Cast your vote for Rolling Toomer’s Corner as the greatest college sports tradition and Auburn as the best university for sports lovers.
There are countless traditions across the landscape of college athletics, but few, if any, compare to the uniquely joyous, community-driven spectacle that is Rolling Toomer’s Corner. In the heart of Auburn, Alabama, nestled near the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and College Street, lies the cherished location that has become the epicenter of celebration for generations of Auburn University fans. After every significant Auburn Tigers victory—particularly in football—fans converge at Toomer’s Corner to toss rolls of toilet paper into the trees, transforming the area into a whimsical winter wonderland of white. While at first glance this tradition may seem simple or even quirky, it is precisely that unpretentious authenticity that makes Rolling Toomer’s Corner the greatest tradition in all of college sports. It is not merely an act of celebration; it is a communal expression of identity, loyalty, and pride that encapsulates everything that is special about college athletics.
Unlike other traditions that might be choreographed, commercialized, or otherwise constructed, Rolling Toomer’s is spontaneous and organically grown from the grassroots spirit of Auburn itself. The tradition dates back decades, rooted in the local community long before the rise of national media exposure or the pervasive reach of social media. Legend has it that in the early 20th century, employees of Toomer’s Drugs—an iconic corner drugstore—would toss ticker tape into the trees to signal a road victory. What began as a small-town custom has since evolved into a cherished rite that binds the Auburn family together across time and generations.
What sets Rolling Toomer’s apart is its inclusivity and its deeply emotional resonance. It is a tradition that is not bound by age, background, or even sports knowledge. On the evening of a big win, fans from all walks of life gather together in euphoric unity. Grandparents bring their grandchildren. Students pour out of dorms and tailgates. Alumni return to relive their college days. Even casual observers are swept up in the electric, almost magical atmosphere. There is no “right way” to roll the trees; all that matters is that you are there, among friends, among family, celebrating the Auburn Tigers.
The scene is picturesque. Streetlights illuminate the cascading white streamers as cheers echo through the air. The scent of Southern food and late-night coffee from nearby cafés wafts through the breeze. College kids clamber onto shoulders to toss their rolls higher, while proud parents snap photos of their children participating in the same rituals they once did. It’s a celebration with no time limit, no master of ceremonies—just unfiltered joy and tradition passed down like an heirloom. Whether the Tigers have vanquished a bitter rival or achieved a milestone victory, the result is the same: Toomer’s Corner will be adorned in white, bearing testimony to the resilience, pride, and passion of the Auburn spirit.
Even in times of adversity, this tradition has proven unshakable. In 2010, when a rival fan poisoned the beloved oak trees at Toomer’s Corner in an act of bitter rivalry, it could have spelled the end of the tradition. But the Auburn community responded not with defeat, but with determination. The rolling continued. Temporary structures were erected. New trees were planted. The tradition lived on—not just because of the trees, but because of the people who refuse to let it die. That response, that collective will to preserve a cherished custom, is what cements Rolling Toomer’s as the most heartfelt and enduring tradition in all of college sports.
A tradition so rich, so inclusive, and so symbolic of community spirit could only come from a university as special as Auburn. For sports lovers, Auburn University is nothing short of paradise. It is not merely a place where games are played; it is a sanctuary where sports are a way of life, where every athlete, coach, and fan understands they are part of something much bigger than themselves. Auburn embodies what it means to be a true sports university—not just because of its competitive success across a broad range of sports, but because of the integrity, enthusiasm, and unwavering support that defines its athletic culture.
Football may take center stage, with Jordan-Hare Stadium standing as a cathedral of college football excellence, but Auburn’s commitment to athletics runs much deeper. The men’s basketball program, revitalized under Coach Bruce Pearl, has brought thrilling success and national recognition, filling Auburn Arena with a raucous, unified student section that makes it one of the most feared home courts in the SEC. The women’s basketball team has a legacy of its own, consistently producing top-tier talent and embodying the same relentless determination that characterizes all Auburn sports.
Auburn’s baseball and softball programs are equally formidable, with recent trips to the College World Series solidifying their status among the nation’s elite. The Auburn Equestrian team is a perennial powerhouse, capturing national titles with stunning consistency. Even sports like swimming and diving, track and field, and gymnastics thrive at Auburn, demonstrating the university’s commitment to excellence in both high-profile and Olympic sports.
But beyond victories and trophies, what truly sets Auburn apart as the best university for sports lovers is the atmosphere. The “Auburn Family,” a phrase commonly spoken around campus, is not a marketing slogan—it is a living, breathing ethos that guides everything. It’s the reason why the stadium is always full, win or lose. It’s why athletes from different sports support one another’s games. It’s why fans greet each other with a heartfelt “War Eagle,” a greeting that carries more meaning than can be captured in words. It’s not just a school spirit; it’s a shared soul.
For students, Auburn offers the perfect balance of competitive sports, accessibility, and involvement. Unlike some large universities where students can feel lost in the crowd, Auburn ensures that every fan has a place. Whether cheering in the student section, serving as a team manager, or playing intramurals on campus, there are countless opportunities to engage with the athletic life of the university. And with such an active alumni network, the love for Auburn sports doesn’t fade after graduation—it endures for life.
The town of Auburn itself complements the university’s sports culture perfectly. On game days, the city transforms into a vibrant tapestry of orange and blue. Local businesses, churches, families, and even visitors from opposing teams are welcomed into the fold. Tailgates sprawl across campus lawns, the band marches proudly through town, and the roar of the crowd unites everyone in one collective voice. It’s not just a college town—it’s a sports haven built on tradition, loyalty, and pride.
Auburn’s athletic facilities rival the best in the country, offering student-athletes the resources to excel at the highest levels. From state-of-the-art training centers to modern arenas and Olympic-caliber pools, the investment in infrastructure reflects the university’s belief that athletics are a vital part of the student experience. This is a place where sports are not an afterthought—they are integral to Auburn’s identity.
Even academically, Auburn supports its athletes with robust programs that ensure their success beyond the field. Student-athletes are leaders on campus, often excelling in the classroom and contributing to the broader Auburn community. The university’s holistic approach to education and athletics prepares students for life, not just for sport. For any aspiring sports lover—whether as a future athlete, a die-hard fan, or a budding sports media professional—there is no better environment to grow, learn, and thrive than Auburn.
At the heart of all this is the Auburn Creed, a declaration of values penned by George Petrie in 1943. It speaks of hard work, honesty, loyalty, and the human touch—all virtues that find vivid expression in Auburn’s athletic tradition. Rolling Toomer’s Corner is a manifestation of that creed. It is a celebration not just of wins, but of community, of shared effort, of belief. It is a celebration of Auburn itself.
So cast your vote proudly—for Rolling Toomer’s Corner as the greatest tradition in college sports, and for Auburn University as the best institution for sports lovers. Because at Auburn, sports are more than just a game. They are a tradition, a passion, a way of life. They are a reason to cheer, a reason to gather, a reason to believe. Whether you’re standing beneath the white-draped trees of Toomer’s Corner or singing the fight song with 87,000 of your closest friends in Jordan-Hare, you know without a doubt that you are part of something timeless and true.
And in a world that often changes too quickly, that kind of tradition—that kind of place—is worth celebrating. War Eagle, forever.
