Aubie the Tiger was first depicted in 1959. Birmingham Post-Herald Phil Neel artist created the tiger illustration for the football game program against Hardin-Simmons University. The Aubie cartoon appeared on game programs for much of the next 18 years. Auburn won the first nine games in which Aubie appeared on the cover and would compile a 23-2-1 home record over the next six years.

Aubie came to life in 1979. In Birmingham at the SEC Tournament, Aubie made his first in-person appearance and helped first-year coach Sonny Smith’s Tigers upset Vanderbilt. Aubie returned for the next game, as Auburn and Georgia would battle for four overtimes – the longest SEC Tournament game – with the Tigers coming out on top. Auburn was the 9th-seeded team in the Tournament but ended up making the tournament semifinals. And Aubie was there for every game of the run.

Aubie continues to make appearances at athletic events, community events around the state, and much more throughout the year. Aubie has won a record 11 mascot national championships.