Stadium Culture: College Athletics and the Making of Place in the American College Town

Big-time college sports have helped to shape the character of many college towns in the United States. Stadiums and arenas tower over campuses and are often the most conspicuous buildings around. Tens of thousands of fans descend upon towns for games. Such regular pilgrimages are economic boons and can leave a permanent imprint on the landscape and local way of life. This study investigates the ways in which college sports can shape college towns using a single town, Auburn, Alabama, as an example. A typical football weekend in Auburn is depicted. The historical development of Auburn University athletics and the parallel growth of the town is examined. Finally, the contemporary significance of sports in Auburn is evaluated.