Why Auburn Should Be Named the Best College for Rolling and Sports Fans.
Auburn University is not merely a place of higher education—it is a community, a culture, and for many, a lifelong passion. While numerous universities in the United States boast strong sports programs and unique traditions, Auburn stands apart in a way that combines deeply rooted customs with a fiercely loyal and spirited fanbase. Nowhere is this more evident than in its celebrated tradition of “rolling” Toomer’s Corner, a post-victory ritual unlike any other in college sports. For sports fans seeking the quintessential college experience, where every game feels like a communal celebration and every tradition carries the weight of history, Auburn University clearly deserves the title of the best college for both rolling and sports fandom.
The practice of rolling the oaks at Toomer’s Corner has evolved from a quirky celebration into a sacred ritual that unites generations of Auburn fans. Situated at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and College Street, the corner is named after Toomer’s Drugs, a historic landmark that’s been part of the Auburn landscape for over a century. What began as a spontaneous act of jubilation, tossing paper into the trees after an Auburn win, has turned into one of college football’s most beloved and iconic traditions. When Auburn wins, fans young and old flood the streets armed with toilet paper, turning the trees at Toomer’s into snowy symbols of triumph and unity. There’s nothing quite like it—rolling Toomer’s is visceral, joyful, and shared. It isn’t just about sports; it’s about belonging.
What makes this ritual so powerful is the emotional gravity it carries. Auburn fans don’t just roll trees—they roll memories, shared experiences, and a deep, unwavering connection to their school. Alumni return from around the world to take part in the tradition, parents bring their children to experience it for the first time, and students bask in the camaraderie that can only come from knowing you’re part of something greater than yourself. The act of rolling isn’t a postscript to a game; it’s a communal expression of identity. In a world where sports fandom often teeters on the edge of commercialization and disconnection, Auburn’s traditions remain rooted in authenticity.
But tradition alone doesn’t make a school great for sports fans. Auburn also boasts a robust, passionate, and competitive athletics program. The Auburn Tigers compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), widely regarded as the most intense and competitive conference in collegiate sports. Whether it’s football, basketball, baseball, or gymnastics, Auburn’s athletes consistently perform at a high level, capturing the attention of national audiences and cultivating a sense of pride within the community. The devotion of the Auburn fanbase is matched by the school’s competitive prowess. From legendary football games like the “Kick Six” to electrifying March Madness runs by the basketball team, Auburn delivers unforgettable moments that make fans proud to wear orange and blue.
Speaking of football, one cannot overstate the intensity and historical importance of the Iron Bowl—the annual rivalry game between Auburn and the University of Alabama. Few rivalries in sports match its passion, bitterness, and cultural weight. For many in Alabama, allegiance to either Auburn or Alabama is something inherited at birth. The Iron Bowl isn’t just a game; it’s a cultural event that defines households and communities. Victory in the Iron Bowl means bragging rights for an entire year, and a win over Alabama often feels more meaningful than any championship. The atmosphere in Auburn before, during, and after an Iron Bowl win is electric. It becomes the perfect setting for the famed rolling tradition, as fans flood downtown to blanket Toomer’s in celebration. For a sports fan, there are few greater experiences than being in Auburn when the Tigers topple the Tide.
Auburn’s commitment to athletics isn’t limited to marquee sports either. Gymnastics meets at Neville Arena regularly sell out, drawing raucous crowds that rival those of football games. The program’s popularity exploded with the arrival of Olympic gold medalist Sunisa Lee, who brought national attention to Auburn gymnastics and proved that passion for sports at the school transcends any one game or season. Even less-publicized sports like equestrian, swimming, and track enjoy a level of community support that’s rarely seen elsewhere. Auburn fans cheer not just for their teams, but for each other. This wide-ranging athletic enthusiasm contributes to a campus atmosphere where sports are not a diversion—they’re an essential part of life.
