Auburn breaks ground on Jordan-Hare North Project

AUBURN, Ala. – With symbolic shovels of dirt, Auburn University leaders formally broke ground Thursday on the Jordan-Hare North project, the largest capital project in Auburn Athletics and Jordan-Hare Stadium history.

“The Jordan-Hare North Project demonstrates how Auburn can thoughtfully invest in facilities that enrich campus life while supporting excellence in athletics,” Auburn University President Dr. Chris Roberts said. “It is an example of how we can build spaces that serve multiple purposes, bring people together in meaningful ways and enhance the Auburn experience for current and future students. 

“Auburn has always been defined by a commitment to progress while remaining true to who we are. This project embodies that spirit. It honors our history, serves our current students and positions the university for an even stronger future.”

Scheduled for full completion in the spring of 2029, the seven-level, 300,000-square-foot structure will add more than 3,000 new and expanded premium experiences to Jordan-Hare Stadium’s north end zone.

A joint endeavor between Auburn Athletics and the Division of Student Affairs, the project will also feature versatile conference and event spaces, retail venues, student activity spaces, and meeting rooms for year-round use. 

“The Board of Trustees is proud to support a project that advances the university’s mission while creating lasting value for all,” Board of Trustees President Pro Tempore Jimmy Sanford said. “It reflects our confidence in the trajectory of Auburn University and our commitment to providing facilities that support excellence in every aspect of campus life. Ultimately, this groundbreaking serves as a pivotal moment in our history and demonstrates that when we invest in our facilities, we invest in our people.”

Athletics director John Cohen noted the stadium’s history of expansion and renovation since its opening in 1939.

“In 1977, after Coach Jordan had retired and was serving on the Board of Trustees, the Board faced a big decision whether to expand Jordan-Hare Stadium by adding an upper deck to the west side,” Cohen said. “The vote was controversial. As David Housel tells the story, ‘We weren’t filling up what we had.’

“With the fate of the expansion in the balance, Coach Jordan said, ‘Having great confidence in the future of Auburn football, I cast my vote, Yes!’

“With Coach Jordan’s support, the vote passed and the West Upper Deck opened in 1980. Under Coach Pat Dye’s leadership, thanks to Bo Jackson and so many others, those new stands quickly filled to capacity. And the rest is history.”

One of the former Tigers who helped Coach Dye’s Auburn teams win three consecutive SEC championships from 1987-89, trustee Quentin Riggins, listened from the front row. 

Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Bobby Woodard shared how Jordan-Hare North will accommodate Auburn’s 580 student organizations. 

“Our students want to be here. They want to participate. They want to lead, gather, celebrate and be part of something,” Woodard said. “Our responsibility is to give them places worthy of that energy. That is why Jordan-Hare North matters so much to Student Affairs.

“We are taking one of the most recognizable places at Auburn — a place already defined by connection, tradition and shared experience — and making it part of students’ everyday lives in an entirely new way.”

From its opening in 1939 to its transformation into one of college football’s signature stadiums, with 23 consecutive sellouts and a capacity of 88,043, Thursday’s ceremony was the latest in a storied history of investment in Auburn students and student-athletes.

“Every time Auburn has expanded or renovated this iconic venue, it’s a vote of confidence in the future of Auburn football,” Cohen said. “The Jordan-Hare North project not only shows confidence in the future of the football program, but also confidence in the future of Auburn University.”

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer