Photo by Keith McCoy
City of Hoover Iron Bowl
Auburn fans Rod Long and Melinda Lopez and Alabama fans Kim Marlin and Brittany Toole.
The University of Alabama and Auburn University are inching closer to the 2013 Iron Bowl, and this year’s game is shaping up to be another of the rivalry’s many memorable contests. 280 Living went to the city of Hoover to find out on which side of the fence some are sitting, and what they think about this year’s matchup.
Melinda James Lopez
Age: 43
Position: Director of Information Management and Reporting
Tide or Tigers: Tigers
Number of Iron Bowls attended: I have not attended many – because it always falls around Thanksgiving and I am usually in Kentucky with family.
Favorite memory: Three games stand out. First is the first Iron Bowl played in Auburn in 1989. I was a freshman at Auburn and I sold my tickets to go home and do something with a friend of mine. What was I thinking? Next was in 2007. My father passed away later that night from an unexpected illness the day after Thanksgiving. It put the game into perspective, and for that it is a favorite memory – but I do still love Auburn football! Finally, when Auburn was down at the half in 2010, I never doubted we’d get a win to continue on for the National Championship! Other great memories are all of the Iron Bowl food gatherings we have held at the City where employees wear their colors and bring a dish.
2013 Iron Bowl prediction: Auburn Tigers. We will get better each week, and I am always confident in an Auburn win. And I hope Alabama is undefeated when it happens.
Where will you be for the game? Probably 158 Happy Ridge Spur, Pleasureville, Ky., which means I will sell my four tickets.
What will you do when your team wins? Realize my prediction was right and eat some pumpkin pie. There is a reason why pumpkins are orange!
Kim Marlin
Age: 49
Position: Horticulturist
Tide or Tigers: Tide
Number of Iron Bowls attended: eight
Favorite memory: My favorite Iron Bowl memory was watching Van Tiffin make "The Kick" at Legion Field. The fans went crazy! My favorite all time memory was attending the National Championship game in New Orleans. After spending several days amid overly confident LSU fans, the Tide didn't even allow them to score! It was awesome! Roll Tide!
2013 Iron Bowl prediction: Alabama
Where will you be for the game? Either tailgating in Auburn or watching on the TV in North Carolina with family.
What will you do when your team wins? Our celebrations always involve lots of cheering and lots of food!
Brittany Toole
Age: 28
Title: Events Assistant
Tide or Tigers: Tide
2013 Iron Bowl prediction: Alabama 34-14
Number of Iron Bowls attended: One
Favorite memory: Beating Auburn 36-0 in the 2008 Iron Bowl. Roll Tide!
Rodney Long
Age: 61
Title: City Engineer
Tide or Tigers: Tigers
2013 Iron Bowl prediction: Alabama is ranked No. 1 in the country for a good reason. They are the best team at this point. Auburn continues to improve and should be able to compete on Nov. 30. Auburn 34-31.
Number of Iron Bowls attended: Approximately 25
Favorite memory: The first Iron Bowl played on home turf in 1989.
