Florida A&M Rattlers Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I FCS

Head Coach: Willie Simmons

Team Mascot: The Rattler

Year Opened: 1957

Capacity: 19633

City / State: Tallahassee / Florida

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Florida Classic

Rival Team: Bethune–Cookman Wildcats

The Florida Classic is played each year between Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman and is the biggest MEAC game of the year. The game is held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando and is a must-see event for any Rattlers fan. The rivalry dates back to 1925, and the Rattlers hold a 50-21-1 all-time lead in the series. Although, the battle of the bands between the two schools is the real show, so make sure to stay in your seat at halftime when attending the Florida Classic.

Florida A&M Rattlers Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating is a big part of any Florida A&M football game and kicks off three hours before the game. Fans from all over not only Florida but the whole country come out to tailgate with their fellow FAMU fans and alumni before the game creating a fun and festive pregame experience that anyone who loves tailgating will enjoy.

Whether you’re a diehard Rattlers fan or not, you’ll have an incredible time eating ribs, fried catfish, and other southern delicacies with your fellow fans. You’ll also want to throw back a few drinks if you’re of age as FAMU fans know how to party with the best of them.

Finally, if you want to enjoy an FAMU tailgate at its best then make sure to be in attendance for the homecoming tailgate. The homecoming tailgate starts early in the morning with the homecoming parade, and things only get better from there. You’ll be in for a full day of tailgating action when attending a homecoming game, so come on out and celebrate homecoming with your fellow Rattlers fans.

You won’t want to miss tailgating at an FAMU game, so if you’re coming to Tallahassee for a Rattlers game, then arrive early and take part in the fun.

Traditions

Homecoming Parade

There is no better time to attend a Florida A&M game than homecoming, and if you’re attending the homecoming game, then make sure to check out the homecoming parade. The parade is a fantastic way to celebrate the university and kick-off tailgating, so come on out and enjoy the homecoming parade before a full day of tailgating.

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Where to tailgate

Florida A&M Rattlers Stadium Guide

In Game

You won’t want to miss your opportunity to take in a Rattlers game at Bragg Memorial Stadium. Bragg Memorial Stadium is home to one of the best fan bases in the MEAC and everywhere you look you’ll be surrounded by cheering fans. Rattlers fans go all out to show their support, and the majority of them are experts when it comes to FAMU football, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with your neighbor.

The fans aren’t the only thing that makes attending an FAMU game an excellent experience the Marching 100 is one of the best bands you’ll see anywhere. Like at a lot of historically black colleges, the band takes center stage and is one of the must-see parts of any sporting event. If you want to get the most out of your trip to Bragg Memorial Stadium, then make sure you don’t miss any of the Marching 100’s performances throughout the game.

Additionally, you’ll be able to see one of the best FCS teams there is when attending a Rattlers game. FAMU has won 12 black college football national championships and has produced some of the best players in football history including Bob Hayes, meaning you’ll always see a good team on the field when attending a Rattlers game.

You’ll find fantastic fan support, an excellent game of football, and lots pageantry when attending an FAMU game making a trip to Tallahassee to see a Rattler game an unforgettable experience. Get your tickets to a Rattlers game today to enjoy everything an FAMU game has to offer.

Things to check out

Cool Zones

Beat the heat with the cool zones located under Bragg Memorial Stadium. It can get quite hot at the games early in the season making the cool zones a must visit for just about any fan in attendance.

Merchandise Vendors

If you’re looking to pick up a souvenir from your trip to a Rattlers game, then stop by the vendors on the east side of Bragg Memorial Stadium. You’ll find a wide variety of Rattlers and FAMU gear here, so you won’t have to worry about leaving empty-handed.

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Marching 100

The Marching 100 is Florida A&M’s 400+ member band and is one of the best bands in the country. They put on an incredible performance at games and are a can’t miss part of any FAMU sporting event, so make sure to enjoy the Marching 100 when taking in a Rattlers game.

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Cheerleaders

Enjoy the performance of the FAMU cheerleaders when attending a Rattlers game. The cheerleaders keep everyone’s spirits high even when the Rattlers are struggling and are a fun part of any FAMU game.

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Venom

Don’t miss the wild and crazy antics of the Rattlers’ mascot Venom. Venom gets into all kinds of trouble during the game and is a fun part of any FAMU game, so don’t miss him during your trip to Bragg Memorial Stadium.

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Fight Songs

  1. Get Up for the Rattlers

    We came to have some fun; the party has just begun

    (Ladies: Just Begun)

    And you know we’re number one; Gotta get up now.

    This is the rattler Show, Around & Around we go

    (Ladies: Round We Go)

    And we ’bout to strike you know, Gotta Get Up Now.

    Gotta Get Up, Get Up, For the Rattlers!

  2. The Florida Song

    Dear old Florida we are yearning
    We will fight for you
    While our loyal hearts are burning
    We’ll be ever true.

    REFRAIN 
    Florida, Florida, bless her name
    Orange and Green we’ll proudly wave;
    We will honor and protect you,
    Sons and daughters brave.

