Helpful Hints for Gameday

It’s less than 40 days until football season (not like we’re counting!) and we absolutely can’t wait to open against Arkansas on August 30, 2014, and see Auburn fans from all over the country back in the loveliest village! Whether you’re tailgating, going to the game or even visiting Auburn for the first time, here are some great ways to get the most out of your game day experience.

  

Somewhere to Stay

It’s a common misconception that there’s nowhere to stay in Auburn when it comes close to football season! While certain game weekends fill up quickly, the hotels are never 100% full. However, if you go online to check a certain hotel, sometimes it will say there’s no availability – not true! The staff at the tourism bureau calls all of the hotels every week leading up to football season to check rooms and rates, and there are always rooms available! Go to the aotourism.com homepage and click on the spinning football – you can view the football availability, week by week, including minimum rates for every hotel. 

Here's what the football availability looks like!
If you’re still having trouble, give us a call at 334-887-8747. We can help you find a room!

 Packing the Essentials

It’s easy to remember to pack your orange and blue and your famous chip dip for your tailgate – but here are some items commonly forgotten that can make or break your gameday.

1. Sunglasses and sunscreen: Absolutely essential for games on the plains! Depending on the time of the game, you might be sitting in the sun and/or squinting to see the eagle fly. Don’t get sunburned or miss the iconic tradition – remember to pack sun protection to keep your skin and eyes healthy!

2. Shakers: How many times have you walked into the stadium and realized you didn’t have a shaker? Shakers are essential for cheering, so unless you want to buy one when you get in town, pack your lucky shaker first (next to your Auburn shirt!)

3. Portable phone charger: This is a new addition to the must-have list. Phone batteries die quickly on gameday (between the Instagram photos, checking the scores of other games and even trying to send a text in the stadium.) Pick up a portable one and charge it up before you leave – that way you won’t be hunting around for an outlet when you should be having fun! You can pick them up almost anywhere, including grocery stores and gas stations.

4. Toilet Paper: Do we even have to explain this one?

 

  

Enjoying the Events

The main event on a football weekend is, of course, the football game. But there’s always more to do before and after the game! Check out the calendar here – some of our favorites are Football, Fansand Feathers and AUsome Amphibians and Reptiles!

A turkey vulture at the Southeastern Raptor Rehabilitation Center.

Finding Your Way Around

Auburn is easy to navigate, but when thousands of fans stream in to watch their Tigers play, it can get confusing! Check out www.auburntigers.com for a parking map of where you can park on campus, but there are plenty of off-campus parking options too. Many establishments will sell parking spots, but be sure not to park anywhere you will get towed (like restaurants or apartment complexes).  The tourism bureau also operates shuttles that go to the hotels and other main locations, like TigerTown and the Village Mall. All of that information can be found here! 

And, of course, you can’t forget to eat. If you’re still peckish after your tailgate, check out the Best Bites list to see where to go after the game (or for brunch the next morning!)

One of our favorite "bites" - the crab cake and avocado sandwich from Amsterdam Cafe! 

Calling All Movie Buffs - Opelika is Film Begins This Week

How much of a movie buff are you? Can you figure out the answers to this infographic? 

The answers are... 

The Dread Pirate Roberts/Westley from The Princess Bride, Mary Poppins from Mary Poppins, and Mr. Fox from The Fantastic Mr. Fox. 

Do you know what they all have in common? 

They’re characters from the movies that Opelika is Film is putting on this summer!

Beginning this Thursday, June 26, Opelika is Film, sponsored by Cottonseed Studios and Opelika Main Street, is putting on three summer films on the Train Depot Lawn in downtown Opelika after sundown. Admission is $1 for adults and free for children under sixteen, so whether you’re looking for a date night idea or something for the whole family to enjoy, Opelika Film Night is for you! 

The first movie is The Princess Bride on Thursday, June 26, 2014. The movie starts at sunset, but there will be plenty of activities, including Frisbee, beginning at 6 p.m. Pack up your lawn chair or a blanket, grab dinner from your favorite downtown restaurant, and settle in to watch the Dread Pirate Roberts battle everything from giants, an angry Sicilian and Rodents of Unusual Size in order to win the hand of his fair Princess Buttercup. 

 The second movie will be Mary Poppins on Thursday, July 17, and the third movie will be The Fantastic Mr. Fox on August 13. 

