Missouri State Bears Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Division I FCS

Head Coach: Ryan Beard

Team Mascot: Boomer the Bear

Year Opened: 1941

Capacity: 17500

City / State: Springfield / Missouri

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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Missouri State Bears vs Southeast Missouri State Redhawks

Rival Team: Southeast Missouri State Redhawks

You’ll be in for a good one when Missouri State takes on in-state rivals Southeast Missouri State. The Bears and Redhawks first met in 1917, and the rivalry has been an intense one ever since. Make sure to get tickets when the Bears take on their oldest rivals the Redhawks.

Missouri State Bears vs Southern Illinois Salukis

Rival Team: Southern Illinois Salukis

Missouri State and Southern Illinois may not be at the top of their game on the gridiron right now, but that doesn’t mean you’ll want to miss it when these longtime Missouri Valley Conference rivals square off. There are always a lot of bragging rights on the line when the Bears and Salukis meet making a Missouri State-Southern Illinois game a must-see for fans of these two schools.

Missouri State Bears Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Missouri State fans take tailgating serious, which you can see the minute you step foot in BearFest Village before the game. BearFest Village is the epicenter of the Missouri State tailgating scene and a fantastic place to hang out before the game. You’ll see a sea of maroon and white in BearFest Village before the game creating a festive game day atmosphere that any college football fan would enjoy.

In addition to a great tailgating atmosphere, BearFest Village is also home to a slew of pre-game activities. The two biggest pre-game activities are the Bear Walk and the pregame pep rally. The Bear Walk takes place 75 minutes before kickoff and lets you get up close to your favorite players before the game, while the pregame pep rally will get you pumped up a half hour before the game with performances by the band and spirit groups. BearFest Village also features inflatables and games for kids as well making it the perfect tailgating destination no matter what your age.

If for some reason BearFest Village isn’t your thing or if you forget to reserve a spot, you can tailgate in lots 18 and 24 free of charge. You’ll find a lot of Bears fans tailgating in these lots before the game as well creating another excellent place to tailgate before the game.

Missouri State goes all out to put on a great tailgating experience, so get here early and enjoy all the sights and sounds BearFest has to offer.

Missouri State Bears Bearfest Village
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Missouri State Bears
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Missouri State Bears Bearfest Village
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Traditions

Missouri State Bear Statue Image Source

Bear Statue

Snap a picture with the bear statue outside Robert W. Plaster Stadium. The statue presents an excellent photo op and a picture of it is an excellent keepsake from your trip to Springfield.

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Missouri State Bear Walk Image Source

Bear Walk

The Bear Walk takes place 75 minutes before kickoff as the team makes their way through BearFest Village to the stadium. Get here early so you don’t miss the opportunity to see your favorite players before the game.

Missouri State Pep Rally Image Source

Pregame Pep Rally

Make sure to check out the pregame pep rally on the steps of McDonald Arena. The pep rally starts 30 minutes before kickoff and features the Pride Band, Boomer and Growl, Sugar Bears, and the MSU cheerleaders making it a must-see.

Where to tailgate

Missouri State Bears Stadium Guide

In Game

You’ll have a lot of fun attending a Missouri State football game as the pageantry outside the stadium carries over to the game. All of the major spirit squads and the Pride Band can be seen during the game, and they put on wonderful shows that any fan would enjoy. The Pride Band is an especially big part of the in-game experience as they create the majority of the atmosphere inside Robert W. Plaster Stadium.

The fan support at Missouri State is also relatively good considering the size of the school and the Bears lack of success over the past few seasons. Even when the team is struggling, you’ll still find that Missouri State games are fairly well attended and that those in attendance give it their all to cheer them onto victory.

A Missouri State football game is a fun game day experience for college football fans in the Springfield, Missouri area so come on out and support the Bears on a beautiful fall Saturday afternoon.

Missouri State Bears football
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Missouri State Bears
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Missouri State Bears mascot Boomer
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Things to check out

Robert W Plaster Stadium Image Source

History Banners

Hanging around the concourse are banners celebrating the history of Missouri State football. The banners add a nice touch and make Robert W. Plaster Stadium feel like the home of the Bears.

Missouri State Pride Band Image Source

Pride Band

Enjoy the Pride Band during your trip to Missouri State. The band puts on a fantastic show and creates a great in-game atmosphere, so sit back and enjoy their performances throughout the game.

Missouri State Sugar Bears Image Source

Sugar Bears Dance Team

The Sugar Bears will dazzle you with their dance routines. These talented dancers put on a show-stopping performance, so don’t leave your seat when you see them take the field.

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Missouri State Bears cheerleaders Image Source

Cheer Squad

Join the cheer squad as they cheer on the Bears to victory. The cheerleaders pump up the crowd throughout the game, so take part in the cheers and chants to give the Bears as much of a home field advantage as possible.

Missouri State Bears Mascot Boomer Image Source

Boomer and Growl

Boomer and Growl are the official Missouri State mascots, and they get into all kinds of antics during the game. Keep an eye out for Boomer and Growl as you wouldn’t want to miss these two popular mascots.

