Mississippi fans have some of the best tailgates in the country
on The Grove, seen here before a home game.
Petre Thomas / The Daily Mississippian
The Saturday buzz around the city of Oxford, Miss. from the residents and the students attending the University of Mississippi is simply about the motto, “We might lose the game, but we’ll never lose the party.”
The Rebel fans of the University of Mississippi, better known as Ole Miss, know as well as anyone across the country that a football game can’t go on nor be completed without first tailgating at The Grove.
Ole Miss is known for having the finest tailgating parties in the country. Sporting News Magazine referred to The Grove at Ole Miss as the “Holy Grail of Tailgating.”
Although Fresno State can hold its own tailgating in the white, red and other lots surrounding Bulldog Stadium prior to a football game, Bulldog fans could learn a thing or two from their upcoming competitor on tailgating the way it should be done.
“Ole Miss’ school spirit is different than any other school I know,” said Saralauren Peacock, who is a senior at Ole Miss. “No other university has a tailgate quite like Ole Miss. It’s one of a kind.”
Tailgating at The Grove was used mainly for fraternity and sorority social gatherings until the 10-acre lot was discovered and is now shared among students, Greeks, alumni and dedicated Rebel fans.
On Mississippi’s game days, the tailgating grounds are covered with a sea of red and blue tents for as far as the eye can see. Many of the tents are converted into mini kitchens with fine kitchenware, portable cookers and ovens.
“Regardless if we win or lose, we always know we’re going to have a good time at The Grove,” Peacock said. “I don’t travel to many outside games. Not because I don’t want to, but why would I? There’s only one Grove and that’s where I want to be on game day.”
Tailgating the Rebel way is slightly different than tailgating at Fresno State. Although there are no formal rules on the proper attire to wear at an Ole Miss football game, schools in the South are known to be more proper with a sense of formality. It’s rare to see Mississippi students dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. The young ladies of Ole Miss often wear sundresses or cocktail attire and the gentleman dress in slacks with collared or buttoned-down shirts.
“The Grove is our pre-party and after party. We want to look our best for all of them,” Ole Miss senior Cassie Bryant said. “Some people say that we wear our Sunday’s finest. We take pride in our school and want to dress our best to represent that.”
Another southern football tradition is a procession of the players a few hours before the game. Ole Miss is no different; fans gather and crowd an old historic brick walkway called, “The Walk of Champions.” The 1962 Mississippi national championship team dedicated the brick walkway to the university. The Grove itself and the different traditions from the South at University of Mississippi are as unique as one will find in modern college football.
Over 1,400 tickets have been purchased by Mississippi fans for the upcoming battle between the Bulldogs and Rebels with fans showing how big of a deal Rebel football is.
“We’re definitely known for our dedicated fans,” assistant manager of the Mississippi ticket office Pam Smith said. “I believe California is the farthest we’ll play West, but our fans, students, boosters and alumni will certainly be there.”