Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama vs Auburn

The name 'Iron Bowl' originated in 1964 when the game was played annually at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. Birmingham was historically known as the 'Pittsburgh of the South' due to its massive iron and steel industry. From 1948 through 1988, every Iron Bowl was played at Legion Field, which served as a neutral site despite being closer to Tuscaloosa. The name stuck even after the game moved to a home-and-home format starting in 1989, with games alternating between Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn. Legion Field hosted its final Iron Bowl in 1998, but the 'Iron Bowl' name remains the official designation for this rivalry game.

Alabama leads the all-time series 50-37-1 through the 2023 season. The Crimson Tide's advantage has grown significantly during Nick Saban's tenure, which began in 2007. However, the series has seen multiple momentum swings throughout its history. Auburn won six consecutive games from 2002-2007 under Tommy Tuberville. Alabama responded with nine straight victories from 1973-1981 under Bear Bryant. The 1980s and 1990s were more balanced, with each team winning five games per decade. Since 2000, Alabama holds a 16-8 advantage, largely due to Saban's 12-4 record in the matchup. The single tie occurred in 1907, when the teams played to a 6-6 draw.

The Iron Bowl is played annually on the last weekend of the regular season, typically the fourth Saturday in November, though it occasionally falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving. The location alternates yearly between Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa (capacity 100,077) and Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn (capacity 87,451). Alabama hosts in odd-numbered years, while Auburn hosts in even-numbered years. This home-and-home arrangement began in 1989 after decades of playing exclusively at Legion Field in Birmingham. The game typically kicks off between 2:30 PM and 6:30 PM Central Time, with CBS and ESPN alternating broadcast rights. The 2024 game is scheduled for November 30 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

Iron Bowl tickets are among the most difficult to obtain in college football. Season ticket holders at both universities receive first priority, and many families pass down season tickets through generations specifically to maintain Iron Bowl access. Single-game tickets rarely become available through official university channels. The secondary market through StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek typically sees prices ranging from $300 for upper-deck seats to over $2,000 for lower-bowl seating. Prices fluctuate based on team rankings and championship implications. Student tickets are allocated through each university's student ticket lottery system, with demand far exceeding supply. Both schools require students to have attended earlier home games to qualify for Iron Bowl ticket lottery entries. For official ticket information, check the University of Alabama and Auburn University athletics websites directly.

The 'Kick Six' refers to the 2013 Iron Bowl's final play, considered one of the greatest moments in college football history. With the game tied 28-28 and one second remaining, Alabama attempted a 57-yard field goal. The kick fell short of the crossbar, and Auburn's Chris Davis caught the ball in the end zone. Realizing he didn't need to down it for overtime, Davis returned the missed field goal 109 yards for a touchdown as time expired, giving Auburn a 34-28 victory. The play knocked top-ranked Alabama out of national championship contention while propelling Auburn to the SEC Championship and BCS National Championship game. Play-by-play announcer Rod Bramblett's call of 'There goes Davis! Davis is gonna run it all the way back! Auburn's gonna win the football game!' became iconic. ESPN later ranked it as the greatest play in college football history.

The Iron Bowl series was completely suspended for 41 years from 1907 to 1948 due to a dispute over expense payments and player eligibility rules. The Alabama state legislature actually had to intervene to resume the series, passing a resolution in 1947 that pressured both universities to renew the rivalry. Since resuming in 1948, the game has been played every year without interruption, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 Iron Bowl proceeded as scheduled on November 28, though with reduced capacity at Bryant-Denny Stadium. This 75-year streak of consecutive games since 1948 makes it one of the most consistent annual rivalries in college football. No weather delays or postponements have occurred since the series resumed.