It is one of the most iconic moments in all of college football: Jordan-Hare’s capacity crowd of almost 90,000 rumbling in unison as a rare eagle is released to free-fly in circles around the stadium, eventually landing mid-field on its leathery pseudo-prey. It’s almost impossible to witness the eagle’s flight and not feel a rush of goosebumps, no matter what colors you're wearing.
Bald eagles, golden eagles, and other birds of prey are part of this tradition, each one cared for and trained at the Auburn University Raptor Center. These birds help open every home game in a display that blends school spirit, conservation, and awe-inspiring beauty.
