Auburn University’s Pride in an Iconic College Sports Tradition: Rolling Toomer’s Corner
Auburn University, nestled in the heart of Alabama, is a place rich in tradition, pride, and community spirit. One of its most iconic rituals, beloved by generations of students, alumni, and fans alike, is the tradition of rolling Toomer’s Corner. This unique celebration is more than just a quirky college sports tradition—it’s a symbol of unity, joy, and deep-rooted school spirit that exemplifies what it means to be part of the Auburn family. The tradition of rolling Toomer’s Corner may appear simple to the uninitiated—covering a pair of oak trees in toilet paper after a big victory—but to those who have experienced it, it is an emotionally charged and unforgettable event.
Toomer’s Corner sits at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and College Street, directly adjacent to Toomer’s Drugs, a local pharmacy and soda fountain that has stood as a staple of Auburn life since the late 19th century. The store is named for Sheldon Toomer, one of Auburn’s earliest football players and a former halfback for the 1892 team. As one of the oldest establishments in Auburn, Toomer’s Drugs became an informal rallying point for fans and townspeople, and its proximity to the university made it the perfect place to begin what would evolve into a legendary college tradition.
The roots of rolling Toomer’s Corner trace back decades, though the exact origin is debated. Many point to the 1960s as the period when the tradition truly gained traction. One commonly told story is that employees at Toomer’s Drugs would throw ticker tape over power lines to celebrate Auburn victories, particularly in away games where fans couldn’t immediately gather at the stadium. This celebratory gesture eventually morphed into the act of tossing toilet paper over the oak trees at Toomer’s Corner, creating a visual display of triumph that was spontaneous, participatory, and irresistibly fun. The simplicity of the act belied its emotional impact: to roll the trees was to say, “We won,” and more importantly, “We celebrate together.”
Over time, rolling Toomer’s Corner became ingrained in Auburn culture. It was no longer reserved solely for football victories. Fans began rolling the trees after wins in other sports—basketball, baseball, gymnastics—and even for special occasions like a beloved coach’s retirement or a dramatic campus event. What makes this ritual particularly special is its accessibility. Unlike the structured, sometimes exclusive nature of formal ceremonies, Toomer’s Corner is a populist celebration. Young children, students, retirees, alumni, locals, and visitors can all take part. There is no gatekeeping, no ticket required. All that’s needed is a roll of toilet paper and a shared love for Auburn.
The visual spectacle is striking. As rolls of toilet paper sail through the air and land on branches, the oaks become draped in soft, white garlands. Under a bright sun or beneath a stadium’s afterglow, Toomer’s Corner takes on a festive, almost magical quality. The paper flutters in the wind like celebratory streamers, creating an ephemeral artwork that only lasts until the next cleanup. It is both impermanent and timeless—a fleeting act that encapsulates enduring spirit. For newcomers, the scene can be surreal, even perplexing. But for the Auburn family, it’s a beautiful, cathartic, and deeply meaningful experience.
Rolling Toomer’s Corner has also taken on deeper layers of emotional resonance during times of adversity. In 2010, Auburn’s football team had a historic season, culminating in winning the BCS National Championship. The celebrations at Toomer’s Corner were jubilant and record-setting. However, in 2011, tragedy struck the tradition when a rival fan poisoned the iconic oak trees at Toomer’s Corner, reportedly using a potent herbicide. This act of vandalism was met with widespread outrage and heartbreak. The trees, symbols of community and celebration, were dying. Yet, from this low point emerged a powerful testament to Auburn’s resilience and unity.
The poisoned oaks could not be saved despite exhaustive efforts by horticulturists and university officials. They were eventually removed in 2013, and for a time, the landscape at Toomer’s Corner looked bare and unfamiliar. However, the tradition was far from over. Auburn University undertook a significant replanting effort, and new oak trees were installed in 2015. The community responded with optimism and patience, understanding that the strength of the tradition wasn’t rooted solely in the original trees, but in the people who carried it forward. When the new trees were eventually deemed ready, the ritual resumed. There was a sense of rebirth, a nod to both the past and the future, and an affirmation that Auburn pride could withstand any setback.
Today, rolling Toomer’s Corner continues to thrive as a quintessential Auburn tradition. Its endurance over the decades is a testament to the powerful role that shared rituals play in building and maintaining community identity. For many Auburn students, their first Toomer’s experience is a rite of passage. It might come during their first home football game or after a dramatic basketball win. For others, it’s a nostalgic return, a way of reliving their college days and reconnecting with a part of their personal history. Parents bring their children to experience it. Grandparents tell stories of their own youthful rolls. And each new generation adds its own layer of meaning and memory to the tradition.
What sets Toomer’s Corner apart from other college traditions is its sincerity and communal joy. There’s no commercialization, no scripted performance. It is, at its heart, an organic outpouring of happiness. When Auburn wins, fans don’t just cheer—they converge. They gather at the corner not because they are told to, but because they feel compelled to. In that space, boundaries disappear. Strangers high-five, hug, and celebrate together. Rivalries are forgotten, at least momentarily, as the Auburn family revels in shared success. The laughter, the cheering, the flying rolls—it all creates a moment suspended in time, where everyone is united by the same emotion: joy.
The tradition also reflects the broader values that define Auburn University. Auburn is known for its commitment to excellence, integrity, and the idea of “the Auburn family.” This isn’t just a slogan—it’s a lived experience. The university fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support that extends beyond the classroom and athletic field. Rolling Toomer’s Corner is a visible and visceral expression of that ethos. It says, “We are in this together.” Whether celebrating a national championship or a close win, the emotion is the same: pride not just in a team, but in a community.
In recent years, the university and city have taken steps to ensure that the tradition remains sustainable. Guidelines have been introduced to protect the health of the trees and the cleanliness of the area. Volunteers often assist with post-roll cleanup, and environmental considerations are taken seriously. These efforts underscore the community’s deep respect for the tradition and its desire to preserve it for future generations. In this way, rolling Toomer’s Corner is not only an act of celebration but also one of stewardship. It connects the past, present, and future through a shared responsibility to uphold what matters.
Toomer’s Corner has also found its way into broader cultural recognition. It has been featured in media coverage, sports documentaries, and even travel guides as a must-see experience in college football culture. For visiting fans and journalists, witnessing or participating in a roll can be a revelation. It demonstrates that sports traditions can be both playful and profound. While many colleges have unique rituals, few carry the emotional weight and visual charm of Auburn’s rolling of Toomer’s Corner. It is distinct, endearing, and emblematic of everything that makes college sports—and Auburn in particular—so compelling.
For the Auburn faithful, Toomer’s Corner is sacred ground. It represents victory, yes, but also perseverance, togetherness, and pride. When fans gather there, they are not merely marking the outcome of a game. They are reaffirming their connection to a place and a people. Each roll of toilet paper is a thread in a much larger tapestry of tradition, memory, and identity. And while the paper may fall away with time, the meaning behind it remains. That is why, decades from now, when future Auburn fans gather at Toomer’s Corner to celebrate another hard-earned win, they will be doing more than just rolling trees—they will be participating in a legacy.
In a world that often changes too fast, traditions like rolling Toomer’s Corner offer continuity and comfort. They ground us in a sense of belonging and provide joyful landmarks along life’s journey. For Auburn University, Toomer’s Corner is more than an intersection—it is a crossroads of history, emotion, and pride. It is where the Auburn spirit flies high, not just in stadiums or classrooms, but in the simple arc of a roll tossed skyward and caught in the branches of a beloved oak.
