Iron Bowl

The Iron Bowl is the annual college football game between the University of Alabama and Auburn University, one of the best-known rivalries in American sports [1][2]. The teams first met on February 22, 1893, at Lakeview Park in Birmingham, where Auburn won 32–22 [1][2]. Wikipedia credits Auburn coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan with coining the name in 1964, a nod to Birmingham’s iron and steel industry [2].

Early years and the hiatus

Both schools fielded their first football teams in 1892 [1]. The teams first met on February 22, 1893, before an estimated crowd of 5,000; the schools disagreed over whether the game closed Alabama’s 1892 season or opened Auburn’s 1893 season [1][2]. A 1907 tie was the last game until 1948; the series was suspended for 41 years over disputes about player per diems and officiating [1][2].

Resumption at Legion Field

On August 15, 1947, the Alabama legislature passed a resolution asking the schools to resume play, and in 1948 presidents Ralph Draughon of Auburn and John Gallalee of Alabama agreed to meet [1]. The game was played at Legion Field in Birmingham from 1948 to 1989 [1][3]. Alabama won the first renewed game 55–0 on December 4, 1948, still the largest margin in the series; Auburn upset Alabama 14–13 in 1949 [1][2]. Auburn began hosting its home games at Jordan-Hare Stadium in 1989, and Alabama moved its home games to Tuscaloosa starting in 2000, with Auburn winning the first game there 9–0 [2][1].

Famous games

Auburn won 40–0 in 1957, a result that helped it win the national title [1]. In 1972 Auburn trailed 16–3, blocked two Alabama punts and returned both for touchdowns to win 17–16, giving rise to “Punt Bama Punt” [1][2]. In 1981 Alabama won 28–17, Bear Bryant’s 315th victory [1]. Van Tiffin’s 52-yard field goal gave Alabama a 25–23 win in 1985 [1]. In 2010 Auburn rallied from 24–0 at halftime to win 28–27, the largest comeback in the series [2]. In 2013 Auburn beat top-ranked Alabama 34–28 when Chris Davis returned a missed field goal for a touchdown as time expired, known as the “Kick Six” [2]. Alabama won 55–44 in 2014, the highest-scoring game, and 24–22 in four overtimes in 2021 [1][2]. In 2023 Alabama won 27–24 on a fourth-and-31 touchdown pass [2].

Records, locations and trophy

EOA lists Alabama ahead 50–37 with one tie, while Wikipedia, with later games, lists 52–37–1 over 90 meetings; the games have been played in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery and Auburn [1][2]. The game has been nationally televised since 1981 except 1993, when Auburn was on probation [1]. The Omicron Delta Kappa Cup was first sponsored in 1948 and named in 1978 for James E. Foy V; it is presented at halftime of the schools’ basketball game [1]. See Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers.

FAQs

Why is it called the Iron Bowl? Birmingham was a major iron and steel city, and the name is credited to Shug Jordan in 1964 [2].

What is the largest margin? Alabama’s 55–0 win in 1948 [2].

Sources

1. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Iron Bowl
2. Wikipedia: Iron Bowl
3. Wikipedia: Legion Field

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 10, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue