Graduate by Hilton opens football-inspired hotel in Alabama
Graduate by Hilton has opened its first Alabama location in Auburn, a city renowned for its sports and college culture.
Located steps from Auburn University, the 140,000ft² Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL comprises 177 guestrooms across five floors, 10,000ft² of meeting and event spaces, and two signature F&B offerings.
The property’s interior – courtesy of AJ Capital Partners’ in-house team – design immerses guests in the town’s 187-year history, embracing a culture of American football. Behind the reception desk, a custom installation showcases a football field with a soaring eagle – a reference to local pre-game traditions. Created in partnership with the Auburn University alum and professional athlete, Bo Jackson’s Beans is located adjacent to the reception desk, offering a café and full-service bar. Design elements pay tribute to Jackson’s legacy, including through a hand-carved wood statue of the athlete, as well as barstools that display his football jersey number.
Facing the venue is a public workspace, featuring mismatched textiles and block-printed walls, alongside custom chandeliers made from footballs, baseball bats and gloves. The large table, a staple in all Graduate properties, has been paired with thoughtfully designed light fixtures and comfortable seating.
In guestrooms, an eclectic mix of gingham, stripes and floral patterns in the Auburn University colour palette take centre stage. Nods to celebrated Auburn traditions meanwhile include eagle-inspired sconces that reference the ‘War Eagle’ battle cry and custom headboards depicting an oak tree as a nod to the tradition where fans would ‘roll’ or TP trees following an Auburn football win. A tribute to Auburn’s mascot comes in the form of tiger-print bolster pillows. Guest bathrooms feature custom orange and navy hexagonal tiles and wallpaper portraying Alabama folklore hand-drawn by artist Taylor Rushing.
Located on the hotel’s roof, The War Eagle Supper Club is an indoor-outdoor rooftop bar. The space is a reimagined version of the town’s longstanding War Eagle Supper Club – a local restaurant and venue founded over 60 years ago and popular with generations of Auburn students. Warm paneling and intricate details like adorned stained glass and cast brass accents pay homage to its namesake’s past.
“It was never about whether we wanted to be in Auburn, but always about finding the right site,” comments Ben Weprin, founder of Graduate Hotels and CEO of AJ Capital Partners. “Every Graduate starts with the same foundation – research, tradition and culture – but each outcome is totally different. For Auburn, the result is the physical manifestation of what it means to be an Auburn Tiger. From Bo Jackson’s legacy to the storied traditions of student life on and off campus, like The War Eagle Supper Club, you will feel the magic the second you walk in the door.”
Kevin Osterhaus, President of Global Lifestyle Brands at Hilton, adds: “Auburn is centered around one of the South’s largest universities, so we were constantly inspired by the incredibly engaged alumni network and the even stronger football fan base in town. Our goal was to create a space that pays tribute to Auburn’s people, culture and the enduring legacy that makes this place truly special for guests, students and alumni alike.”
