Game Day Parking at Auburn University: What We’ve Learned from Managing Stadium-Sized Crowds

By Arishna Lastinger

Director, Parking Services

Auburn University

At Auburn University, football Saturdays are more than just games—they’re full-scale events that transform our campus and community. With Jordan-Hare Stadium holding over 87,000 fans, Auburn instantly becomes the fifth-largest city in Alabama on game day. Alongside the roar of the crowd and traditions like the Tiger Walk, comes one of the greatest logistical challenges we face: managing parking and traffic for tens of thousands of visitors. Game day at Auburn is unlike a normal campus day. Fans flood in from across the Southeast, bringing with them thousands of cars, RVs, and buses. Unlike a typical weekday where arrivals are spread across hours, most game day traffic surges within just a few hours before kickoff. And once the final whistle blows, the challenge shifts to safely clearing lots and streets while preserving the Auburn experience fans expect.

What Auburn Has Learned:

1. Planning is Year-Round

Our preparations don’t begin the week of kickoff—they begin months in advance. Parking Services works hand-in-hand with Athletics, Auburn Police, Facilities, Transit, and city officials to coordinate permits, tailgating areas, ADA accessibility, shuttle routes, and staffing. This teamwork ensures every moving part is ready when the crowds arrive.

2. Communication Keeps Fans Moving

From interactive parking maps to mobile parking passes and shuttle information, communication is key. Auburn leverages digital tools, websites, and social media to keep fans informed on where to park, how to ride shuttles, and what to expect on arrival. The clearer our messaging, the smoother the flow for everyone.

3. Flexibility on the Ground

Even the best plans need adjustments. Whether it’s a sudden storm rolling through the Plains, a roadway closure, or a last-minute surge in traffic, our teams adapt quickly. Reroute strategies are always in place, ensuring we can pivot without disrupting the fan experience.

4. Safety First, Always

With tailgating, heavy pedestrian areas, and packed streets, safety is at the core of our operations. Our staff work closely with Auburn Police and emergency services to keep fans safe, manage crosswalks, and ensure vehicles and pedestrians move efficiently in shared spaces.

5. Parking is Part of the Auburn Experience

Game day parking isn’t just logistics—it’s part of the tradition. Whether fans are greeted by a friendly parking attendant, find clear signage, or hop on a shuttle that gets them close to the action, the first and last moments of their Auburn game day often happen in our lots. We want those moments to reflect the same hospitality and pride that define Auburn football.

Game day doesn’t just stop at Jordan-Hare’s gates. Local neighborhoods, businesses, and emergency services all feel the impact. Auburn’s success comes from strong partnerships with the City of Auburn and surrounding agencies, ensuring that both fans and residents can navigate game day with minimal disruption.

As Auburn continues to embrace technology—like license plate recognition systems, mobile-first permitting, and dynamic signage—we’re building on our SEC-tested experience to make game day parking smarter, safer, and more fan-friendly. One thing remains constant: the commitment to making every Saturday on the Plains as smooth and enjoyable as possible for the Auburn Family.