Mississippi College Football Gameday Guide: Traditions, Tailgates, and Off‑Campus Hotspots

Mississippi State University | Starkville

1. The Tradition
The iconic cowbell has become a staple of Bulldog enthusiasm. Bring your own cowbell—BYOC—to ring responsibly and keep the excitement high. The Lodge offers a range of styles; earplugs are recommended for maximum enjoyment.

2. What to Wear?
Whether the sky is white or black, State fans proudly don maroon to show allegiance.

3. The Souvenir
Visit the MSU Cheese Store, officially the “MAFES Sales Store.” The campus dairy produces the famous red Edam cheese—an ideal, delicious memento.

4. The Off‑Campus Place to Be
The Cotton District buzzes before and after games. Try Bulldog Burger Co., Little Dooey’s BBQ, or Two Brothers Smoked Meats for hearty fare. Bin 612 offers a popular spot for drinks.

5. The Team Tradition
Two hours pre‑kickoff, fans head to the Junction, a pedestrian park full of tents, for the Dawg Walk. Players, coaches, and the mascot “Bully” traverse the path to Davis Wade Stadium.

Ole Miss | Oxford

1. The Tradition
While Vaught‑Hemingway Stadium hosts the main event, the pre‑game action unfolds at The Grove. Chandeliers, antique silver platters, and flat‑screen TVs set an elegant backdrop. Bring a personal cup or a classic Solo cup.

2. The Chant
The Hotty Toddy chant becomes second nature in The Grove. Responding with “Hotty Toddy!” after “Are you ready?” is a must‑do.

3. What to Wear?
Dress to impress: designer dresses, high heels, sport coats, and ties are common. Treat game day like a night out in town.

4. The Team Tradition
Players and coaches begin their “Walk of Champions” on the brick sidewalk of The Grove, drawing cheers from fans on both sides of the path.

5. The Off‑Campus Place to Be
Oxford’s courthouse square transforms into an upscale Bourbon Street on game days. City Grocery, Ajax Diner, and Bouré provide top‑tier dining, while the Burgundy Room above City Grocery offers cocktails and a chance to spot local celebrities.

Southern Miss | Hattiesburg

1. Tailgating Style
Spirit Park hosts a free pre‑game concert each home matchup. Fans gather near The District, the All‑American Rose Garden, or the Dome for a relaxed, festive atmosphere.

2. The Chant
SMTTT—Southern Miss To The Top—is the Golden Eagles’ battle cry. Expect “SMTTT” on koozies and onesies; when someone shouts “Southern Miss,” reply with “To The Top!”

3. What to Wear?
Dressy‑casual in black and gold keeps fans in sync with team colors.

5. The Off‑Campus Place to Be
Glory Bound Gyro sits directly across from the stadium. Downtown options include Southern Prohibition Brewing’s “Gold Rush” lager, Keg & Barrel’s 120‑plus‑beer selection, Crescent City Grill, Ed’s Burger Joint, El Rayo, and the Mahogany Bar on Hardy Street.

Alcorn State University | Lorman

1. Tailgating Style
Tailgates showcase Southern comfort foods—barbecue, burgers, hotdogs, spaghetti, fried fish, and “junk pots” bursting with sausage, seafood, corn, and chicken—reflecting the university’s agricultural roots.

2. What to Wear?
Purple and gold dominate; plates, napkins, and cutlery echo team colors. A pompom in matching hues is the ideal accessory.

3. The Team Tradition
The Sounds of Dyn‑O‑Mite marching band performs at Spinks‑Casem Stadium, with songs like “Brave Spirit” and “Funky Stuff” energizing the crowd. The team’s entrance via a giant inflatable Alcorn further amplifies excitement.

4. The Off Campus Place to Be
The Old Country Store offers a buffet, famous for “Mr. D’s” fried chicken—featured on the Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.”

Delta State University | Cleveland

1. The Mascots
DSU’s official mascot is the Statesman; the unofficial “Fighting Okra” adds humor. The slogan “Respect the Statesman. Fear the Okra” appears prominently on game days.

2. What to Wear?
Casual attire with shirts featuring the Statesman or Fighting Okra is perfectly acceptable.

3. Tailgating Style
Levee, a section on the west side of Horace L. McCool Stadium, hosts DSU tailgates. Picnic tables are rented, and Southern favorites like Mississippi Sin Dip are served. After every game, players high‑five fans along the fence.

4. The Off‑Campus Place to Be
Hey Joe’s offers burgers and craft beer; Airport Grocery delivers authentic Delta hot tamales and barbecue. Both venues boast music‑centric atmospheres.

Jackson State University | Jackson

1. The Tradition
JSU’s nationally acclaimed marching band and the Prancing J‑Settes deliver a halftime show that’s hard to miss—there’s no pause in the performance.

2. What to Wear?
Blue and white dominate; an official JSU t‑shirt featuring the Tiger mascot is ideal.

3. Tailgating Style
From Friday night, the scent of barbecue fills the air outside Veteran’s Memorial Stadium. Saturday brings pork, chicken, sausage, steaks, ribs, and fried fish. Early arrival ensures better parking.

4. The Off‑Campus Place to Be
The eclectic Fondren district offers shopping, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and art galleries—all within walking distance from the stadium.