The Night the Barn Burned: LSU-Auburn's 1996 Barn Burner Game
Updated: Sep 16
Quick answer
The 1996 LSU-Auburn “Barn Burner” was LSU’s 19-15 win at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 21, 1996, played while Auburn’s nearby Sports Arena burned. The surreal scene and LSU victory made the game one of the rivalry’s most enduring stories.
On September 21, 1996, LSU and Auburn played one of the strangest games in SEC history. While the Tigers battled inside Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn's old Sports Arena was burning just outside it.
The scene became unforgettable. Flames lit the sky. Smoke drifted near the stadium. And LSU left with a 19-15 victory in a game that would forever be remembered as the Barn Burner.
Correction
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly listed the game date and winner. The 1996 LSU-Auburn game was played September 21, 1996, and LSU won 19-15.
The setup
LSU entered the game 2-0. Auburn was 3-0. The rivalry already had plenty of edge, but nobody knew the night was about to produce one of the most bizarre backdrops in college football history.
The fire begins
During the game, Auburn's old Sports Arena caught fire. The building sat close enough to Jordan-Hare Stadium that the flames and smoke were visible to fans inside. The spectacle was impossible to ignore, even while the football game continued.
LSU wins 19-15
The game itself was a fight. LSU quarterback Herb Tyler scored on a 2-yard run, Wade Richey added a field goal, and the Tigers did enough to hold off Auburn 19-15 in front of 85,214 fans.
The combination of a close SEC game and an actual building fire next to the stadium gave the night its permanent nickname.
Why the Barn Burner still matters
Most rivalry games are remembered for a score, a star player or a championship consequence. The Barn Burner survives because the entire scene felt surreal. LSU and Auburn were playing a major SEC game while a landmark beside the stadium burned to the ground.
It became part of the mythology of LSU-Auburn, alongside the 1988 Earthquake Game, the 2006 defensive struggle and the 2007 finish in Baton Rouge.
The 1996 LSU season
LSU went on to finish 10-2 in 1996, one of the strongest seasons of the Gerry DiNardo era. The Auburn win became one of the signature victories of that team.
FAQ
When was the LSU-Auburn Barn Burner Game? September 21, 1996.
Who won? LSU defeated Auburn 19-15.
Why is it called the Barn Burner? Auburn's old Sports Arena caught fire beside Jordan-Hare Stadium during the game.
Sources: LSU Athletics official 1996 box score and season records.
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