For more information, visit the Facebook event page at www.facebook.com/opelikaisfilm or call Opelika Main Street at 334.745.0466. 

See you there!

Find Your Flavor - Farmer's Markets in Auburn & Opelika

Red, plump strawberries. Greener than green zucchinis. Sweet, golden honey. Local, fresh, delicious produce everywhere you turn. Welcome to summertime in Alabama – the season of farmer’s markets.

Auburn and Opelika are home to many farmers markets, some seasonal and others year round. 

Alabama has more than 48,500 farms throughout the state, covering about 9 million acres. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, farmers markets have some of the freshest and best produce around because the produce is grown close to where you live. As a result, you have access to more fruits and vegetables at the peak of the growing season, and it’ll taste better because it hasn’t been sitting in a supermarket! You also help the community grow, as locally-owned retailers (including farmers) return more than three times of their sales back to the community as compared to chain competitors according to this infographic.

Here’s where you can go in Auburn and Opelika to taste the goodness for yourself.

Year-Round

These farmers markets are open year-round, and offer plenty of diversity at great prices.

Photo courtesy of Market at Blooming
Colors Facebook page.

Market at Blooming Colors / 1192 S Donahue Dr, Auburn, AL 36832 / (334) 887-0887

The Market at Blooming Colors features fresh Auburn-grown vegetables, including several pepper varieties, watermelons, vine ripened tomatoes and more. They also sell organic blueberries, sweet peaches and shelled peas among other specials! The Market at Blooming Colors is open Monday - Saturday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM and from 10:00 - 6:00 on Sunday.

Parkway Farmers Market / 3829 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801 / (334) 737-2080

The Parkway Farmers Market, across the street from Mandarin House, is one of Auburn and Opelika’s best kept secrets. With plenty of fresh and frozen local produce and Southern favorites like fatback and okra, the Parkway Farmers Market is a must-try market. They also have seasonal plants for sale outside, and have an excellent selection of pumpkins come Halloween! The Parkway Farmers Market is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Opelika Farmers Market / 411 S. 10th St., Opelika, AL 36801 / (334) 705-0010 
Yes, Opelika has a year-round farmers market too! Found in downtown Opelika, this farmers market offers some of the freshest produce in the city. Featuring local and seasonal fruits and vegetables, be sure to stop by for your grocery shopping and to pick up a few delicious treats!


Seasonal Markets

Opelika Main Street Farmer’s Market / Lee County Courthouse Square /
(334) 745-0466

The Opelika Main Street Farmers Market begins on June 3, 2014 at 3 p.m. and goes until the end of the season. Come walk around the square each Tuesday from 3-6 p.m. to find delicious produce like heirloom tomatoes and zucchini. Vendors even sell local honey and homemade ice cream. Depending on the year's crop, the market may continue through September or until produce is depleted. Look for further updates about the end date at opelikamainstreet.com.

The Market at Ag Heritage Park / corner of Lem Morrison and Donahue / (334) 321-1603

The Market at Ag Heritage Park will open the 2014 season Thursday, May 8 at 3 p.m. Find fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables and other goods at the market every Thursday through August 21.

The Market at Ag Heritage Park was started in 2005 and in the years since has become a favorite summertime tradition for the Auburn community. Hosted by the College of Agriculture, The Market features local farmers offering seasonal, fresh-from-the-garden fruits and vegetables, as well as other delicious treats like goat cheese and beautiful cut flowers.

Camp War Eagle 101

Hello new parents and students – welcome to the Auburn Family! We are so glad that your child has chosen to attend the loveliest village on the plains for college, and we are even happier that you chose to visit Auburn with them! Camp War Eagle is exciting and informative, but it can be a little overwhelming. Here’s some helpful hints and tricks for getting through these two days from our intern and current Auburn University student, Rachel!

1. Know that it’s going to be very, very busy (but awesome!)

The best part about CWE is that the excellent staff and counselors give you all of the information that you could ever need about academics, campus life, residence halls, financial services and more. It’s a busy two days, but it will be informative and helpful and fun! 

2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

The whole point of CWE is to become familiar with Auburn. If you have a question about anything, even if you think it’s too specific, ask anyway! Someone will know the answer.  When I went to Camp War Eagle, I had a really weird, specific question about registering for classes in the Honors College. Even though my counselor didn’t know the answer, it only took him two seconds to find someone who did. The CWE counselors are trained specifically to help you, so utilize them. You can always call the Foy Information Desk (remember that from your campus tour?) if you need to. The number is 334-844-4244.

