AUBURN, Ala. (WTVM) – For the second time in program history, the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball team is headed to the Final Four. On Wednesday, the Tiger community sent the team off with a reverse Tiger Walk.
Auburn entered the NCAA Tournament as the number one overall seed, and will face a familiar opponent in San Antonio. The Tigers will meet No. 1 Florida on Saturday, April 5.
On a memorable and historic day for Auburn University, the No. 1 ranked Auburn Tigers basketball team was sent off to the Final Four in a way unlike any other. Known for their passionate fan base and traditions that have become iconic in the world of college sports, Auburn put a unique twist on one of their most cherished rituals: the Tiger Walk.
Typically, the Tiger Walk is an event where fans line the streets of Auburn’s campus to cheer on their team as they make their way to Jordan-Hare Stadium for home football games. It’s an emotional, electric experience, with the players walking through a sea of fans, high-fiving and interacting with those who support them. This tradition symbolizes the unity between the team and its loyal supporters, showcasing the bond that makes Auburn athletics so special.
However, for this particular send-off, Auburn decided to reverse the Tiger Walk to mark a historic occasion. The men’s basketball team, having defied expectations throughout the season, was now on the cusp of a monumental achievement: their first-ever trip to the NCAA Final Four. To celebrate this accomplishment, the Tigers wanted to show their appreciation to the fans in a way that also honored the tradition of the Tiger Walk but with a fresh twist.
The reverse Tiger Walk had a deep symbolism. Instead of the team walking toward the stadium, the players, coaches, and staff made their way in the opposite direction—toward the Auburn Arena where the team would board their buses to head to the airport. The fans, of course, were still present, lining the route, but the moment was made even more special as it felt as though the fans were sending their heroes off on the biggest stage of college basketball.
As the players and coaches walked through the streets, there was an electric buzz in the air. The noise was deafening. The crowd chanted and cheered, waving signs, wearing Auburn gear, and holding up their phones to capture the moment. For the players, this moment was more than just a departure; it was a reminder of how far they had come and how much support they had from their community.
The energy was palpable, and it was evident that the Auburn family was united in its excitement for what lay ahead. The Tigers had already made history by reaching the Final Four for the first time, but this event showcased something deeper: the collective pride that the Auburn family shared for its team. The fans were there to send them off with hope and belief, understanding that they had achieved something special. The reversal of the traditional Tiger Walk was the perfect metaphor for how Auburn was now viewed: a team that had defied odds, upended expectations, and was making history every step of the way.
The players, too, were visibly moved by the outpouring of support. For many of them, this was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The reverse Tiger Walk was a celebration of their hard work, determination, and unity as a team, but it was also a tribute to the dedicated fans who had supported them from day one. As the players boarded the buses, there was no doubt that this send-off would be etched in their memories forever.
Ultimately, the reverse Tiger Walk wasn’t just a fun departure—it was an affirmation of the bond between the Auburn basketball team and its fans, a bond that was sure to inspire the Tigers as they made their way to the Final Four in hopes of claiming even greater glory.