We are just a few days away. Three days stand between us and the start of many’s favorite time of the year. The sights, the smells, the tastes and certainly the sounds are all on the way.

College football, and specifically Auburn football, will soon be upon us.

Tens of thousands will make their trek to the Loveliest Village on the Plains this weekend. Some will begin coming today or tomorrow. (I have now been in school for three years at Auburn and have no idea as to what major or degree allows fans to come in their RV’s on Thursday and stay until Monday. I’m certainly jealous though.)

Wednesday begins to make excitement soar. The white tailgate tents are almost set up. First the big ones, then the smaller ones. As a result, the green space becomes a lot more cluttered and students navigate through the rain hopping from tent to tent. 72 hours away.

On Thursday, the RV’s will begin arriving. Consequently, traffic will pick up. Restaurants are slightly busier than usual. Almost all the tents are done; tables and coolers are out under each. 48 hours away.

On Friday, students hardly pay attention. As a result, they hardly take notes or answer questions and most professors are sympathetic as to why. As they drag from class to class, they begin to see random Auburn fans in tailgate chairs with tape, stakes as they claim their spots. They see families walking on the concourse with parents showing their kids what was here “back when I was in school.” And finally, that last class of the long week ends. Students rush to their apartments, houses and dorms. The weekend they’ve been waiting a long winter, spring and summer is here.

It’s Friday night and the small city of Auburn is full and buzzing. Fans solidify their predictions and make their plans to get together again tomorrow. While they are doing the smart thing, some, like yours truly, can hardly sleep. It’s “Christmas Eve” on the Plains and the beginning of a season with new hopes and dreams is 24 hours away.

Saturday morning arrives. With a night kickoff this weekend, the sights, smells and sounds of game day in Auburn are in full force. Police officers are directing traffic, showing fans where they are allowed to park and where they aren’t. Tailgate grills and “Grillmaster Dads” are fired up and preparing for a full lunch. Furthermore, the Auburn Arena opens. Fans dream of basketball, walk through the Hall of Fame and get their new gear for this season. 10 hours away.

Rod Bramblett and his crew kick off their first Tiger Tailgate Show of the season. The “Voice of the Auburn Tigers” gets fans all the more excited for the beginning of a new season. They break down the opponents’ game plan of how they’ll attempt to thwart our Tigers. And they stress the importance of several things the home team needs to do to give Jordan-Hare Stadium a victory. As a result, they end up just as excited as the rest of us. 3 hours away.

Auburn fans have been clamoring to line the gates set up down Donahue Drive. From the wall of Plainsman Park all the way to the gates of the south end zone, fans are scrambling to get a glimpse of their favorite coaches and players. Mom and Dad are waiting to hug their son. The 85-year old alumni are waiting to give their well wishes to the head coach – and probably their last minute advice. In addition, there is the young boy attending his first Auburn game who just wants a high five from the quarterback. The little girl wants to show the pretty cheerleaders her matching uniform. And most of all, all in attendance want to see their favorite tiger, Aubie. 2 hours away.

Once Tiger Walk has concluded, fans head to their designated gate. They get to go in. After months, they finally are walking the concourses and aisles again. The same stadium where Nix floated one to Sanders, where Brodie was sacked (and sacked and sacked…) and where Chris Davis ran it back 109 yards. Fans are back inside the hallowed halls of Jordan-Hare. 1 hour away.

The booming voice over the PA system comes to life announcing what all (fans for or against Auburn) inside the stadium want to hear. Fans turn their attention to the flag pole for a “special presentation that is uniquely Auburn.” Chill bumps fill the stadium as the eagle makes a lap around the stadium. In unison, Jordan-Hare fills with “Waaaaaarrrr….. Eagle! Hey!” 15 minutes away.

The band starts to come out of the tunnel and line up on the edge of the end zone. They’re marching in place awaiting the signal of their drum majors. The iconic Auburn men and women twirl their maces before throwing it into the heart of Pat Dye Field. They march down the field to the tunes of “War Eagle,” “Glory to Ole Auburn” and then play our country’s anthem. 10 minutes away.

Finally, the hype videos are over and the waiting is a thing of the past. The band creates the Auburn interlocking logo. The smoke machines turn on and this year’s Auburn Tigers take the field. 5 minutes away.

And consequently, the season will begin. The Auburn Family will be together again cheering on young men and women who embody the Auburn Creed and look to represent their university. Welcome back to Jordan-Hare Stadium, welcome back to the Loveliest Village.

And furthermore: Welcome Back Home.

Featured image via Clint Richardson