3. Attend the business fair!

I know, at the end of Camp War Eagle you might be completely exhausted and want to head home (or back to your hotel bed!) But you should consider attending the business fair.  The business fair has representatives from companies and organizations from all other the community. There’s lots of freebies, including free food and giveaways. If you visit our table, you can enter to win a semester of free textbooks! We also have information about booking hotels during football season, so stop by!

Additionally, if your student wants to live off campus, many of the apartment complexes have representatives at the fair too. Come visit, enter to win free books and take a look around (and grab some free stuff!)

4. Be prepared to console if your student didn’t get the “perfect schedule.”

One of the most common things I hear about Camp War Eagle is, “I didn’t get the classes I wanted.” Those of us at the Tourism Bureau that went to Auburn remember going to Camp War Eagle and not getting any of the classes we had planned for! Don’t worry – it will not ruin the rest of your college career. You have plenty of time to take the classes you need and registration is SO MUCH EASIER after Camp War Eagle. You are not doomed to 8 a.m. classes forever, I promise.

5. Bring the right stuff with you.

Besides sheets and shampoo, your student also needs to bring his or her completed form for the Medical Clinic! If you don't have it, no worries - you'll just have to send it in once you leave Camp War Eagle. It’ll also make your student's life easier if they’ve taken the Math Placement test – that way they can sign up for the right math class if they need to! If necessary, have them take the Foreign Language Placement Test too. Aigle de guerre! (That's War Eagle in French.)

6. Explore!

Auburn University is great (and, of course, the reason you’re here) but the community has a lot to offer too. Instead of rushing out of town after Camp War Eagle is over, consider staying an extra night and trying out one of our fabulous restaurants (see our Best Bites list here), or checking out the boutiques downtown. Once football season starts, Auburn gets busy! Take this opportunity to enjoy the peace and calm that Auburn prides itself on...on every day except gameday!

7. Practice your “War Eagle!”

If you’re not an Auburn alum, chances are you aren’t used to saying “War Eagle!” yet. That’s ok, because you’re going to get plenty of practice during Camp War Eagle. Don’t be shy about it! You and your student are now a part of the Auburn Family. Just because you aren’t the one attending Auburn doesn’t mean you’re off the hook – whenever my parents wear their Auburn gear (in Colorado!), at least one person will say “War Eagle!”

We are looking forward to having you here! Have fun and don’t hesitate to contact us or the CWE office if you have any questions!

Here are some helpful links and phone numbers:

Camp War Eagle office: (334) 844-4501 

Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau: (334) 887-8747 

Foy Information Desk: (334) 844-4244

Camp War Eagle Website: 

http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/undergrad_studies/fye/cwe/ 

Camp War Eagle Frequently Asked Questions:

http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/undergrad_studies/fye/cwe/faq.html

Summer Camps in Auburn-Opelika

Good news, parents! School is out and summer is in, which means it’s time for camp! Auburn-Opelika has dozens of summer camps available for your kids, whether they are outdoorsy, artsy or just plain antsy! Space is limited, so be sure to register soon.

The pool at the Auburn/Opelika Marriott at Grand National.

Auburn-Opelika Marriott: Soaring Summer  

If your family chooses to stay at the Auburn/Opelika Marriott at Grand National this summer, you’ll have access to the brand new adventure of Soaring Summer! Soaring Summer is part vacation, part summer camp and an all-around affordable getaway for your family. With daily activities that include shows from the Auburn University Raptor Center, pool games, hiking, campfires and live music, Camp Soaring Summer is the perfect reason why your family should consider taking your summer vacation with the Auburn-Opelika Marriott. The kickoff event for Soaring Summer is Thursday, May 8, at 5:45 p.m. with a Raptor Center show at 6 p.m.

For more information and to RSVP, contact Bill Lang at bill.lang@rtjresorts.com.

Auburn University Camps

Auburn University hosts many camps throughout the summer that appeal to many different age groups and interests. Take a look below at some of the camps offered, and be sure to visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summercamps/ 

to see more and to register.

Sports  

If it’s a sport, Auburn University has a camp for it. Check out the main website here for a full listing, but here are some of the main camps offered in June and July. Sports not listed here include tennis, volleyball, lacrosse and more.

