Auburn University nestled in the charming town of Auburn, Alabama, has a storied football tradition that dates back to the late 19th century. The Auburn Tigers, with their incredible & passionate fan base, have not only achieved remarkable success on the field but have also cultivated a rich tapestry of history, memorabilia, and collectibles dating back to the early 1900's. In this exclusive Auburn Source article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Auburn Tiger football, exploring its captivating past, iconic memorabilia, collectibles, and the unwavering loyalty of its fanbase. We will also take a look at the evolution of ticket prices over the years, from the humble beginnings to today's high-demand football game matchups.
Auburn Tiger Football: A Glorious History
Auburn football's history is a journey through time, marked by triumphs and challenges. The program's roots trace back to 1892 when the team played its first football game against the University of Georgia. Since then, Auburn has grown into one of the most respected programs in college football.
One of the most cherished moments in Auburn football history is their National Championship victory in 1957. Coached by Ralph "Shug" Jordan, the Tigers achieved a perfect season and secured the championship by defeating the University of Alabama in the Iron Bowl. This historic win remains etched in the hearts of Auburn fans and has inspired a myriad of collectibles commemorating the event. The 1957 historic season was duplicated in 2010 when Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, leading the Auburn Tiger football team to their second national championship in Glendale Arizona.
Collecting Auburn Memorabilia
Auburn's rich football history has given rise to a thriving market for Auburn Tiger Football memorabilia and collectibles. Fans and collectors alike treasure items that connect them to the Tigers' storied past. Let's take a look at some iconic Auburn collectibles and their estimated values:
1957 National Championship Pennant: A pennant commemorating Auburn's 1957 National Championship victory can fetch anywhere from $350 (good condition) to over $1,000 in great, like new, condition. These pennants often feature the team's mascot, the Auburn Tiger, along with the championship year.
Auburn Tiger Yearbooks: Vintage yearbooks from the 1950s and 1960s featuring Auburn football teams can be quite valuable. They provide a detailed snapshot of the team's history and culture. Depending on their condition, these yearbooks can sell for $50 to $200 or more.
Signed Memorabilia: Autographed items from Auburn football legends like Bo Jackson or Cam Newton are highly sought after. A signed football or helmet can command prices ranging from $100 to several thousand dollars, depending on the player's popularity and rarity of the item.
Game-Worn Jerseys: Game-worn jerseys from notable Auburn players can be incredibly valuable. These jerseys can fetch prices ranging from $500 to several thousand dollars, with prices escalating for jerseys from star players and championship years.
Vintage Programs: Game programs from historic Auburn matchups, especially those featuring rival teams like Alabama or Georgia, are prized collectibles. Prices vary depending on the age and significance of the game, with some programs selling for over $100.
Auburn Tiger Bobbleheads: Collectible bobbleheads featuring the Auburn Tiger mascot or iconic players have become increasingly popular. These can range in price from $20 to $100 or more, depending on their rarity.
Auburn Football Posters: Vintage posters advertising Auburn football games or commemorating championship seasons are popular collectibles. Prices can range from $20 to $200 or more, depending on the poster's age and condition.
Auburn Tiger Football Fan Loyalty
Auburn's passionate fan base is legendary in the world of college football. The loyalty and devotion of Auburn fans, known as the "Auburn Family," is unrivaled. This loyalty is demonstrated through various traditions, rituals, and the unwavering support they offer to their team.
War Eagle: The "War Eagle" battle cry is one of the most iconic traditions in college football. It is often accompanied by the release of an actual eagle before games. Fans proudly wear "War Eagle" merchandise and memorabilia, including T-shirts, hats, and foam fingers.
Toomer's Corner: Toomer's Corner is a famous gathering spot in Auburn where fans celebrate victories by rolling the Toomer's Oaks with toilet paper. The tradition of rolling Toomer's Corner has become synonymous with Auburn football and represents the unity and spirit of the fan base.
Tiger Walk: The Tiger Walk is a pre-game tradition where fans line the path from the Auburn Athletics Complex to Jordan-Hare Stadium to welcome the team. This tradition showcases the close bond between the players and their passionate supporters.
Auburn Fight Song: The Auburn fight song, "War Eagle," is sung with pride by fans at every game. The song's lyrics celebrate the team and its commitment to victory.
Tailgating: Tailgating is a cherished Auburn tradition where fans gather before games to enjoy food, drinks, and camaraderie. The Auburn faithful deck out their tailgating areas with Auburn-themed tents, banners, and grills.
The Evolution of Ticket Prices
The cost of attending an Auburn Tiger football game has undergone significant changes over the years. Let's compare the original ticket prices to today's rates, highlighting the growth in demand and popularity of the sport.
Early 20th Century: In the early 1900s, attending an Auburn football game was a relatively affordable affair. Ticket prices ranged from 25 cents to a few dollars, making it accessible to most fans.
1950s-1970s: During this period, ticket prices remained reasonably affordable, with prices ranging from $2 to $5 for most games. High-demand matchups and rivalry games could command slightly higher prices.
1980s-1990s: The 1980s and 1990s witnessed an increase in ticket prices as college football's popularity surged. Tickets for Auburn's home games averaged around $15 to $30 during this era.
2000s-Present: In recent years, ticket prices have continued to rise, reflecting the increasing demand for Auburn football. Today, ticket prices for Auburn home games typically range from $50 to $100 or more, with premium matchups commanding even higher prices.
It's important to note that ticket prices can vary significantly depending on factors such as opponent, seating location, and whether the game is part of a season ticket package. The Auburn Tigers' dedicated fan base continues to support the team, despite the increasing costs associated with attending games.
Auburn Tiger football is more than just a game; it's a cherished tradition that spans generations. The program's rich history, celebrated memorabilia, and passionate fan base have made it a pillar of college football. From vintage collectibles that commemorate historic moments to the unwavering loyalty of the Auburn Family, the Tigers' legacy continues to grow.
As ticket prices have evolved over the years, one thing remains constant: the fervent support from all Auburn Tiger football fans. Whether it's the iconic "War Eagle" battle cry, the rolling of Toomer's Corner, or the electric atmosphere of Jordan-Hare Stadium, the Auburn Tigers hold a special place in the hearts of their fans, making them one of the most beloved and respected programs in college football history.