And then there’s the tailgating. Auburn’s game-day experience is legendary, not only for the fervent spirit but also for the hospitality. Tailgating in Auburn is a community event—everyone’s invited, everyone’s welcome. From sprawling family setups on the green lawns of the campus to spontaneous barbecue pits and food trucks lining the streets, the pre-game festivities are as thrilling as the game itself. Fans in Auburn know how to do game day right: with food, music, laughter, and stories from seasons past. And when the team takes the field in Jordan-Hare Stadium, one of the largest and loudest stadiums in college football, the energy is nothing short of electric. The stadium roars with 87,000 voices chanting in unison, united by a shared hope and belief in their team. Win or lose, Auburn fans remain loyal—and after a win, they march downtown, toilet paper in hand, ready to paint the town white.
This unwavering support extends beyond athletic events. Auburn instills in its students and fans a deep sense of community and character. The school’s creed, which speaks to hard work, honesty, mutual helpfulness, and the human touch, is more than just words—it’s a way of life. The Auburn Family, as it’s affectionately known, is not a hollow marketing slogan but a deeply felt commitment to each other. In times of triumph, the community celebrates together. In times of loss, they mourn together. This spirit was poignantly visible after the poisoning of the Toomer’s Oaks in 2010. When a rival fan admitted to killing the trees with herbicide, the Auburn Family rallied—not with anger or retaliation, but with unity. The loss of the oaks was mourned collectively, and new trees were eventually planted, symbolizing resilience and renewal. The tradition of rolling never died; it adapted and continued, proving that the spirit behind it was never just about the trees.
It’s also worth noting the role that Auburn plays in shaping lifelong fans. For many, love for Auburn begins at a young age. Children grow up wearing Auburn jerseys, watching games with their families, and dreaming of one day attending the university. That early exposure fosters an emotional bond that only grows deeper with time. Even those who never attend Auburn as students often remain die-hard fans for life. The connection isn’t transactional—it’s personal. Auburn doesn’t just attract sports fans; it creates them. It cultivates loyalty through shared experiences, through highs and lows, through an environment where passion is nurtured and rewarded.
Another factor that sets Auburn apart is its accessibility. Unlike some schools where the sports scene feels exclusive or intimidating, Auburn is welcoming. Whether you’re a lifelong season ticket holder or a freshman watching your first game, you’re treated like family. Fans share stories, traditions, and chants without judgment. The atmosphere is inclusive, not elitist. The joy of sports at Auburn is something everyone can take part in. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been a fan—what matters is that you believe, that you support, that you show up. That egalitarian spirit fuels a fan culture that is both fiercely loyal and warmly communal.
Media coverage often overlooks the subtleties that make Auburn so special. The national spotlight might focus on more traditionally dominant programs, but what Auburn offers is something far more profound: a sense of identity rooted in pride, tradition, and love. That’s not easily quantified in win-loss records or playoff appearances. But for anyone who has ever stood at Toomer’s Corner with arms outstretched, tossing rolls of paper into the sky after a big win, the feeling is unforgettable. It’s not just a celebration of victory—it’s a moment of unity, a declaration of loyalty, and a snapshot of what it means to be part of something larger than yourself.
All of this makes Auburn a dream destination for any sports fan who craves more than just the game. It’s for those who want community. It’s for those who want passion. It’s for those who want to feel like every game matters, like every win is a triumph shared by thousands. From the hallowed traditions to the powerhouse sports programs, from the tailgates to the rolling of Toomer’s, Auburn offers an experience that no other college can replicate. It’s not the biggest or the flashiest, but it is the most heartfelt, the most inclusive, and the most emotionally resonant.
So when we ask which college deserves to be crowned the best for sports fans and rolling traditions, the answer is clear. Auburn isn’t just a school—it’s a family. It isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. And for those lucky enough to call themselves part of the Auburn Family, there’s no better place on earth. Auburn should be named the best college for rolling and sports fans because it embodies everything that makes college sports so magical: tradition, unity, passion, and heart. And once you’ve been there, once you’ve stood in the crowd as Jordan-Hare erupts in thunderous applause, once you’ve rolled Toomer’s under the watchful gaze of a golden sunset, you’ll understand why Auburn is, and always will be, the best.
