College Football Gamedays in Mississippi
Mississippi State University | Starkville
The Tradition
MSU fans celebrate the Bulldog’s advances with none other than the cowbell. The origins of this tradition are arguable, but one thing is certain: the cowbell is here to stay. BYOC (Bring Your Own Cowbell) to the game. The Lodge sells cowbells in varying sizes and styles. Please remember to #ringresponsibly and abide by the rules. Pro tip: You may want to bring earplugs to the game.
What to Wear
Even if it’s a white out or black out weekend, State fans always sport a little of their school’s signature color – MAROON.
The Souvenir
Don’t miss the MSU Cheese store, or officially the “MAFES Sales Store.” The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Dairy Manufacturing plant creates several products, including the big red balls of MSU’s famous and delectable Edam cheese, the ultimate souvenir from Starkville.
The Off-Campus Place to Be
Popular among university students, the Cotton District comes alive for pre- and post-game fun. Check out Bulldog Burger Co., Little Dooey‘s barbeque or Two Brothers Smoked Meats for budget-friendly, locally owned fare. If libations are in order, Bin 612 is a favorite Cotton District spot.
The Team Tradition
Two hours before the start of the game, make your way to the Junction, a pedestrian park chock full of tailgating tents and Bulldog fans, for the Dawg Walk. Football players, coaches and mascot “Bully” proudly walk through the Junction to Davis Wade Stadium.
Ole Miss | Oxford
The Tradition
Vaught-Hemingway stadium may house the main event on game day, but the action begins and ends at The Grove. You’ll marvel at the chandeliers, antique silver platters and flat screen TVs glowing under otherwise unassuming tailgate tents. Pro tip: Bring a cup of your own or a red or blue Solo cup.
The Chant
If you’ve never heard the Hotty Toddy chant before the game, you’ll know it by heart after an hour in The Grove. It’s the only appropriate response to “Are you ready?!”
What to Wear
This is not your T-shirt-and-jeans crowd. Ole Miss fans have been known to dress to the nines, as in designer dresses, high heels, sport coats and ties. To play it safe, dress for a night out on the town.
The Team Tradition
Ole Miss football players and coaches begin their traditional journey to Vaught Hemingway stadium by way of a brick sidewalk bisecting The Grove. Known as the “Walk of Champions,” the fan favorite begins about two hours before kickoff, and fans crowd both sides of the walkway to cheer on the Rebels.
The Off-Campus Place to Be
The courthouse square is Oxford’s epicenter. Game days transform the busy town square into Oxford’s upscale version of Bourbon Street. Square fixtures like City Grocery, Ajax Diner and Bouré offer fans a superb repast. Visit the Burgundy Room above City Grocery Restaurant to enjoy a drink and spot famous Mississippians who frequent the watering hole.
Southern Miss | Hattiesburg
Tailgating Style
Spirit Park is the center of the action on campus. Largely populated by Southern Miss students, Spirit Park features a free pregame concert prior to each home game. Fans and family can enjoy a more relaxed setting near The District, the All-American Rose Garden or the Dome.
The Chant
Do the letters SMTTT mean anything to you? “Southern Miss To The Top” is the battle cry of the Golden Eagles. Be prepared to see “SMTTT” scrawled on everything from koozies to onesies on game day. Remember, when someone yells, “Southern Miss,” the only acceptable response is, “To The Top!”
What to Wear?
Dressy casual is the standard on gameday, and always in school colors. So when the time comes to cheer the Golden Eagles, black and gold are the colors of choice for your team.
The Off-Campus Place to Be
For taste of Hattiesburg on gameday, check out Glory Bound Gyro directly across from the stadium. For Downtown options, Southern Prohibition Brewing serves “Gold Rush,” an American Lager created in partnership with the University, while the Keg & Barrel features a selection of 120-plus beers. For a meal try Crescent City Grill, Ed’s Burger Joint, El Rayo, and the Mahogany Bar on Hardy Street.
Alcorn State University | Lorman
Tailgating Style
Bring your appetite. To display agricultural roots, Alcorn State University tailgates offer a huge and varied spread of Southern delicacies. Perennial tailgate favorites such as barbeque, burgers and hotdogs are common. You’ll also see spaghetti, fried fish and “junk pots,” large boiling pots of sausage, seafood, corn, chicken and other items spiced to perfection. The beautiful rural campus offers ample green space for children and adults to play.
What to Wear
Purple and gold. The ubiquitous team colors extend to nearly everything for a tailgate including plates, napkins and cutlery. The accessory of choice: a purple and gold pompom. You practically can’t cheer for the Braves without one.
The Team Tradition
You’ll hear the cheers in the Spinks-Casem Stadium. Home to the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite marching band, songs like “Brave Spirit” and “Funky Stuff” pump up the crowd. Also, don’t miss the team bursting into the stadium through the giant Alcorn inflatable.
The Off Campus Place to Be
If possible, save a little room for the buffet at the Old Country Store in Lorman, open each day until 4 p.m. Famous for “Mr. D’s” fried chicken, this restaurant has been featured on “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” series on the Food Network.
Delta State University | Cleveland
The Mascots
Delta State University’s official mascot is the Statesman and its unofficial mascot is the Fighting Okra, created in the 1980s by students with a sense of humor who thought the Statesman was not particularly frightening. To marry the two mascots, the slogan “Respect the Statesman. Fear the Okra” was born. You’ll see the slogan in a variety of places on game days.
What to Wear
Casual attire and T-shirts depicting one or both of DSU’s mascots are perfectly acceptable on game days.
Tailgating Style
Cleveland, MS The Levee, an area on the West end of Horace L. McCool Stadium is the new spot to tailgate at DSU. The athletics department rents picnic tables to tailgating groups, who bring their own spread of food complete with lots of Southern fare, including the divine Mississippi Sin Dip. At the end of every game, win or lose, the football team gives high fives to everyone along the fence of the stadium.
The Off-Campus Place to Be
For a snack/meal/libation pre- or post-game, check out Hey Joe’s for burgers and craft beer or Airport Grocery for authentic Mississippi Delta hot tamales as well as barbeque. Both restaurants have a music-centric vibe.
Jackson State University | Jackson
The Tradition
Five words: Sonic Boom of the South. Jackson State University’s nationally recognized marching band, paired with the Prancing J-Settes, make for a do-not-miss halftime show. Pro tip: Take your breaks during a lull in the game. There is no lull in the halftime performance.
What to Wear
Blue and white rule a Jackson State game. You can’t go wrong wearing an official JSU t-shirt, preferably one proudly displaying the Tiger mascot.
Tailgating Style
Starting Friday night before home games, you can already smell the salivation-inducing scent of barbequed meat on huge smokers outside of Veteran’s Memorial Stadium. On Saturday, pork, chicken, sausage, steaks, ribs and even freshly fried fish are the fare of the day. To score decent parking, always arrive early to JSU games.
The Off-Campus Place to Be
One of Jackson’s most eclectic areas, the Fondren district offers fans shopping, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, art galleries and more all within walking distance from the stadium.