Baseball

For the younger children, Auburn University offers the Future Tigers Youth Camp (ages 6-12) in July. For older and more skilled athletes, Auburn Baseball will host the Auburn Baseball War Eagle Exposure Camp for ages 13 through graduated high school seniors. For more information, visit http://www.collegebaseballcamps.com/tigers.

Women’s Basketball

2014 Terri Flournoy Overnight Camp (4^th-8^th grade) in June, Elite Camp (8^th-12^th) in June. For more information visit http://www.auburntigers.com/camps/aub-w-baskbl-camp.html

Football

Camps offered for grades 3^rd and up. For more information visit http://www.auburnfootballcamps.com/.

Golf

Camps offered for boys and girls from ages 9 – high school graduates. For more information visit http://www.auburngolfcamps.com/auburn-tiger-golf-camp.cfm

Soccer

Camps offered for boys and girls for many different ages and skill levels. For more information, visit http://www.auburnsoccercamp.com/.  

Swimming

Swimming camps offered through Auburn Aquatics for boys and girls of varying ages and skill levels. For more information visit http://abcsportscamps.com/auswim. 

Attendees of the Robotics Academy will learn about the emerging science of robotics.
Pictured here is South's BEST, a regional robotics competition.

Educational

Auburn University offers more than 30 educational summer programs, ranging from the hard sciences of engineering to programs like creative writing and debate. Here are a few noted programs, but a full list can be found at http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summercamps/.

Robotics Academy  

Open to rising 7^th-9^th graders, Robotics Academy is a 4-day camp (June 24-27) where students learn more about the emerging science of robotics. Working in teams, students will engage in engineering problems that will end with a competition on the last day of camp. For more information and to register, visit http://www.auburn.edu/academic/cosam/departments/outreach/programs/robotics_academy/index.htm.

World Affairs Youth Seminar (Model United Nations)

Open to rising 10^th-12^th graders, the World Affairs Youth Seminar is perfect for anyone with a passion for politics, debate and social studies. Students will represent countries and use their skills to examine real global issues that affect us today. The camp runs from July 6-11. For more information and to register, visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summerexperience/wa.htm.

Introduction to Cyber Security Engineering

Introduction to Cyber Security Engineer is one of four summer courses offered by Auburn University for high school juniors and seniors. Students will work in the engineering and computer science laboratories and learn the basics of investigating computer crimes. Each student will earn 2 hours of college credit. The program runs from July 6-25, and the program cost of $4,000 covers tuition, books, supplies, housing, dining and transportation. For more information and to register, visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summercollege/cybersecurity.htm.

The Auburn University Theatre Program, which hosts the Musical Theatre Academy.

Arts

Auburn University offers plenty of arts camps for your budding actress, drum major, Project Runway contestant or rock star. A full list can be found at http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summercamps/.

Musical Theatre Academy  (July 6-11)

Designed for rising 9^th-12^th graders, the Musical Theatre Academy is a week-long residential workshop for dance, choir and theatre students. Students will engage in one-on-one guidance from Auburn University Department of Theatre staff and will stage a musical revue at the end of the week. Cost of the Musical Theatre Academy is $635 per person and it includes instruction, housing, meals and recreational activities for the camper. For more information and to register, visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summerexperience/musicaltheatre.htm.

Project Design Week  (July 13-18)

Interested in becoming a fashion designer or interior decorator? Then this is the camp for you. Project Design Week is a fun-filled camp where participants in 9^th-12th grade get to learn the ins and outs of the design industry through hands-on experience. Cost is $645 per person and includes housing, dining and all recreational activities. For more information and to register visit  http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summerexperience/projectdesignweek.htm.

Guitar Workshop (June 27-29)

Designed for ages 10-18, Auburn University’s Guitar Workshop will feature guitar faculty member Joseph Ikner and other guest artists instruct musicians of all skill levels on the guitar. Program cost is $359 and includes instruction, housing, dining and recreational activities. For more information and to register, visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summerexperience/guitarworkshop.htm.

Auburn Parks and Recreation

Auburn Parks and Recreation offers many different summer camp options, including arts and crafts, sports and even therapeutic camps for the disabled. Check out their full listing in their brochure here on page 25! Camps include Superhero Training Camp, Fairy Princess Camp, Summer Dance Camp, and even Irish Dance Camp! Most camps are weekdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.auburnalabama.org/parks/Default.aspx?PageID=670.

