10 Reasons Why Tuscaloosa Is Better Than Auburn

I was raised in Phenix City, Alabama. That’s about 30 minutes from Auburn. Most of my high school friends went to Auburn University. I chose the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

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If you were given the option of living in Tuscaloosa or Auburn, which would you choose? I think I know the answer to that already. If you have to make that decision and you’re undecided, I present 10 reasons why I know Tuscaloosa is better than Auburn.

1. Bryant-Denny vs. Jordan-Hare

Auburn has Jordan-Hare Stadium. Tuscaloosa has Bryant-Denny Stadium. One is a football stadium. The other is where over 100,000 people gather to yell at the same time and somehow believe the players can hear every word. The stadium cosmetics at Bryant-Denny are way superior to Jordan-Hare. 

Advantage: Tuscaloosa.

2. We’ve got a river

I don’t mean the radio station. Although I do like that station. Tuscaloosa has the Black Warrior River. It’s beautiful, it’s relaxing, and it’s right in the middle of town. Auburn has… well, trees. Lots and lots of trees. I’m not saying that’s bad. I’m just saying you can’t float down a river through Auburn. Plus Tuscaloosa has the beautiful Riverwalk. So beautiful in the Fall.

Advantage: Tuscaloosa

3. Game day

Game day in Tuscaloosa isn’t something you attend. It’s something you experience. The traffic gets crazy. Hotels fill up. Restaurants get packed. RVs appear from nowhere. Crimson and white take over the city. It’s college football in the best sports city in America. USA Today said we are the second best. But not to Auburn.

Advantage: Tuscaloosa

4. The elephant in the room

Tuscaloosa has an elephant. Auburn has an eagle and a tiger. We’re not going to question Auburn’s commitment to collecting animals. Call PETA. Big Al gets the mascot nod.

Advantage: Tuscaloosa

5. The barbecue argument

Both towns have good food. We’re willing to give Auburn that one. But Tuscaloosa has a barbecue tradition that goes way beyond feeding hungry college students. Around here, barbecue isn’t just lunch. It’s practically a food group. So much good bbq in Tuscaloosa, but Dreamland and Archibald’s are world-famous. I mean, sopping that white bread in that Dreamland sauce is like a religious experience.

Advantage: Tuscaloosa

6. Downtown Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa’s downtown has restaurants, bars, shops, entertainment, and the river nearby. You can eat dinner, catch some live music at Temmerson Square, and take a walk along the water without ever needing to leave the area. Plus, concerts at the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater.

Advantage: Tuscaloosa

7. We have more than football

Here’s where Tuscaloosa sometimes gets overlooked. Yes, Alabama football is larger than life, but Tuscaloosa also has manufacturing, restaurants, arts, outdoor recreation, history, and a growing business community. Mercedes-Benz alone puts Tuscaloosa on the map for more than college football. Auburn does have a Buc-ee’s. I’m still bitter about that one.

Advantage: Tuscaloosa

8. The Crimson Tide has history

You don’t have to be an Alabama fan to recognize the significance of the Crimson Tide. National championships. Legendary coaches. We had the GOAT Nick Saban. And he still has a house here. And of course we claim Miss Terry. Legendary players. Legendary games. Auburn remains the little stepbrother when it comes to football heritage. Not even close.

Advantage: Tuscaloosa

9. Tuscaloosa has personality

Auburn has a certain charm. They say. All that loveliest village on the plains BS. Tuscaloosa has swagger. There’s a difference. Tuscaloosa feels like a city that knows exactly who it is.

Advantage: Tuscaloosa

10. And then there’s the most important reason…

It’s Tuscaloosa. Maybe it’s the river. Maybe it’s the food. Maybe it’s the people. Maybe it’s walking around campus on a Saturday morning and knowing something big is about to happen. Or maybe it’s simply hearing thousands of people yell“Roooooolllll Tide!”

Tuscaloosa wins. Sorry Auburn. Not even close.