On a Friday morning in downtown Auburn, Tiger fans packed out the official Auburn University team store to get their hands on the new Nike Auburn apparel.

After beginning the partnership with Nike on July 1, the products were not available for purchase online and in stores until today, July 25.

With significant fan anticipation and some frustration about the delayed availability of the new merchandise, Auburn put together a full day of festivities for fans to celebrate the Nike era.

“Well, from a timing standpoint, all Nike schools across the country, their product arrives over the period of late June through early July,” Auburn’s Deputy AD for external affairs Rhett Hobart said. “So now when our fans walk in a store like this, you’re able to see really the full suite of product availability, have a great shopping experience, and not have undue frustration because of the natural, normal shipping windows of when things are made available through Nike.”

“Our team did an incredible job, I think, in organizing today, we had a 5K this morning, a yoga event this morning, all in partnership with Nike,” Hobart continued. “Our team store here is fully stocked with merchandise, both in venue and online, as well as numerous retailers across the southeast who are ready to sell Auburn Nike product.”

The team store opened at 8 a.m. sharp with a line of fans wrapped around the entire sidewalk. As the DJ set the tone with morning tunes, staffers allowed customers to enter the store in groups of 20.

Across the street, inflatables were set up for fans, cornhole and breakfast for all the participants in the 5K run.

Inside the team shop, Nike products occupied over half the store. Fans could choose from a wide range of hats, polos, t-shirts and various jackets.

Auburn sophomore Justin Freeman grabbed a few Nike items and is planning to surprise his mom with a long sleeve Nike dri-fit. Freeman purchased a navy Nike tee with a white hoodie for himself to complete his first of many trips to the team store.

“I think it’s better for us because we get more products with Nike. Like, who doesn’t want more of the top brand,” Freeman said. “I really like the Nike tee shirt options more than the Under Armour. It feels like we get unlimited options now.”

Along with some of the original looks featuring just the Auburn logo. There were also some classic tees with the old school Nike font and Auburn logo, giving it a true vintage look.

While many fans were excited about the new designs, for master’s student Parker Stone, the vintage pieces were his favorites.

“Honestly, I love it. I’m a huge Nike fan. I’m super appreciative of Under Armour and how much they have given Auburn,” Stone said. “I feel like when you think of a lot of classic moments, you think of the Under Armour jerseys and all that. But I’m hyped. I think Nike will give Auburn a lot more opportunities, especially with recruits. Like, recruits don’t want to wear Under Armour.”

After 45 minutes of the team shop opening, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony outside the store.

Mayor Ron Anders Jr. was in attendance and had the honors of cutting the ribbon.

“Well, look, this is the time of year that people start getting excited about back to school and football season. Certainly, a new vendor for Auburn’s athletic department and Auburn’s athletic teams brings a new level of excitement to those that follow and care about Auburn University,” Anders told AL.com.

“Nike is a tremendous brand. It is worldwide recognized and now it’s a part of Auburn and they’ve got new ideas and new looks. We hope that everybody that loves Auburn needs to have one of those and that they purchase it right here in our community.”

To close out launch day, Auburn will have student athletes present for an autograph session and an appearance from Aubie the team mascot at the popsicle stands from 3-5 p.m.

Auburn’s team shop will close at its normal time of 5 p.m. and will open back up Saturday at 10 a.m.

“Look, Nike is the pinnacle of brands in college sports, and across the country in pro sports spaces as well,” Hobart added. “So being able to associate two premier brands with Auburn and Nike was a conscious decision for us.

“Now Auburn fans have the opportunity to purchase some of the great Nike merchandise that’s available across the country to many other schools and pro-organizations.”

Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports forAL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3or email him at [email protected].