Mornin, Fellas! Big Auburn guy here. My wife and I made the trip up to Penn St last year and had a blast. It was my wife’s first trip to that part of the country(i lived in upstate NY a few years and Boston for a year), so we made a weeks trip out of it, and toured around Pennsylvania for a few days. We were taken in and made to feel at home at some tailgates in one of the field lots. So, if you’re making the trip down to Auburn this week, I’m here to give you a little info and answer any questions as best as I can.
Auburn is a decent sized university nestled in small town Alabama. Approximately 40 miles west of the Georgia border. It is in the central time zone. If flying in, Atlanta is only about an hour and a half drive down I-85 S. Birmingham is approximately the same drive time.
if you don't already have hotel reservations, you’re going to have to look outside Auburn. Start with Opelika(it borders Auburn city limits), Columbus, Ga(home of Ft Benning, US Army Infantry training center), Montgomery, Al(about 45 minute drive down I-85). Last year, we stayed in Williamsport, Pa.
It’s a 2:30cst kick off. And, there are really only a couple of main arteries into AU. You can access it off of I-85 or Hwy 280. So, if you try to slip into town a couple hours before kickickoff, you’re going to be pressed to get there in time. I recommend getting there in the morning hours.
Parking- there are a few lots you can park in. There are some on campus that require a pass. I recommend buying a parking pass from Stubhub or another ticket site. If you get to town early, all metered public parking spots on the streets are free on the weekends. You’ll find its not quite as spread out as it is at Penn St. the stadium is kind of located more centralized on campus than Beaver Stadium. Also, there will be a few places you can pay $20 to park, like the Methodist Church off of Gay St, one off of Magnolia near the old frat row, etc. its not a bad walk from the downtown area to the stadium. Everything is a relatively easy walk
Tailgating(my favorite part of gameday). I was kind of shocked last year that most of the tailgating occurred in the lots where we parked at Penn St. in Auburn, you’ll find most tailgating happens all over campus and not so much where you park. Spots are first come first serve. But, most folks get out there and reserve their spots the day before the game. Tailgate Guys has the areas around the stadium locked down with their paid white tent city(a source of aggravation for folks that have tailgated for years down there). Alcohol is allowed on campus, and if you walk by the right tailgate in your Penn St garb, you’re probably going to be welcomed to join by someone. We are not a hostile bunch. Our limited success doesn't lend itself to arrogance. So, you should be treated well. If you’re like me, and want to sneak a few minis into the game, get minis with plastic lids(like jim beam), as there are metal detectors into Jordan-Hare Stadium. The screening is pretty quick, and once you get in line to the stadium, it doesn’t take long.
if you want to see the Eagle circle the stadium, that happens 20 minutes before kickoff.
I’ll try and answer questions as best I can. Safe travels, have fun and War Damn Eagle!
