Mississippi State Bulldogs Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Chris Jans

Team Mascot: Bully

Year Opened: 1975

Capacity: 10575

City / State: Starkville / Mississippi

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Mississippi State vs Ole Miss

Rival Team: Ole Miss Rebels

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.

Things to check out

Bulldogs Basketball Legends Display

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.

SEC Championship Mural

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.

The “Game of Change” Display

Remember the “Game of Change” and its importance in Civil Rights history by checking out the “Game of Change” display.

Banners

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.

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Bully

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.

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MSU Pep Band

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.

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Cheer and Pom Squads

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

  1. 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) 

  2. 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!

  3. White!...Maroon! Chant

    Half of the arena chants “White!” and the other half responds with “Maroon!”

    White!

    Maroon!

    White!

    Maroon!

Mississippi State Bulldogs Bars & Restaurants

  1. Harvey’s

    Harveys

    Amazingly delicious steaks at an affordable price and excellent service!

    406 MS-12, Starkville, MS 39759, USA

    662-323-1669

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$

  2. StaggerIn

    StaggerIn

    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.

    106 Maxwell St, Starkville, MS 39759, USA

    662-324-2447

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  3. Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern

    Daves Dark Horse Tavern

    Dimly lit pub featuring local bands, sports on TV & a variety of deep-dish & thin-crust pizza.

    410 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr E, Starkville, MS 39759, USA

    662-324-3316

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Oby’s

    Obys sandwich

    Fall in love with New Orleans style, taste and tradition!

    504 Academy Rd, Starkville, MS 39759, USA

    662-323-0444

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Stromboli’s

    Strombolis pizza

    Starkville's favorite place for amazing friends and food.

    408 University Dr, Starkville, MS 39759, USA

    662-615-4080

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $

  6. Bop’s

    Bops sweets

    Bop's is a gourmet homemade style ice cream store. Our specialties are concretes, sundaes, frappes and more!

    127 MS-12, Starkville, MS 39759, USA

    662-323-5449

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. Petty’s Carry Out

    Pettys Carry Out sandwich

    Petty's Barbecue serves up the best pulled pork and rib plates in the United States, in the opinion of all who are fortunate enough to discover it.

    103 MS-12, Starkville, MS 39759, USA

    662-324-2363

    Bar website

    bbq - $

  8. McAlister’s Deli

    McAlisters Deli

    Home of handcrafted sandwiches, fresh salads, giant spuds and Famous Sweet Tea.

    500 Russell St #7, Starkville, MS 39759, USA

    662-324-2565

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Restaurant Tyler

    Restaurant Tyler

    Offering the best of Mississippi on a plate.

    100 E Main St, Starkville, MS 39759, USA

    662-324-1014

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Little Dooey

    Little Dooey burger

    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.

    100 Fellowship St, Starkville, MS 39759, USA

    662-323-6094

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  11. Central Station Grill

    Central Station Grill

    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.

    200 S Montgomery St, Starkville, MS 39759, USA

    662-327-6982

    Bar website

    american - $$