1892 Iron Bowl

1893-02-22

Birmingham, AL

ALABAMA

22

VS

AUBURN

32

WINNER

Game Summary

The inaugural Iron Bowl was played on February 22, 1893 (counting as the 1892 season). Auburn won 32-22 at Lakeview Park in Birmingham, igniting the passion that would last for centuries.

Decisive Moment

The final whistle of the very first game.

📜

Historical Deep Dive

The Birth of a Rivalry

The very first meeting between Alabama and Auburn took place on February 22, 1893, at Lakeview Park in Birmingham. While technically the final game of the 1892 season, it laid the foundation for the most intense rivalry in college sports.

The Game

Auburn won the historical opener 32-22 in front of a crowd of around 5,000. The game was a high-scoring affair for the era, with Auburn jumping out to a lead they would not relinquish.

Key Stats

Attendance: ~5,000
Auburn Captain: Rufus Dorsey
Alabama Captain: E.B. Shoemaker (1892 season)

Significance

This game established the hostility and passion that would define the Iron Bowl. Even in 1893, the state was divided.