Birmingham, Alabama, August 28, 2025

News Summary

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is enhancing its flight services for the college football season, catering to fans traveling for the Auburn vs. Baylor season opener. Airlines are introducing new nonstop routes to support fans attending home games, with flight schedules aligning with game days. The upcoming match promises excitement as Auburn aims for a successful season and potential bowl game. Tailgating advice is shared to enhance the experience for attendees, emphasizing early arrival for prime spots and utilizing special services for convenience.

Birmingham Airport Expands Flights for College Football Season as Auburn Prepares for Season Opener Against Baylor

Birmingham, Alabama – As college football season kicks off in Alabama, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is enhancing its flight services to accommodate fans traveling for away games, particularly for the highly anticipated opener between Auburn and Baylor on August 29. Alongside flight expansions, Auburn’s hopes for a prosperous season are reigniting excitement among fans.

The addition of special flights comes as airlines such as American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines respond to the demand from sports enthusiasts wanting to attend games. Flights will typically leave Birmingham on Fridays before game day, with returns set for the following Sunday. United Airlines is introducing three new nonstop routes specifically for Alabama’s home games against Wisconsin, Tennessee, and LSU, while Delta Air Lines is similarly adding nonstop services for games against those teams and Oklahoma.

The forthcoming matchup sees Auburn facing Baylor at McLane Stadium in Texas. A victory could pave the way for Auburn to re-enter bowl season, eyeing its first College Football Playoff eligibility this year. Projections by USA TODAY Sports suggest that if victorious, Auburn could meet Virginia Tech in the Birmingham Bowl on December 29 at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, marking the Tigers’ third appearance in this bowl.

Tailgating, a pivotal aspect of the college football experience, is heavily favored by fans. Recent graduates and sports experts have shared insights into successful tailgating strategies, advising fans to arrive early to secure good spots, particularly at larger schools like Alabama and Auburn. The Quad tailgate supply drop-off opens for a 15-minute unloading period along Colonial Dr on the west side of the Quad for game day convenience. Additionally, The Tailgate Guys, established by Auburn alumni, offer guaranteed white tents to enhance the tailgating experience.

Auburn’s previous bowl history adds weight to this season’s expectations. The Tigers last participated in the Birmingham Bowl in 2021, with their most recent victory against Memphis in 2015, when they triumphed with a score of 31-10 and Jovon Robinson was named MVP. Fans are now optimistic for a strong season ahead as games prepare to commence.

Flight Expansion Details

• Airlines involved: American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines
• Expanded routes:
• Nonstop routes to Birmingham for Alabama’s home games against: Wisconsin, Tennessee, LSU.
• Nonstop flights for Alabama games against Oklahoma as well.
• Operation days: Flights typically depart Birmingham on Fridays and return on Sundays.

Auburn Football Season Outlook

• Season opener: Auburn vs. Baylor on August 29 at McLane Stadium.
• Potential bowl game: Probability of facing Virginia Tech in the Birmingham Bowl on December 29.
• Previous encounters: Auburn defeated Virginia Tech in the 2004 Sugar Bowl, with a score of 16-13.

Tailgating Tips

• Arrival: Fans should arrive early for the best tailgating spots.
• Drop-off details: Quad tailgate supply drop-off opens for 15 minutes along Colonial Dr.
• Supplies: The Tailgate Guys offer guaranteed white tents for fans during games.

Background Context

The excitement surrounding college football in Alabama is deeply ingrained in the culture, with fans looking forward to enjoying tailgate parties filled with camaraderie and good food. Historically, Auburn has had significant appearances in various bowl games, and the prospect of returning to bowl season this year has reinvigorated fans and players alike.

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Additional Resources

• WBRC News
• Auburn Wire
• AL.com News
• Vanderbilt Commodores
• ABC 3340 Sports
• Wikipedia: College Football
• Google Search: College Football Season 2025
• Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
• Google News: College Football
• Google Scholar: College Football

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The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.