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Fight Songs

  1. “The Scotsman”

    Missouri State fight song

    Uphold tradition, our school we hold so dear,
    We will be loyal, throughout our college years,
    FIGHT FOR VICTORY, while we stand up and cheer,
    Let’s hear it for the Bears:
    B-E-A-R-S, BEARS!
    M-I-S-S-O-U-R-I STATE!

  2. “Missouri State Alma Mater”

    Sing we praises,
    Now to our alma mater,
    All hail maroon and white,
    Missouri State,
    We pledge devotion,
    May you live ever in truth and right.
    May you live ever in truth and right.

Missouri State Bears Bars & Restaurants

  1. Ebbets Field Pub

    beer burger

    On a good day, it’s still not uncommon, over a burger or salad or some homemade soup or pasta and a cold one for a friendly argument to break out about who really was better; Willie, Mickey or the Duke.

    1027 E Walnut St, Springfield, MO 65806, USA

    Bar website

    american - pizza - sportsbar - $$

  2. The Dugout Bar & Grill

    Taphouse burger Riverfront Bar Grill

    Dugout Bar is the place to go for great food and live music featuring some of Minnesota's best bands.

    1218 E Trafficway St, Springfield, MO 65802, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  3. Fire & Ice Restaurant & Bar

    Fire Ice Restaurant Bar

    Fire & Ice Restaurant & Bar serves a wide variety of cuisine, including savory steaks, delicious seafood, and a mix of pastas, salads, sandwiches, and desserts.

    2546 N Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO 65803, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Nonna’s

    Daves New Kitchen

    An Italian trattoria with a warm, rustic setting bordered by brick & Tuscan-orange walls.

    306 South Ave, Springfield, MO 65806, USA

    Bar website

    american - italian - cafe - $$

  5. Big Whiskey’s

    Big Whiskeys

    Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar is simply a great place to hang out, meet friends & family and share a meal or drinks–or both.

    311 Park Central E, Springfield, MO 65806, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  6. Harbell’s

    Jack Browns Beer Burger Joint The Bear Brew Pub Homestead Restaurant

    Downtown's Sports Home of the Kansas City Chiefs Football, St. Louis Cardinals AND Kansas City Royals Baseball!

    315 Park Central W, Springfield, MO 65806, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  7. St. Michael’s Sports Bar & Grill

    St Michaels Sports Bar Grill

    A beer and wine restaurant featuring Italian/American Catering.

    301 South Ave, Springfield, MO 65806, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  8. Ernie Biggs

    Ernie Biggs

    The center of nightlife, downtown Springfield.

    312 South Ave, Springfield, MO 65806, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Tropical Liqueurs

    Tropical Liqueurs

    Serving the best frozen, made-from-scratch cocktails!

    420 S Campbell Ave #100, Springfield, MO 65806, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  10. MudLounge

    MudLounge

    MudLounge is a full bar, and lately we've been getting into craft beer.

    321 E Walnut St, Springfield, MO 65806, USA

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$

  11. 417 Taphouse

    Taphouse

    What do you get when you take a bar with an awesome kitchen and then add the areas only self serve draft beer option? An experience like no other in town.

    431 S Jefferson Ave #160, Springfield, MO 65806, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. The Roost Bar & Grill

    burger McGrearys Restaurant Celestial Cafe

    If there is a College Football game on, we’ll probably be playing it. If you need to feed the family, we can take care of that.

    2025 W Sunshine St, Springfield, MO 65807, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. The Flea

    The Flea

    The Flea is a neighborhood bar featuring weekly drink specials and local live music.

    637 S Kimbrough Ave, Springfield, MO 65806, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  14. Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar

    Big Whiskeys American Restaurant Bar

    Big Whiskey’s is a restaurant that celebrates sports, not just a sports bar.

    1440 W Republic Rd, Springfield, MO 65807, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  15. Bambinos Cafe

    Bambinos Cafe

    Great Food. Great Service. Your Neighborhood. Bambinos Cafe is proud of our reputation as one the best restaurants in town.

    1141 E Delmar St, Springfield, MO 65807, USA

    Bar website

    italian - cafe - $$

  16. George’s Family Restaurant

    Georges Family Restaurant

    This place serves amazingly delicious breakfast and has a friendly staff.

    339 S Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO 65802, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  17. Cedars South

    Cedars South

    At Cedars Restaurant, award-winning and authentic dishes are freshly prepared daily. Come enjoy the unique dining experience and discover the trememdous ambience, friendly service, great Middle Eastern wines, and moderate prices.

    3322 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  18. FD’s Grillhouse

    FDs Grillhouse

    Delivers a contemporary dining experience that is built on the "old schoool" way of preparing fresh food.

    245 E Monastery St, Springfield, MO 65810, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  19. DiGiacinto’s Italian Restaurant

    DiGiacintos Italian Restaurant

    Delicious Italian cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere.

    2259 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807, USA

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  20. Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe

    Gaileys Breakfast Cafe

    Gailey's Breakfast Cafe offers a wide selection of morning favorites in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

    220 E Walnut St, Springfield, MO 65806, USA

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $

  21. Hemingway’s

    Salad

    Good food and unique atmosphere, inspired by an American saltwater fishing legend.

    1935 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807, USA

    Bar website

    american - european - $$