Welcome to Saturday in the South! College football in the South is more than just a game—it’s a way of life! Every fall, people come together to watch their favorite teams play. But there’s so much more to it than just football. There are traditions, tailgating parties, and super excited fans. Let’s dive into what makes college football in the South such an amazing experience.
Traditions of Saturday in the South
One of the coolest things about college football in the South is the tradition it brings. Each school has its own special way of celebrating the game. For example, at Auburn University, there’s the famous “War Eagle” chant. This tradition has been around for more than 100 years! The fans yell “War Eagle” to cheer on their team, and it’s something that brings everyone together. I love it when I walk to the tailgate or the game and the person next to you greets you with “War Eagle”. It fills me with a sense of pride in my school, team and the family we have created.
Now, I will talk about those “other” schools. I am not one to judge, but I am passionate about MY team. At the University of Alabama, the “Roll Tide” chant is famous. You’ll hear it everywhere, from the stadium to the grocery store. And then there’s the University of Georgia’s “Calling the Dawgs,” where fans shout “Go Dawgs!” as loud as they can. And I can’t forget Tennessee. I used to LOVE the song “Rocky Top” until I got tired of hearing it every 5 minutes during the Auburn vs. Tennessee games I have attended. I WILL give them credit where credit is due, though. They will play “Rocky Top” win or lose! These traditions make each game feel like a huge, exciting event that everyone wants to be a part of.
Tailgating: The Ultimate Pre-Game Party
Before the game even starts, there’s tailgating. Tailgating is like a big outdoor party that happens in the parking lots around the stadium. People set up tents, bring grills, and cook up delicious food like burgers, hot dogs, and barbecue. Some people even bring TVs to watch other games while they wait for their game to start! I’ve been a season ticket holder with Auburn Football since 1997 and tailgating is all part of Saturday in the South! You’ll see even the tiniest of babies. This is like a BIG family celebration with all 90,000 of your best friends and family. Because on Game Day, everyone IS your best friend.
But tailgating isn’t just about the food. It’s also about spending time with friends and family. People play games like cornhole and toss footballs around. Fans of both teams walk around, and even though they’re rooting for different sides, they’re all having fun together. It’s a great way to get pumped up for the game and share the excitement with everyone around you. I have to say, my daughter went to her first Auburn game when she was about a year old. We dressed her in the obligatory Orange and Blue cute baby outfit with game day ribbons in her hair and carried her into the stadium in a Baby backpack. Fans don’t miss games for ANY reason on Saturday in the South. All other events are rescheduled.
The Electric Environment on Saturdays in the South
Once you step into the stadium, the environment is electric! The air is filled with the smell of popcorn and the sound of marching bands playing fight songs. Everyone is dressed in their team’s colors—blue, orange, or whatever the school’s colors are. It’s like a giant sea of fans all coming together to cheer for their team. It is breath taking each time I walk into Jordan-Hare stadium. It is hard to explain what the feeling is like. Those of you who partake in the College Football experience, will understand.
When the game starts, the stadium gets loud. Really loud. In fact, my watch registers that I am in a “loud environment”. Which I find quite funny. Fans yell and scream to encourage their players, and every big play makes the crowd go WILD. The band plays after every touchdown, and the cheerleaders keep everyone energized. Even if you’re not a football expert, it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement.
The Fans: Passionate and Proud
The fans on Saturdays in the South are some of the most passionate in the country. We love our teams with all their hearts. Win or Lose, we support our players and have pride in what they do. For many people, going to football games is a family tradition. Parents take their kids to games, just like their parents took them. Some families have been supporting the same team for generations. I went to Auburn for 3 years, I transferred in, and was a student season ticket holder. I am now a proud season ticket holder for 27 years!
These fans are proud of their schools, and they show it by wearing team gear and decorating their cars and homes with team colors and logos. Even during the week, you’ll see people wearing their favorite team’s shirts, hats, and jackets. And when their team wins, they celebrate like there’s no tomorrow! YES!! Celebration of the win is an amazing Auburn tradition. Rolling Toomer’s Corner and the Oak Trees. And if the win is particularly important, you’ll drive straight down College Street the next morning feeling like it SNOWED the night before.
Saturday in the South is MORE than just a day of the week
College football in the South is more than just a sport. It’s a celebration of community, tradition, and fun. From the time-honored chants to the lively tailgating parties, to the electric atmosphere in the stadium, it’s an experience that brings people together. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just someone who enjoys a good time, college football in the South is something you won’t forget. So next time you’re in the South during football season, make sure to check out a game—you’ll see why it’s such a big deal!