Opelika Parks and Recreation

Opelika Parks and Recreation also offers summer camp programs for area kids, including cheer camp, tumbling camp, Art Camp and Opelika Sportsplex Day Camp! Specifics including dates and pricing can be found at http://www.opelika.org/Default.asp?ID=832&pg=Summer+Camps.

One of the presentations given by the Louise Kreher Ecology Preserve.

Forest Ecology Preserve Go Native! Summer Camp

The Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve is hosting multiple summer camps throughout the summer, with programs ranging from 1^st grade to 7^th grade! Each camp is held for one week, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Registration is $100 and includes a daily snack, activities and t-shirt. Membership with the preserve is required. Campers will learn how Alabama’s Native American people lived and prospered in the area. Campers will also learn about the native and invasive plants and animals found there through nature studies, crafts, games, hikes, and more.

The camp for 5^th-7^th graders, held from June 9 -13, is a special Hunger Games Training Camp that is designed to teach campers basic survival skills.

For more information and to register, visit http://wp.auburn.edu/preserve/forest-ecology-preserve-summer-ecology-camp-registration-begins/. 

Weekend Events: A-Day and Bo Bikes Bama (April 18-20, 2014)

If you’re visiting the loveliest village on the plains this weekend, War Eagle and welcome back Auburn alumni and family! We are so glad you’re here to enjoy A-Day with us. There is a lot going on this weekend for both visitors and residents, so be sure to check out some of these other attractions in between throwing (or watching) the pigskin! 

Friday, April 18 

Bo Bikes Bama Silent Auction
6 - 9 p.m. / Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art 
Join Auburn legend Bo Jackson for a silent auction event Friday, April 18, from 6-9 p.m. at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University. Guests will be able to bid on autographed items, as well as mingle with other VIP Bo Bikes Bama riders and fans. Regular tickets are $100 and include hors d’ oeuvres, beer and wine. VIP tickets may be purchased for $250 for access to a private meet-and-greet with Jackson from 6 to 7 p.m. For more information and to purchase a ticket, click here.

AU Baseball vs. South Carolina  
6 p.m. / Plainsman Park
Can’t wait until A-Day to see your Tigers play? Come out to Plainsman Park on Friday, April 18 at 6 p.m. to watch AU Baseball take on South Carolina! The game is presented by Golden Flake, and the first 500 fans will receive a pennant courtesy of Golden Flake! Tickets are $8 and can be purchased online or at the ticket office. 

2nd Annual Spring Fling 
5 p.m. / Pay Dye's Crooked Oaks Farm and Quail Hollow Gardens, Notasulga, Ala.
Want to get away from the craziness of campus? Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences will host its 2nd Annual Spring Fling on Friday, April 18, 2014 at Pat Dye’s famous Crooked Oaks Farm and Quail Hollow Gardens in Notasulga, Ala. Proceeds from this fundraising gala will fund scholarships, program support and educational initiatives in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. - Events, beginning at 5 p.m., include an archery exhibition; live and silent auctions; demonstrations from the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve, Birds of a Feather and the Southeastern Raptor Center and dinner and dancing, with live music provided by Kidd Blue. Dinner will be provided by Conecuh Sausage and the Organized Seafood Association of Alabama. Individual tickets for Friday night’s events are $100 each and can be purchased here, at the door or by calling (334) 844-2791. 

Tiger Trail Induction 
5 p.m. / Auburn Arena
The Auburn Chamber, along with Auburn University Athletics, will induct six new members into the ranks of the Tiger Trail on Friday, April 18, 2014. New inductees include Ronnie Brown, Carnell Williams, Richard Quick, Cleve Wester, Doc Robinson and Megan Rivera. The new class of legends will officially join the ranks of 114 past Tiger Trail inductees during a reception and induction ceremony at the Auburn Arena. Each inductee will be presented with an engraved granite plaque to be placed in the sidewalk of downtown Auburn among the plaques honoring other Auburn greats. Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar begin at 5 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m. - Tickets are $25 per person and the entire community is invited to attend. For more information, call the Auburn Chamber at (334) 887-7011 or email jdodson@auburnchamber.com. 

