Mississippi State and Ole Miss play annually for the Golden Egg on the gridiron, and that fierce rivalry carries over to the hardwood. Bulldogs fans and Rebels fans look for any opportunity they can to earn bragging rights over each other, so don’t miss it when these two in-state rivals meet at Humphrey Coliseum.
Mississippi State vs Alabama
Rival Team: Alabama Crimson Tide
Only 90 miles separates MSU from Alabama, so you’ll see plenty of Crimson Tide fans when they come to town. If you want to experience a raucous atmosphere inside Humphrey Coliseum then there are few better games to attend than a Mississippi State-Alabama game.
Mississippi State Bulldogs Stadium Guide
In Game
They don’t call Starkville “Stark Vegas” for nothing. Humphrey Coliseum is home to one of the most lively atmospheres in the SEC and has earned a reputation as one of the hardest places for opposing teams to play in the conference. Former Florida Gators Joakim Noah and Al Horford even named it the most difficult road arena they played in.
The raucous fans and intimate atmosphere of Humphrey Coliseum mean you’ll be in for a treat when attending a game here, as long as you’re not rooting for the opposing team. The fans are all squished together and right on top of the action creating a festive atmosphere that is among the best in the SEC.
In addition to the raucous crowd and intimate setting, Humphrey Coliseum is also chalked full of Bulldogs basketball history. On the concourse, you’ll find numerous displays showcasing the program’s rich history. The displays show off the team’s conference championships, mascot history, and there is even a tribute to the “Game of Change.” If you’re looking to take in some basketball history, then you’ve come to the right place as Humphrey Coliseum is brimming with it.
Finally, if you want to grab a bite to eat before or after the game, there are plenty of good restaurants nearby including The Little Dooey and Old Venice Pizza Co. The pulled pork at The Little Dooey is especially good, so make sure to enjoy some barbecue while visiting Starkville.
You’ll have an excellent time attending a game at Humphrey Coliseum where you’ll be able to experience one of the best atmospheres in the SEC and enjoy the history of the MSU basketball program as well.
Located between Humphrey Coliseum and the team’s practice facility, the Bulldogs Basketball Legends display is a must see. The exhibit shows off all the best players in MSU history and is an excellent way to remember all of your favorite players.
Check out the SEC championship mural to remember all of the Bulldogs conference championships. The wall honors 1963, 1991, and 2004 teams among others, so make sure to stop by and see it.
Bully Over the Years Display
If you want to see how Bully the Bulldog has changed over time, then stop by this exhibit. It features a picture of all the mascots in MSU history and is a fun exhibit for fans young and old.
Championship Counter
The Championship Counter shows off how many championships the men’s and women’s basketball teams have won and is an excellent thing to check out after the Bulldogs win one. Come back often to this display and see all the championships the team has won since your last visit.
Take a second to look up from your seat and remember all of the best teams and players in Mississippi State history by checking out the banners hanging from the rafters. The crown jewel of these banners is the 1996 Final Four banner, so take a peek at it to reminisce about the Bulldogs tournament run.
Cowbells
The most distinct (and loud) tradition at Mississippi State University is the use of cowbells during the game. The origins of this tradition are unclear, but the cowbell has been a staple of Bulldogs games since the 50s. Cowbells are a big part of being a Mississippi State fans, so be on alert for them when attending a Bulldogs game.
The live mascot of Mississippi State University is Bully, an American Kennel Club registered English Bulldog and had been the official mascot of MSU since 1935. A student wearing a Bulldog suit (also named Bully) is part of the MSU cheerleading team and helps to stir up State spirit at games and pep rallies.
The MSU pep band does an excellent job of helping create an incredible atmosphere inside Humphrey Coliseum. All throughout the game the pep band will keep the energy high and ensure that the Bulldogs have a great home court advantage, so enjoy the MSU pep band during the game.
The cheer and pop squads at Mississippi State do a great job of entertaining and pumping up the crowd. No matter what the score you’ll want to stick around and watch these two groups perform.
Glow Sticks
Glow sticks are quite popular at Bulldogs basketball games, and you’ll spot many in the crowd before and during the game. Bring a glow stick with you, so you can join in the fun and show your support for the team.
Fight Songs
Hail State
Hail Dear Old State,
Fight for that victory today,
Hit that line and tote that ball,
Cross the goal before you fall,
And then we’ll yell,
YELL YELL YELL!
For Dear Old State we’ll yell like H-E-L-L,
Fight for Mississippi State,
Win that game today
(Repeat Verse)
Madelon
O Madelon you are the only one
O Madelon for you we’ll carry on
It’s so long since we have seen a miss
Won’t you give us just a kiss?
But Madelon
she takes it all in fun
She laugh and says “You’ll see it can’t be done,
for I’m true to the whole regiment!”
Madelon, Madelon, Madelon!
White!...Maroon! Chant
Half of the arena chants “White!” and the other half responds with “Maroon!”
Great southern cooked food with an original creativity in a sports grill atmosphere. STAGgerIN prides itself in offering a lot of food at a fair price.
Originating in Starkville, Mississippi, The Little Dooey™ has become the most popular barbeque destination in the region, attracting regular, local diners and guests from all over the country.
A sophisticated atmosphere with a laid-back twist, The Grill is a place that is comfortable and welcoming like a local sports bar but provides an upscale dining experience.