On this day in Alabama history: Auburn and Alabama play football for first time
Before it was formally known as the "Iron Bowl" and played in the fall at Legion Field, Alabama and Auburn met for the first time on the football field in Birmingham's Lakeview Park in February 1893. (UA Athletics)
February 22, 1893
The University of Alabama and Auburn University football teams played for the first time in Birmingham’s Lakeview Park before a crowd of 5,000. The matchup, which Auburn won 32-22, occurred only a year after both schools fielded teams for the first time and kicked off an annual series that lasted until 1907. After the state Legislature passed a resolution in 1947 requesting that the schools play, the rivalry’s modern era began the following year and soon came to be called the Iron Bowl, a term coined by Auburn coach Shug Jordan. Alabama leads the all-time series 45-35-1.
Read more at Encyclopedia of Alabama.
For more on Alabama’s Bicentennial, visit Alabama 200.
