The Iron Bowl isn't just a game. It is a state-wide secular religion, and missing the opening kickoff is basically a sin in the state of Alabama. Whether you're heading to the Plains or the Capstone, or just hunkering down with a massive plate of wings, the first thing you need to know is what time is Alabama Auburn game so you don't miss a single second of the madness.
Timing for this specific rivalry is famously fickle. Because it is the crown jewel of the SEC's rivalry week, the TV networks (usually ABC or ESPN these days) guard the kickoff time like a state secret until about two weeks before the game.
The 2026 Iron Bowl Schedule
For the upcoming season, mark your calendars for Saturday, November 28, 2026.
The game returns to Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. While the exact television window is typically confirmed in mid-November, the Iron Bowl almost always occupies one of two high-profile slots. You're either looking at the traditional 2:30 p.m. CT (3:30 p.m. ET) afternoon window or the high-octane 6:30 p.m. CT (7:30 p.m. ET) primetime slot.
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Honestly, the "night" Iron Bowl has become way more common lately. In 2025, we saw a rare 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff at Jordan-Hare Stadium—the first time the game went under the lights since 2014. If both teams are ranked or if there are major College Football Playoff implications, expect the 2026 edition to follow that primetime trend.
What Time Is Alabama Auburn Game: Why the Schedule Shifts
It’s all about the "TV Window." The SEC’s media rights deal with Disney means ABC and ESPN get first pick of the best games. The Iron Bowl is almost always the "Gold Game" of the week.
If the afternoon slot is occupied by another massive rivalry—say, the Egg Bowl or a high-stakes Georgia game—the Iron Bowl moves to the night. Conversely, if the network wants that beautiful afternoon sunlight hitting the stadium for a "traditional" feel, they’ll stick with 2:30 p.m.
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- Check the 12-day window: The SEC usually announces the exact time 12 days before kickoff.
- The 6-day "Six-Day Selection": Occasionally, if the standings are messy, they wait until the Sunday before the game to announce the time.
- Check the "Flex": Sometimes games are "flexed" between ABC and ESPN based on the week’s previous results.
Watching from Home or the Tailgate
If you aren't among the 100,000+ lucky enough to be inside Bryant-Denny, you’ve got plenty of options. The game will be broadcast on ABC or ESPN. For the cord-cutters, you can stream it via the ESPN app, but you'll need a cable login or a service like FuboTV, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV.
Radio is still a huge deal in the South. If you’re stuck in traffic on I-59 or grilling outside the stadium, you can catch the legendary calls on the Crimson Tide Sports Network or the Auburn Sports Network. Chris Stewart has taken over the mic for Bama, while Andy Burcham handles the play-by-play for the Tigers.
Real Stakes and Historical Context
The Iron Bowl is rarely "just" about bragging rights. In 2025, Alabama entered the game with their playoff lives on the line, barely escaping with a 27-20 win. Auburn, led by interim coach D.J. Durkin and freshman standout Deuce Knight, nearly pulled off the upset of the decade.
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For 2026, the stakes are likely to be just as high. Kalen DeBoer's Alabama squad is expected to be a heavy contender in the expanded 12-team playoff format. For Auburn, a win in Tuscaloosa isn't just a season-maker—it's a recruiting tool that can flip the script for the entire program.
Planning Your Game Day
If the game kicks off at 2:30 p.m., you want to be at your destination by 11:00 a.m. Traffic in Tuscaloosa on game day is a nightmare. Period.
If it's a 6:30 p.m. kick, you’ve got all day to soak in the atmosphere. The "Walk of Champions" at Alabama usually happens about two hours and 15 minutes before kickoff. It’s a must-see if you’re on campus.
Pro-Tip for Travelers: If you're coming from out of town, book your hotel in Birmingham or Meridian. Tuscaloosa hotels are usually booked out three years in advance for Iron Bowl weekend, and when they aren't, they cost more than a used car.
To stay updated on the official announcement for what time is Alabama Auburn game, keep a close eye on the official SEC Sports website or the team-specific "Roll Tide" and "Auburn Tigers" apps starting the second week of November. Once the time is set, sync your clock and get the yellow hammers or lemonade ready.