Corner Block Party kicks off in downtown Auburn morning of A-Day game

This year's A-Day at Auburn University on April 18 will feature a Corner Block Party in downtown Auburn. Block party festivities will begin at 10 a.m. with a Kids Zone on North College Street and will continue following the A-Day football game with a dedication of the new Auburn Oaks and a concert at College Street and Magnolia Avenue.

Presented by the Downtown Merchants Association, activities for children will include a super slide, a triple-play inflatable sports game and a rock climbing wall until 2 p.m. Parental supervision is required. The cost is $5 for unlimited play and proceeds benefit Downtown Auburn.

At noon, the Auburn University Bookstore tent will open on Samford Lawn and feature the first product line from the previous Auburn Oaks trees as well as officially licensed Auburn Oaks merchandise and other Auburn products. The tent will remain open until 6 p.m. Fans can pick up A-Day 2015 buttons while supplies last and also enjoy free face painting until 4 p.m.

The A-Day game in Jordan-Hare Stadium will begin at 1 p.m. Those attending the spring game should note that the Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum parking lot will remain closed until kickoff.

A ceremony to dedicate Samford Park Plaza and the new Auburn Oaks will be held at 5 p.m. Special guests include Thom Gossom Jr., actor, author, communications consultant and Auburn Alumnus; Auburn Athletic Director Jay Jacobs; Head Football Coach Gus Malzahn; and Head Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl. The Auburn University Marching Band, Cheerleaders, Tiger Paws and Aubie will be part of a spirit rally.

The concert portion of the evening will start at 6 p.m., with Nick Jonas taking to the stage at the intersection of College Street and Magnolia Avenue. His performance will be followed by Nelly and Kesha.

College Street from Thach Avenue to Tichenor Avenue and Magnolia Avenue from Wright Street to Gay Street will be closed to vehicle traffic starting at 6 a.m. Saturday.

The Auburn City Council gave approval for the downtown area to become an entertainment district during this event; however, bottles and coolers will not be permitted. Please help keep Auburn beautiful by utilizing waste and recycling receptacles.

The Corner Block Party is presented in partnership with Auburn Airwaves, University Program Council, Auburn Athletics, City of Auburn, Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, Office of Development and the Auburn Alumni Association.