This week, while most cities are focused on Thanksgiving and Black Friday sales, Birmingham residents – and the state of Alabama – will be adorning the streets in the University of Alabama’s crimson and white and Auburn University’s blue and orange. Team flags will be flying, vehicles will be decorated and the whole state will be chanting two of the most sacred terms in Alabama. On Saturday, November 25, the Iron Bowl takes place at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, and is sure to be one of the most memorable games in college football history, as both teams have their season on the line. At Harris Doyle Homes, where the climate is usually relaxed and the owners, Brooks Harris and Russ Doyle, are not only business partners but best friends, tensions also rise. For just a few days out of the year, these two colleagues are on opposite sides of the office. Brooks attended the University of Alabama, while Russ went to Auburn University. Both fans are passionate about their teams, which is part of what makes the rivalry so intense and important to them. “We have a divided office,” said owner Russ Doyle. “This year, company wide, whoever loses will have to wear the opposite team’s shirt. Our office is pretty much split down the middle, with the exception of one Mississippi State fan.” It’s no secret that the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers appear near the top of any ranking of rivalries. The Iron Bowl series, the annual matchup between the two teams during college football’s rivalry week, earned its name following years of matchups in a neutral site – right here in Birmingham, a city known for its production of iron. The rivalry began in 1893 when the teams met here for the first time. Today, the Iron Bowl alternates between the two teams’ home stadiums, Tuscaloosa’s Bryant-Denny Stadium on even years and Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium on odd years. Alabama has won the last three Iron Bowls, beating Auburn 30-12 at Bryant-Denny Stadium last season, 29-13 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in 2015 and 55-44 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2014. Alabama (10-0, 7-0 SEC) will be trying to win the division and play for the SEC Championship for a fourth straight year, while Auburn (8-2, 6-1 SEC) will be looking to return to the conference title game for the first time since 2013. “We’re excited for the big game after our close win over Mississippi State,” said Brooks Harris. “The Iron Bowl is always a close game, no matter how good each team’s season has been to date. Needless to say, both sides will be on pins and needles at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Roll Tide!” While Brooks and Russ do come from rivalry teams, as business partners, they have a thriving and successful company. Building in both the Birmingham and Auburn area, Harris Doyle currently has six communities with homes available, two of which are brand-new! To learn more about Harris Doyle Homes, contact us online.