The 2026 college football season begins early this year as the Auburn Tigers travel to Atlanta to meet the Baylor Bears in a Week 1 showdown. The matchup is set for Saturday, September 5, at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time in Mercedes‑Mercedes Stadium, the NFL‑level venue that also hosts major concerts and events.
Game details and ticket options
Fans can purchase tickets now, with the cheapest seats priced at $94. Those who want a closer view of the action can opt for lower‑level seats, which start at $168. The game will be broadcast nationally on ABC, giving supporters across the country a chance to watch the Tigers and Bears compete.
Team outlooks
Auburn enters the season as the heavy favorite. The Tigers, led by first‑year head coach Alex Golesh, look to build on last year’s opening‑week victory over Baylor, a 38‑24 win that set a positive tone for the program. Golesh’s inaugural season carries high expectations from the Auburn fan base, which hopes the team will climb the national rankings.
Baylor, meanwhile, will be led by transfer quarterback DJ Lagway. The Bears are not expected to be a “rollover” target for Auburn, but they will aim to prove themselves against a strong opponent and improve on their previous season’s performance.
Preseason rankings
In the latest preseason polls, Auburn did not break into the Top 25, though the Tigers received 29 votes in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and sit at No. 32 in the CBS Sports ranking. Baylor received no votes in the Coaches Poll and is listed at No. 53 in the CBS Sports ranking. Both programs will look to exceed those expectations as the season unfolds.
Why the game matters locally
While the contest takes place in Atlanta, the game has a strong following among fans in Alabama, Texas, and the broader Southeast. Local businesses in the Atlanta metro area anticipate increased traffic to nearby restaurants, hotels, and retail establishments on game day. For families and church groups looking for a wholesome weekend outing, the event offers a family‑friendly environment in a modern stadium.
How to secure tickets
Tickets are available through the official ticketing platform linked from the article source. Buyers should act quickly, as early‑season games often sell out fast, especially for the lower‑level sections. Prices are subject to change, and additional fees may apply at checkout.
Looking ahead
The Auburn‑Baylor game marks the first of many exciting contests on the 2026 college football calendar. Fans can expect a full slate of games throughout September, with additional opportunities to support their teams both in‑person and via television broadcasts.
For updates on ticket availability, game day logistics, and related community events, stay tuned to local news outlets and the official athletic department communications of both universities.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
