As far as big game atmospheres go, Jordan-Hare Stadium is often brought up among the loudest.

The stadium holds just under 90,000 fans and empty seats are rare. When it’s time for a big game, especially against Alabama or Georgia, the atmosphere seems to go up a level.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian experienced that environment when he was the offensive coordinator at Alabama, and he gave Auburn fans high praise for the atmosphere created at the Iron Bowl.

“When you’re at Alabama and you go to Auburn, probably the toughest place to play in the country,” Sarkisian said. “It’s one of the loudest things I’ve ever heard.”

The response came after Sarkisian was asked about how the Red River Rivalry between Oklahoma and Texas compares to the Iron Bowl.

Despite praising the atmosphere at Jordan-Hare Stadium for the Iron Bowl, Sarkisian called the Red River Rivalry the best rivalry he’s ever been a part of.

“That’s to take nothing away from the Iron Bowl because that’s amazing too,” Sarkisian said, “But different because it goes back and forth, home game to home game.”

The question was raised after Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold was asked a similar question earlier in the day about the two rivalries. Arnold started his career at Oklahoma, also giving him the perspective of both sides, despite not yet playing in an Iron Bowl.

His perspective dealt mainly with the year-round aspect of the rivalry, something he’s already getting a taste of at Auburn.

“OU-Texas, there’s a lot of hate,” Arnold said, “But I feel like the people here just cannot stand Alabama. It’s unbelievable…

“I feel like if you mention Alabama here, somebody would look at you funny. We even have a rule in our facility; you can’t wear red in our facility at all. If you do, you lose points and you have to do updowns.”

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m