Bronze Brilliance: Auburn to Immortalize Bruce Pearl with Statue Near Jordan-Hare Stadium’s Iconic Tiger Walk
In a momentous decision that highlights his transformative impact on Auburn University athletics, the school has announced it will honor head men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl with a statue outside Jordan-Hare Stadium near the legendary Tiger Walk. The tribute is a powerful and symbolic gesture recognizing Pearl’s role in elevating Auburn basketball to national prominence and his influence beyond the hardwood.
Pearl, who took over the Auburn men’s basketball program in 2014, has completely rewritten the team’s legacy. Prior to his arrival, Auburn basketball had limited success on the national stage. But under Pearl’s leadership, the Tigers not only returned to the NCAA Tournament spotlight—they made history. In 2019, he led Auburn to its first-ever Final Four appearance, thrilling fans with a Cinderella run that included victories over blue-blood programs like Kansas, North Carolina, and Kentucky. That run was not just a high point for the basketball program—it was a defining moment for Auburn athletics as a whole.
Beyond wins and trophies, Bruce Pearl’s presence at Auburn has re-energized the university community. Known for his passionate courtside energy, his commitment to player development, and his deep connection to Auburn’s culture, Pearl has become a beloved figure among fans, alumni, and students. Whether rallying the Jungle—the school’s fervent student section—or representing Auburn in charitable causes, he has embodied what it means to be part of the Auburn family.
The decision to place Pearl’s statue near Jordan-Hare Stadium is also symbolic. The Tiger Walk is one of the most hallowed traditions in all of college sports, where fans line up hours before kickoff to cheer on their football team. Situating the statue in such a prominent location sends a strong message: Bruce Pearl’s contributions are not confined to basketball—they are part of the broader fabric of Auburn athletics.
Auburn University President Christopher B. Roberts and Athletic Director John Cohen both expressed admiration and gratitude for Pearl’s tenure. “Coach Pearl has not only brought unprecedented success to our basketball program, but he has also elevated the spirit and pride of the entire Auburn community,” Roberts said. “This statue is a permanent testament to the legacy he is building.”
Pearl, in his typical humble style, deflected attention back to his players and staff. “This is really about Auburn and our team. I’m grateful for the chance to coach here and to be a part of something bigger than myself,” he said during the announcement.
Construction of the statue is expected to begin later this year, with a formal unveiling planned for the start of the next basketball season. For Auburn fans, it will be a moment of reflection and pride—a bronze symbol of a coach who turned dreams into reality and inspired a new era of excellence.
With this statue, Auburn ensures that Bruce Pearl’s contributions will be remembered for generations, cementing his place among the university’s all-time greats.
