Bobby Bowden Legacy Auction Set for 2026: A Rare Chance to Own a Piece of College Football History
Florida State fans, college football historians, and memorabilia collectors-mark your calendars. One of the most anticipated sports estate auctions in recent memory is on the horizon. The Bobby Bowden Legacy Auction, tentatively scheduled for March 2026, will offer fans a unique opportunity to connect with the life and legacy of one of the sport’s most iconic figures.
From game-worn memorabilia to personal keepsakes, and even the longtime Bowden family home in Tallahassee, this auction isn’t just about items-it’s about storytelling. It’s a chance to own a piece of college football history, directly tied to the man who helped put Florida State on the national map.
A Coach. A Home. A Legacy.
The Bowden name is synonymous with Florida State football. Over his legendary career, Bobby Bowden built the Seminoles into a powerhouse, earning national titles and the admiration of fans across the country. Now, his family is opening the doors-literally and figuratively-to share that legacy with the public.
At the heart of the auction is the Bowden family’s Killearn Estates home, where Bobby and his wife Ann settled back in 1976. That home, along with the memorabilia and personal items inside it, will be made available to bidders around the world.
Veteran auctioneer Mark Manley of Wiregrass Auction Group, based in Thomasville, Georgia, is overseeing the process. Manley, who has worked closely with the Bowden family, emphasized that this isn’t just about selling items-it’s about honoring a legacy with care and respect.
“This is about making sure the transition is handled thoughtfully, fairly, and with respect,” Manley said.
How the Auction Will Work
While the idea of an online auction for a sports legend’s estate might sound complex, the process is designed to be simple, transparent, and accessible. Here’s how it will unfold:
Two Dedicated Online Hubs
The auction will feature two separate landing pages-one for personal property and memorabilia, and one for the real estate. Each page will serve as a central hub, offering clear details on auction dates, terms, and how to register.
For a legacy of this scale, clarity is key. The aim is to ensure every bidder-from longtime FSU fans to seasoned collectors-has equal access to information.
Pre-Auction Prep: Cataloging the Memories
The Wiregrass team has already been on-site at the Bowden home, carefully sorting, cataloging, and photographing each item. The goal? Give bidders time to browse and learn the stories behind the items before bidding begins.
Whether it's a signed football, a championship ring, or a personal memento from Bowden’s coaching days, each item will be presented with context-so bidders know exactly what they’re going after.
Easy, Secure Registration
Bidders will register online using a credit card, a step designed to keep the process smooth and secure for both buyers and sellers. Bidding will take place on the Wiregrass Auction Group website and through their mobile app, available on both the App Store and Google Play.
And the app isn’t just a bidding tool-it’s a full-featured companion for the auction. Users can:
- Save favorites for quick access
- Get notified when they’ve been outbid
- Place pre-bids before the auction officially opens
This setup gives bidders the flexibility to engage at their own pace-no need to hover over a screen all day.
Every Item Starts at $10
To encourage participation from fans of all backgrounds, every item will open at a modest $10 starting bid. From there, the market will take over. That means whether you're a diehard FSU fan or a casual collector, you’ve got a shot at taking home something meaningful.
A Two-Week Bidding Window
Rather than a single-day event, the auction will run for 14 days, giving everyone the chance to participate on their own schedule. No pressure to be in front of a screen at a specific time-just a fair window to explore, bid, and win.
The “Soft Close” System
To ensure fairness, the auction will use a “soft close” format. If a bid is placed in the final moments before an item is set to close, the clock will automatically extend. This gives other bidders time to respond-no one wins just by clicking faster.
“That’s important in a legacy auction,” Manley said. “It ensures no one wins simply because they clicked faster at the last second. Everyone has a fair opportunity.”
In-Person Previews
While the auction is online, multiple open houses are planned for those who want to view the Bowden home and selected items in person. For memorabilia of this caliber, being able to see it up close adds a layer of trust and connection that photos alone can’t provide.
Honoring Bowden’s Values
At every turn, this auction is being shaped by the same values that defined Bobby Bowden himself-fairness, clarity, and respect. Whether you’re bidding on a game ball, a piece of furniture from the Bowden home, or the home itself, the process is designed to honor the family’s legacy.
“There’s nothing hidden,” Manley said. “The process is structured, transparent, and designed to honor the family and the legacy involved.”
As preparations continue, select items from the Bowden collection are being previewed on Wiregrass Auction Group’s official social channels, offering fans an early look at what’s to come.
For Florida State faithful and college football fans everywhere, this is more than an auction-it’s a celebration of a life and a legacy that shaped the game. Come March 2026, the story of Bobby Bowden won’t just be remembered-it’ll be shared, one item at a time.