School
University
Stadium
Davis Wade Stadium
Capacity
61,337
Conference
SEC
Official University home & away games
* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.
87°
High
64°
Low
77°
High
52°
Low
66°
High
41°
Low
These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Davis Wade Stadium.
The top neighborhoods to celebrate in Starkville on game day
Starkville's historic neighborhood near campus with bars and restaurants
Main Street area with local bars and Mississippi State hangouts
Bars and restaurants right next to Mississippi State campus
The best spots near Davis Wade Stadium for fans
The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near Davis Wade Stadium — follow the stops in order for the best experience
Total Distance
0.9 miles
Estimated Time
3–4 hours
Bar Stops
5 Stops
Route Type
Walking Route
Start Here
Rick's Cafe, 107 University Dr, Starkville, MS
107 University Dr, Starkville, MS
105 S Montgomery St, Starkville, MS
116 S Jackson St, Starkville, MS
100 Fellowship St, Starkville, MS
119 University Dr, Starkville, MS
End Point
The Guest Room, 119 University Dr, Starkville, MS
Rick's Cafe
Stop 1 of 5
Mississippi State institution — live music and the loudest cowbell crowd in Starkville
Pick up a cowbell before you start — you can grab one at any local convenience store or sports shop. Ring it at every bar stop and you'll fit right in with the Bulldog faithful. Start on University Drive 3–4 hours before kickoff.
Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop
Book Your SpotThe rituals, chants, and moments that make University game day unlike anywhere else
Throughout every game (except during plays per NCAA rules)
Mississippi State fans ring cowbells throughout every game — a tradition unlike any other in college football. The deafening clang of thousands of cowbells creates one of the most unique and intimidating atmospheres in the SEC. Fans bring their own cowbells, and the sound can be heard for miles around Davis Wade Stadium on gameday.
2 hours before every home kickoff
Two hours before kickoff, the Mississippi State football team walks from the Palmeiro Center to Davis Wade Stadium through a corridor of cheering Bulldog fans. The Dawg Walk is a beloved pre-game ritual that energizes both players and fans before every home game in Starkville.
4-6 hours before every home kickoff
The Junction — the main tailgate area adjacent to Davis Wade Stadium — is the heart of Mississippi State gameday culture. Fans arrive hours before kickoff with elaborate setups, grills, and of course, cowbells. The maroon and white sea of tents is one of the most welcoming tailgate scenes in the SEC.
Throughout every game
"Hail State!" is Mississippi State's rallying cry, shouted by fans throughout every game. The chant is a proud declaration of Bulldog identity and is heard in bars, on the street, and echoing through Davis Wade Stadium on every gameday. It appears on merchandise, banners, and social media year-round.
Thanksgiving weekend every year
The annual Thanksgiving weekend game against Ole Miss — the Egg Bowl — is the most anticipated game on the Mississippi State schedule. The golden egg trophy is the prize, and the winner earns bragging rights across the entire state of Mississippi for a full year. The rivalry dates to 1901.
3-5 hours before every home kickoff
The Cotton District — Starkville's historic neighborhood near campus — is the social hub of Mississippi State gameday. Bars like Rick's Cafe, Dave's Dark Horse Tavern, and The Little Dooey fill with maroon-clad fans hours before kickoff. The neighborhood's charm and Southern hospitality make it one of the SEC's hidden gems.
Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single ritual
Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near Davis Wade Stadium
BBQ & Southern · $$
Starkville's most beloved BBQ joint in the Cotton District. Slow-smoked pulled pork, ribs, and homemade sides have fueled Bulldog fans for decades. The outdoor patio fills with maroon on gameday.
Burgers & Wings · $$
Mississippi State's go-to sports bar for burgers and wings. The Mugshot Burger is a campus legend — half-pound patty loaded with toppings. Packed with students and alumni on gameday.
American Grill · $$
A Starkville institution serving Southern comfort food since 1947. The fried catfish platter is a Mississippi staple and the perfect gameday fuel. Locals swear by the homemade hush puppies.
Wine Bar & Small Plates · $$$
Starkville's most sophisticated gameday stop in the Cotton District. Excellent wine list, craft cocktails, and elevated small plates. A welcome contrast to the typical gameday fare.
Southern Breakfast & Lunch · $
The best early-morning gameday stop in Starkville. Massive biscuits smothered in sausage gravy, country ham, and eggs. Opens at 6 AM on gamedays — perfect for early kickoffs.
Wings & Bar Food · $
The cheapest and most popular wings in Starkville. Oby's has been feeding hungry Bulldogs on gameday for years. Order the buffalo wings by the dozen and wash them down with a cold beer.
Turn your love of football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.
Everything you need to know before you arrive at Davis Wade Stadium
Main tailgate area near Davis Wade Stadium with thousands of fans
Historic campus green space with family-friendly tailgating
Parking lots around Davis Wade Stadium with traditional tailgating
Rideshare Drop-off
Lakeview Drive near the stadium
Shuttle Service
S.M.A.R.T. Transit runs free shuttles from downtown to campus on gamedays.
Top hotels near Davis Wade Stadium for game day weekend
Everything you need to know about Starkville game day bar crawls
Information sourced from official and authoritative references
Book your University game day bar crawl and experience Starkville nightlife like never before!
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