  3. FAMU Alma Mater

    College of love and charity
    We gather ‘round thy noble shrine;
    We lift our voice in praise to thee,
    And ask a blessing all divine.

    (Chorus) 
    FAM-U! FAM-U! I love thee
    I’ll fight and win what’er the battle be
    The Orange and the Green thy Sons shall e’er defend
    And loyal to thy voice of love attend
    FAM-U! FAM-U! FAM-U! I love thee!

    On gridiron, diamond, track and field,
    Thy sons the vict’ry never yield¬–
    And while they tread a broader life
    Thy love shall stay them in the strife.

    (Repeat Chorus) 

    God ever keep us true to thee;
    Thy faith that truth shall make men free.
    Shall guide thy loyal sons aright
    And fend them thru’ the skeptic night.

    (Repeat Chorus)

  4. Rattler Charge

    When the dark clouds gather on the horizon,
    When thunder and lightning pierce the skies,
    When fate is but a glare in the eye of a fallen Rattler,
    and hope….a lost friend,
    When the sinew of the chest grows weary from those hard charging linebackers,
    And the muscles in the legs grow tired from those hard charging runningback,
    You must always remember….the Rattlers will
    STRIKE!!!
    STRIKE!!!
    AND STRIKE AGAIN!!!

Florida A&M Rattlers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Potbelly’s

    The Bird Bar and Grill beer

    Local bands often play at this buzzing gathering place with a patio offering happy hour drink deals.

    459 W College Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA

    850-224-2233

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. Poor Paul’s Pourhouse

    Poor Pauls Pour House

    If there's such a thing as a landmark in Tallahassee, POOR PAUL'S POURHOUSE is the place tp be.

    618 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-222-2978

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. Fermentation Lounge

    wine

    Awesome friends. delicious beer. Unforgettable food. Best experience.

    415 All Saints St #113, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA

    850-727-4033

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Ken’s Tavern

    Kens Tavern

    Looking for a fun place in Tallahassee, look no further you have found the best place for Drinks, Dancing and floor rattling Music.

    656 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-599-9062

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Madison Social

    Madison Social

    Food is a social experience.

    705 S Woodward Ave #101, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-894-6276

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Bullwinkle’s

    Tequila

    Longtime saloon draws a high-energy crowd with DJs, bands & a variety of daily drink specials.

    620 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-224-0651

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. Gordo’s

    Gordos

    Local staple for pressed sandwiches & other Cuban favorites in no-frills digs with an outdoor deck.

    1907 W Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-576-5767

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Pizza Mouth

    Imos Pizza Pizza

    Informal chain offering an extensive menu of pizza, wings & Italian comfort food.

    623 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-224-8629

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  9. Los Compadres

    Los Compadres

    This lively, colorful cantina with outdoor seating dispatches Mexican fare & an array of margaritas

    2102 W Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-576-8946

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  10. Cypress

    Cypress Restaurant

    A sophisticated Southern regional-style restaurant, Cypress offers a creative menu of fresh in-house preparations featuring chef-cut aged meats, local produce and fresh seafood

    320 E Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA

    850-513-1100

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Hobbit American Grill

    Five Star Tavern Burger Etiwanda Roadhouse Burger Old Bag of Nails Pub Burger Dixie Pig Barbecue Burger

    Local chain serving burgers, sandwiches, wings & pub grub in casual surroundings.

    2020 W Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-576-1009

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. Jim & Milt’s

    Gus Bar & Grill Sandwich Fries Pioneer Diner Sandwich Paul Reveres Family Restaurant Sandwich Wild Magnolia Sandwich

    Smoked BBQ plates & other Southern faves served in an unfussy space with counter service.

    1923 W Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-576-3998

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  13. Guthrie’s

    Guthries Chicken

    Long-running chain serving fried chicken fingers, salads & Southern-style sweet tea.

    1818 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-224-2244

    Bar website

    american - $

  14. Cabo’s Island Grill and Bar

    Cabos Island Grill

    A wide menu of Mexican & American dishes offered in a brightly colored surf-themed setting.

    1221 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA

    850-878-7707

    Bar website

    american - mexican - $

  15. Chubby’s Chicken

    Chubbys Chicken

    Fast-food option serving chicken wings, wraps & salads at their drive-thru & walk-up windows.

    534 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA

    850-521-0101

    Bar website

    american - $

  16. Momo’s Pizza

    Momos pizza

    Pizzas by the pie or huge slice & a big beer menu in casual digs with old-school checked flooring

    1416 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA

    850-224-9808

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  17. 4th Quarter

    4th Quarter

    It’s not just a sports bar, but a great place for great friends to meet up and have some fun.

    2033 N Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32303, USA

    850-385-0017

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  18. Voodoo Dog

    Voodoo Dog

    Casual restaurant serving hot dogs & burgers with inventive toppings such as mac ’n’ cheese.

    805 S Macomb St, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA

    850-224-0005

    Bar website

    american - $$