Saturday, April 19 

A-Day 
2 p.m. (Activities start at 9 a.m.) / Jordan-Hare Stadium
The 2014 football season is officially here! A-Day begins at Jordan-Hare stadium at 2 p.m. Be sure to come early though – there will be a pregame punt and pass contest, locker room tours, an easter egg hunt with Aubie, Fan Fest and more! Tickets are $5 for the general public and free for Auburn students with an Auburn Ignited card. More information about the day’s events and parking can be found here. War Eagle! 

War Eagle Track Invitational
11 a.m. / Hutsell-Rosen Track
Admission is free to the War Eagle Track Invitational at the Hutsell-Rosen Track on Friday, April 18 and Saturday, April 19. Events begin at 2 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday. Here’s a .pdf with the tentative list of track events.

 AU Baseball vs. South Carolina 
4 p.m. / Plainsman Park
Once you’ve watched some football, come on over to Plainsman Park to watch some baseball! The AU Baseball team will play South Carolina for the second time in the series at 4 p.m. The game is presented by Verizon Wireless, and the first 500 fans will receive a free phone charger car adapter courtesy of Verizon Wireless! Tickets are $8 and can be purchased online or at the ticket office. 

Bo Bikes Bama 
7 a.m. / Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art
Bo knows what’s best for his community. On Saturday, April 19, Bo Jackson and hundreds of other riders will bike 22 or 62 miles through Auburn and neighboring counties to raise money for the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund. You can register to ride with Bo and other VIP riders here. The rides begin and end at the Jule Collins Museum of Fine Art. Registration is $40 for the 22 mile ride and $60 for the 62 mile ride. You must provide your own bike and a helmet is required. 

Waverly Old 280 Boogie 
11 a.m. / Standard Deluxe
Time to boogie! The Waverly Old 280 Boogie will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2014 on the grounds of Standard Deluxe from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Musical artists include the Pine Hill Haints, Lydia Loveless and more! Kids get in free. Adult tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. For more information, click here. 

33rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt  
10 a.m. / Kiesel Park
Good news – the Easter Bunny is stopping at Kiesel Park this weekend! More than 30,000 eggs will dot four acres of Kiesel Park this weekend as Auburn Parks and Recreation hosts its 33rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Kiesel Park Saturday morning! The easter egg hunt starts at 10:15 a.m., so be sure to arrive early to find your child’s age group (age groups range from 3 years and under to 12 years old) and to get pictures with the Easter Bunny. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Auburn will be selling hot dogs and hamburgers, so bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic after the hunt. Proceeds from the sales will benefit needy families throughout the community. This event is free to the public and sponsored by Wells Fargo. For more information, click here.

Baby Chicks at Wrapsody 
9/10 a.m. / Wrapsody ( 112 N. College St.)
It’s Easter Season at Wrapsody! All ages are welcome Friday and Saturday to play with baby chicks and ducks to help spread the spring cheer! Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. 




Boogie Some More Party 
9 p.m. / Mama Mocha's
Didn’t get enough boogie-ing in at the 280 Boogie? The band Have Gun, Will Travel will be performing during the “after party” for the Old 280 Boogie at Mama Mocha’s on Saturday at 9 p.m. Presented by This is American Music and Cottonseed Studios. Tickets are $5. To RSVP or for more information, visit the Facebook event page here.

Sunday, April 20 

AU Baseball vs. South Carolina
1 p.m. / Plainsman Park
End your jam-packed weekend with your last chance of the weekend to watch AU Baseball play South Carolina! It’s Family Sunday, so if you buy three tickets you get one free! The team will also sign autographs at the left field wall after the game, and kids 12 and under will be let onto the field to run the bases after the game.

What Does Your Favorite Gameday Tradition Say About You?

A-Day is just around the corner, and that only means one thing - football season is coming! 
And with football season comes tailgating, Toomer's lemonade, seeing the eagle fly and watching your Auburn Tigers dominate the field once again. Choose your favorite gameday tradition and find out below what it says about you - you might be surprised!

1. Rolling Toomer's Corner 
You’re fun, driven and competitive (but in a good way.) Nothing feels as good to you as winning does, and if it’s your Auburn Tigers, even better. You’re most likely to be found throwing the first couple rolls at Toomer’s corner, then snapping photos with you and your friends under the hanging strands, or lining up first to get into the game to get good seats. You’re most likely to be found in a game day score shirt or national championship shirt, or painting up/holding signs with your friends. (Like these kids.) 

