Thousands of fans will spill into Beard-Eaves Coliseum tonight for the nationally televised basketball game between Auburn and Alabama. Of course they won't be there for basketball. Everyone knows that round-ball is an after thought on the Plains.
The real reason fans will be there will be to celebrate the school's Iron Bowl victory over Alabama back in November. That's right. Tradition says the winning team celebrates its football victory during halftime of its home basketball game with the other school.
Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville, along with some of his players will be presented the Iron Bowl trophy by none other than the Alabama Student Government Association. It's a tradition that was started back when Alabama was still competitive in football.
Tonight, those brave students from Tuscaloosa will make their fifth consecutive visit to Auburn to present the trophy. It's always a sight to see. And even after five in a row, it still doesn't get old.
For Tigers basketball coach Jeff Lebo, it's a chance to "(see) what it's like to be at North Carolina and to play the likes of Duke or Maryland," says Birmingham News columnist Ray Melick in today's paper.
A sellout crowd is expected tonight. However, there are still plenty of good seats available for Auburn's next home game with top-ranked Florida on Saturday.
