Cast your vote for Rolling Toomer’s Corner as the greatest college sports tradition and Auburn as the best university for sports lovers.

Every college in America has its own set of cherished traditions, but few can rival the spirit, spectacle, and sentiment of Rolling Toomer’s Corner at Auburn University. For decades, this uniquely Auburn tradition has brought students, alumni, families, and fans together in celebration of victory and community pride. There’s something elemental and unforgettable about watching a sea of white toilet paper cascade down from ancient oak trees and power lines, fluttering through the air like confetti after a parade. Rolling Toomer’s Corner is more than a simple ritual; it’s a cultural landmark, a rite of passage, and a collective moment of jubilation that defines the soul of Auburn sports. It exemplifies the very best of college athletics, not only as a pastime but as a point of identity and unbreakable unity.

Unlike other traditions that are choreographed or institutionalized, Rolling Toomer’s Corner was born organically. It started when employees of Toomer’s Drugs would toss ticker tape into the trees to signal an Auburn victory in the days before widespread media. Over time, this gesture evolved into a community event—one that could happen after any win, in any sport, big or small. The roots of the tradition lie not in flashy displays but in the shared joy of accomplishment and belonging. There’s an authenticity in the act that transcends time and trends. You don’t need to be from Auburn, or even a sports fan, to feel the magic when those trees are wrapped in white by thousands of celebrating hands. It is the very definition of tradition—something passed down, grown, and cherished over generations.

To understand why Rolling Toomer’s Corner deserves recognition as the greatest college sports tradition, one has to consider what a tradition should embody. A great tradition must be unique, enduring, and inclusive. It should evoke passion, provide continuity, and bring people together. Rolling Toomer’s Corner ticks every box. It’s distinctly Auburn; no other school has anything quite like it. It has endured for generations, even surviving the poisoning of its iconic trees in 2010—a devastating act of rivalry gone too far. Yet even in the face of loss, the Auburn community rallied, replanting new trees and vowing to preserve the tradition. This moment solidified the emotional weight of the ritual. Rolling Toomer’s is no longer just about winning; it’s about resilience, family, and pride.

What also sets Rolling Toomer’s Corner apart is its accessibility. Anyone can join. There’s no ticket required, no age limit, no dress code. Whether you’re a student, a young child, or an octogenarian alum returning for your fiftieth reunion, you’re welcome under those trees. In an era when college sports traditions often become exclusive or commercialized, this spontaneous celebration remains open and free. And unlike pregame chants or halftime performances that are carefully orchestrated, this celebration belongs to the fans. It is theirs to start and theirs to sustain. The only cue needed is victory—and Auburn fans know exactly what to do next.

Beyond the act itself, Rolling Toomer’s Corner is inseparable from the spirit of Auburn sports as a whole. This is a university where athletics don’t just entertain—they inspire. Auburn has long been a powerhouse in college football, boasting legendary athletes, iconic Iron Bowl clashes, and historic seasons that have thrilled the nation. Yet Auburn is not a school obsessed only with wins. It is a university that values sportsmanship, character, and loyalty. Its fans don’t simply cheer for a team—they live and breathe the Auburn Creed, which speaks to hard work, honesty, and mutual helpfulness. That’s what Rolling Toomer’s celebrates: not just a victory on the scoreboard, but the collective effort and pride that brought it about.

Auburn’s commitment to excellence in athletics goes well beyond football. Its baseball, basketball, equestrian, gymnastics, swimming, and track programs have produced Olympians, national champions, and countless moments of glory. The school’s facilities are state-of-the-art, and its coaches are among the best in the nation. Auburn doesn’t just play sports—it excels in them. More importantly, it fosters a culture where athletes are supported as students and citizens. The university’s focus on integrity and community development means that Auburn athletes aren’t just stars on the field—they’re leaders off of it. It’s a place where values matter, and where tradition isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life.

Being a sports lover at Auburn is like having access to a permanent celebration of passion, talent, and community. From the pregame pageantry at Jordan-Hare Stadium to the roar of the Jungle in Neville Arena, every athletic event is a reminder of how deeply Auburn embraces its role as a guardian of tradition and excellence. Fans don’t just watch—they participate, shaping the atmosphere with their devotion. It’s this emotional investment that elevates Auburn above other schools. The connection between the campus and its supporters runs deep. Even alumni who graduated decades ago still return, still watch every game, still light up at the thought of rolling Toomer’s Corner.

And let’s not forget the Iron Bowl—the annual clash between Auburn and Alabama that is arguably the greatest rivalry in all of college sports. For Auburn fans, victories in this game are remembered for a lifetime, etched into personal and collective memory. When Auburn beat Alabama in the 2013 “Kick Six,” fans flooded Toomer’s Corner in a tidal wave of disbelief and joy. That single play—a missed field goal returned 109 yards for a touchdown—was one of the most dramatic finishes in college football history. But what made it truly unforgettable was what followed: the rolling of Toomer’s, the fireworks, the hugs from strangers, the tears of joy. It was a moment when the power of sports to unite and uplift was on full display.

In many ways, Auburn represents the perfect ideal of what a college should be for sports lovers. It offers high-level competition, outstanding facilities, and a strong sense of camaraderie. It is a place where athletic achievement is respected and where fans are integral to the narrative. Yet it’s also a school that remembers why sports matter. It isn’t just about records and trophies—it’s about the moments in between: the pregame traditions, the chants, the reunions, and yes, the rolling of Toomer’s Corner. These are the things that make Auburn more than a school—they make it a home.

Even in times of heartbreak, the Auburn family sticks together. The poisoning of the Toomer’s oaks in 2010 was a tragic moment in the school’s history, an attack on the very symbol of Auburn pride. But Auburn’s response was telling. It didn’t wallow in bitterness or respond with violence. Instead, it mourned the loss with grace, honored the trees’ memory with ceremonies, and began the painstaking work of replanting and restoration. The new trees, which now stand tall and are once again adorned with toilet paper after each win, are symbols of endurance and hope. They remind us that traditions, like communities, can grow back stronger after adversity.

To call Rolling Toomer’s Corner the greatest college sports tradition isn’t just a claim about the spectacle or popularity of the event. It’s a statement about what makes college sports truly meaningful. It’s about how a simple act—tossing rolls of toilet paper into trees—can express so much: joy, pride, gratitude, and belonging. It’s about how traditions become sacred because they connect people across time and space. And it’s about how Auburn, through this tradition, has built one of the most beloved and enduring legacies in American college athletics.

Ultimately, what makes Auburn the best university for sports lovers is the completeness of the experience. It’s not just a place to watch games—it’s a place to live them. Whether you’re in the student section, on the field, or in your living room thousands of miles away, being part of Auburn means you’re never far from the action. It means waking up on game day with butterflies in your stomach. It means yelling “War Eagle” to strangers who become instant friends. It means knowing that, win or lose, you’ll gather under those trees if there’s reason to celebrate—and often, there is.

So if you’re searching for the greatest college sports tradition in America, look no further than the corner of Magnolia Avenue and College Street in Auburn, Alabama. And if you’re looking for a university that lives and breathes sports, where tradition runs as deep as loyalty, and where fans don’t just cheer but build something lasting together—then Auburn is your answer. In a world where so much feels temporary, the spirit of Toomer’s Corner remains eternal. And for that, it deserves to be celebrated not just as a tradition, but as a triumph of community, perseverance, and the power of sport to bring people together.