2. Getting a Toomer’s Lemonade 
You’re the nostalgic type. Talk of Auburn makes you wish you were back in the good old days. When you come back for game days, you try to relive as much of your time here as possible (including grabbing a sweet Toomer’s lemonade) and remarking on how much the campus and downtown have changed. You believe in Auburn and love it, but cherish the “old” Auburn you remember. (Does anyone hang out in Foy Union anymore?) That doesn’t stop you from having fun, though. You’re most likely to be found at a tailgate and then the game – you wouldn’t miss it for the world. 

3. The eagle flying before the game 
You’re a family man (or woman!) You have very close relationships with the people in your life. Nothing beats hearing your voice join in unison with thousands of other Auburn fans as you watch the eagle soar over the stadium. You’re most likely to be found at the Raptor Center before the game, or walking around campus checking out the tailgates and reveling in the feeling of being a part of Auburn family. You like football season, but the best part of it to you isn’t the game – it’s celebrating Auburn as a whole. 

4. Tiger Walk 
Your middle name is school spirit. You’re fun, dedicated to Auburn and love Auburn football more than anything – in fact, it’s likely that “Auburn” was your first word. You’re bedecked in AU face stickers, your brightest orange and deepest navy, shaker in hand, yelling WAR EAGLE at the top of your lungs. You’re most likely to be found waiting for Tiger Walk to begin (in hopes of getting close enough for a high five from the team) or seeking out Aubie for a picture. 

5. Tailgating 
You’re the life of the party. You know how to take a step back from work/school and just relax, which makes your tailgate the best place to be (no work talk allowed!) You’re more likely to be found reliving your Greek days on Old Row or engaging in a pickup game of football on the grass in between tailgates or relaxing under the shade. You’re more likely to be found in a bright orange Auburn t-shirt, unless you’re feeling fancy - then it’s an Auburn button down and khakis or a gameday dress. 

6. Singing the alma mater after the game 
You’re a traditionalist. You value your Auburn education and overall experience more than our football record, but that doesn’t mean football doesn’t get you excited. You’re more likely to be found in the Special Collections of RBD or grabbing a quiet drink at Avondale Bar and Tap Room. You’re also less likely to be found in a “Gus bus” shirt – more likely a vintage Aubie tee or an old college shirt from when you went to Auburn. 

7. Chanting "Roll Tide" 
You’re a loyal and dedicated fan, family member and friend. Your taste in teams could be better, but no worries – there’s room in the Auburn Family for you, too. (If you can stand to ditch the houndstooth.)

This Weekend: Handball Takes Over Auburn

Club handball player Thomas Barrett talks about the sport of handball.

It’s like basketball without the dribbling, or water polo without the water. 

That’s the best way to describe the sport of handball, a popular international sport that has recently made its home in Auburn, Ala. 

This weekend, Auburn will play host to handball teams from all over the country for College Nationals, a national handball tournament that will allow teams to compete not only against each other, but also for players to compete for a spot on the national USA Team Handball team. 
The Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau is co-hosting the event with the Auburn University Club Handball Team. 

Last year, Auburn University was chosen to host the residency program for USA Team Handball by the United States Olympic Committee. The national team (and hopeful Olympians) live and practice in Auburn, and USA Team Handball hosts open tryouts throughout the year for people to try for a spot on the national team. 

 But not everyone has to try to be an Olympian. 

Maurice Godwin, a doctoral student in the new School of Kinesiology, started Auburn’s club handball team this past year. A few members play on the USA National team, but most are normal students that liked the sport. 

“Hosting College Nationals in Auburn is an honor and a privilege, especially in our inaugural year as a club,” said Maurice. “The players and leadership of USA Team Handball have been an incredible support to our Auburn squad as we’ve made great strides in our first season. We’re looking forward to showcasing the talented athletes and fast-paced action that team handball has to offer to the Auburn and Opelika communities.” 

Representing Auburn will be a select team of local and USA Team handball players, and they will be competing in College Nationals against teams like The United States Air Force, Texas A&M University, West Point and the University of North Carolina. 

The event is free and open to the public, so if you’re interested in learning about a new sport or watching great athletes (and possible future Olympians!), come to Beard-Eaves Coliseum on Friday, April 11 or Saturday, April 13 to watch your Auburn Tigers play the best teams in the country. 

The schedule of teams is posted below.