The Gamecocks biggest rivals are the Samford Bulldogs who play 80 miles away in Homewood, Alabama. There are always a lot of fans of both teams at the games when these two Alabama-based schools clash, and there are lots of bragging rights as well making every matchup between Jacksonville State and Samford a must-see. The Gamecocks hold a slim 23-21-3 lead in the all-time series and won the only FCS playoff matchup between them in 2013.
The Jacksonville State-Chattanooga rivalry may be relatively new, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have an incredible time taking in a game between the Gamecocks and Mocs. The rivalry between these two non-conference foes has really taken off in the last couple years as the teams have met in six of the last seven seasons, so make sure to be in attendance when the Gamecocks take on the Mocs.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
There are few better places to tailgate in the Ohio Valley Conference or the FCS than Jacksonville State. The university takes tailgating seriously, and it shows as you’ll find a designated tailgating area near the stadium that is packed full of fans on game days. Everywhere you look, you’ll see a sea of red and white, which creates a fun and festive atmosphere.
When tailgating at a Gamecocks game, make sure to arrive early as the tailgate lawn opens up at 8:00 am and fills up quickly. You’ll also want to get to the tailgate early to get the most out of your Gamecocks gameday as tailgating is one of the best parts of the experience.
Jacksonville State fans are among the most friendly around and are more than happy to share some of their food and drinks as long as you bring something to share. If you want to enjoy some delicious Southern favorites, then make sure to bring some food to share. Gamecocks fans also love to talk about their team, so don’t hesitate to start up a conversation about the team with your neighbor.
Finally, don’t miss the Gamecock Walk, which takes place approximately two hours and fifteen minutes before kickoff. The walk takes place between the Dorm Stadium Towers and the Football Field House and is a fantastic way for you to give the Gamecocks some last minute inspiration.
Arrive early and enjoy the tailgate scene at Jacksonville State to enjoy your visit to Jacksonville, Alabama to its fullest.
Don’t miss the Gamecock Walk before the game. The Gamecock Walk is an excellent way to show off your JSU pride and takes place a little over two hours before kickoff. It starts at the Dorm Stadium Towers and makes its way to the Football Field House so make your way to the parade route about two and a half hours before the game.
The RoostThe Roost tent area provides you with the perfect place to tailgate before the game with friends and family. Reserve your spot at The Roost to enjoy tailgating before a Jacksonville State game at its best.
Lawn in front of Kennamer HallThe Law in front of Kennamer Hall is the designated tailgate area and is where you’ll find all the action on game days. Arrive early, if you want to secure a spot as tailgating kicks off at 8:00 am sharp.
Dillon FieldIf you’re a JSU student looking to tailgate with your fellow students, then make your way down to Dillon Field. Dillon Field is home to the student tailgate and is a perfect place to let loose on game days.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Stadium Guide
In Game
From the second you step into JSU Stadium until you leave you’ll have a fantastic time. Gamecocks fans live and die with their team, and you’ll see a lot of passion on display when attending a JSU game. The fans here are among the loudest in the OVC, and their incredible fan support is quite the sight to behold for any neutral fan. If you come to the game without a rooting interest, then you’ll be rooting for the Gamecocks by the end thanks to the infectious enthusiasm of the JSU fans.
The fans aren’t the only thing that makes attending a Gamecocks game an unforgettable experience. Jacksonville State is home to one of the best bands in the country, the Marching Southerners. The Marching Southerners set the tone right off the bat with their impressive pregame show, and they keep the atmosphere electric throughout the game with their in-game and halftime performance. Additionally, you’ll want to stick around after the game to enjoy the postgame show and the singing of “I’ll Fly Away.”
While the band may steal the show, the football team is no slouch either. The Gamecocks have won 20 conference titles and one national title and are always one of the more competitive teams in the OVC.
You’ll have a fantastic time attending a Jacksonville State game thanks to the incredible fans and marching band, so plan your trip to Jacksonville today.
Pick up a Jacksonville state t-shirt or cap at JSU Stadium. The merchandise stands around the stadium sell a good selection of Gamecocks gear, so buy a keepsake to remember your trip to Jacksonville.
If you’re a Jacksonville State student who loves football, then there is nothing better than living in the Stadium Tower Dorm. There are only a few schools where you can live in the stadium making the Stadium Tower Dorm a cool feature for any student who lives and breathes football.
The Marching Southerners are one of the best bands around as well as a big part of any Jacksonville State game. The band is a can’t miss part of a Gamecocks game so don’t miss the pregame, halftime, or postgame show.
Cocky has been the Gamecocks mascot since 1967 and is a fun part of any JSU sporting event. Cocky gets into all kinds of shenanigans at the game and is loved by Gamecocks fans young and old, so keep an eye out for him when taking in a JSU football game.
The Jacksonville State cheerleaders keep the crowd’s spirit high throughout the game. The cheerleaders perform a variety of routines throughout the game and are a must-see, so join in their cheers during the game.
Fight on, fight on for ole Jax State
We’re proud that we’re from Alabama
Fight on, now don’t you hesitate,
Courage, pride and honor
will lead you on to victory, so
Fight on, fight for the Red and White,
We’re gonna howl tonight,
Come on! You Gamecocks,
Fight and see,
That we will win the victory!
I’ll Fly Away
Stick around after the game to join in the singing of “I’ll Fly Away.” The gospel song is a long running tradition, and the JSU band and fans put their spin on it to give it some extra flair. Make sure to stay and join in the singing of “I’ll Fly Away” to get the full Gamecocks game day experience.
Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll Fly Away.
To a home on God’s celestial shore I’ll Fly Away.
I’ll Fly Away, Oh! Glory!
I’ll Fly Away IN THE MORNING!!!!!!!!
When I Die, Hallelujah By and By,
I’ll Fly Away…..
JSU Alma Mater
Alma Mater, Alma Mater
Grateful voices raise
A song of tribute and devotion
Thy honored name we praise.
Light of knowledge,
Store of wisdom,
Love of truth abide in thee
Quest for beauty,
Search for freedom,
Thine eternally
Oh, Alma Mater, Alma Mater
We humbly bow to thee!
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