

Then a familiar cry is heard.  As the team lines up to kick, the fans start saying "Waaaaaarrrrr..." in unison.  The signal is given, and the kicker advances to kick it all off.  And so begins another football game on the Plains, where it is great to be an Auburn Tiger.