AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) – A chaotic scene unfolded Saturday morning outside Neville Arena as Auburn University students rushed to secure spots for the highly anticipated basketball game between No. 1 Auburn and No. 6 University of Tennessee.
A stampede erupted when the student line opened, leaving multiple people injured ahead of the 7:30 p.m. tip-off on Saturday, Jan. 25. The AU Family Facebook page posted a video of the chaos: AU Stampede.
The university had canceled its traditional Jungle Village campout earlier in the week, citing extreme weather conditions. The campout, a beloved tradition, allows students to secure prime seating through an organized, gradual process. Instead, the university announced that the student line would officially open at 6:30 a.m., just 30 minutes before arena doors opened.
When the line opened, chaos ensued. Witnesses reported students bypassing security and barricades, trampling others, and disrupting those who had lined up in an orderly fashion, all in a desperate attempt to gain entry.
“Some young girl got trampled and when our son stopped to help her his foot got stuck in barricade and he was nearly trampled as well. She had a leg fracture from this non-sense. And he lost his place in line for helping someone in need,” said Scott Griffin.
Jennifer Wood Adams, Ph.D., executive director of public affairs, addressed the incident, stating, “On-site medical staff reported a few minor injuries which were addressed locally by EMS.”
News 2’s sister station, WRBL, reached out to Auburn police, who said no serious injuries or broken bones were reported by officers on the scene. Authorities did say one student was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. However, students on the scene described the injuries as serious.
“There were numerous bloody noses, and some people broke bones. It was scary. Was at front of the line and didn’t get in because of this,” said Eli Swindle.
The university confirmed students who arrived before the broadcast and after the initial chaos were admitted and issued wristbands for Saturday’s game.
“Auburn is reviewing feedback and video footage from the line to develop plans for future games to ensure student safety,” Adams added.
With Auburn basketball continuing to draw national attention, students and fans are calling on the university to implement stricter safety measures to prevent similar incidents at future games.
