Murray State Racers Tailgate | Roy Stewart Stadium Guide

Murray State Racers Overview

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Fast facts

League: NCAA Division I FCS

Head Coach: Dean Hood

Team Mascot: Racer One (live), Dunker (costume)

Year Opened: 1973

Capacity: 16800

City / State: Murray / Kentucky

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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Battle for the Red Belt

Rival Team: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

The Battle for the Red Belt between Murray State and Western Kentucky may not be an annual fixture anymore, but you won’t want to miss it when these longtime rivals square off. The winner of the Battle for the Red Belt takes home the Red Belt as well as bragging rights, so make sure to be in attendance the next time the Racers take on the Hilltoppers.

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Battle of the Border

Rival Team: Austin Peay Governors

The rivalry on the gridiron between the Racers and Governors began in 1953 and recently became part of the Battle of the Border rivalry between the two schools. No matter what the sport there are always a lot of bragging rights on the line when Murray State and Austin Peay square off, so don’t miss it when the Governors come to town.

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Murray State vs Eastern Kentucky

Rival Team: Eastern Kentucky Colonels

Eastern Kentucky and Murray State have played annually since 1945 creating quite a fierce rivalry between these two Ohio Valley Conference rivals. There is always a lot at stake when the Colonels and Racers meet, so get your tickets when Eastern Kentucky and Murray State square off.

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Murray State vs Southeast Missouri State

Rival Team: Southeast Missouri State Redhawks

The Murray State and Southeast Missouri State campuses are separated by only 90 miles meaning you’ll find a lot of fans of both teams at the matchups between these two Ohio Valley Conference rivals. The two schools first met in 1926. However, the rivalry didn’t become an annual fixture until 1991. Since then, the Racers have amassed a 39-11-1 lead in the all-time series.

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Murray State Racers vs UT Martin

Rival Team: UT Martin Skyhawks

Don’t miss it when Murray State faces off with nearby UT Martin. The two schools are 50 miles apart helping ignite a strong rivalry between these two Ohio Valley Conference rivals. The Racers lead the all-time series 35-20-1, so be in attendance when the Racers try to extend their lead this season.

Murray State Racers Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating is a huge part of the Murray State game day experience, and everywhere you look before the game you’ll see a sea of tents and grills. The parking lots outside Stewart Stadium and Tent City inside Stewart Stadium are filled with tailgaters grilling and having fun before the game, meaning you’ll want to get here four hours before the game to enjoy all the tailgating festivities.

One of the coolest tailgate areas at Murray State is Tent City, which takes place inside the stadium before the game. Tent City is home to all kinds of student organizations and other stands. You’ll also have the opportunity to network with alumni here before the game making it a fantastic place for students to tailgate before the game.

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to tailgate with Murray State fans before the game, so arrive early and enjoy everything a Racers tailgate has to offer.

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Traditions

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Homecoming Parade

If attending the homecoming game, then make sure to check out the homecoming parade. The parade is the perfect way to get into the Racers spirit before the game as well as show off your Murray State pride.

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Where to tailgate

Tent CityTailgate inside Stewart Stadium at Tent City. Tent City is a great place to tailgate before the game and gives you the opportunity to meet fellow students and alumni. If you’re looking for a fun tailgating experience, then make sure to check out Tent City.
The Curb and The WallIf you want to tailgate alongside some of the most diehard fans out there, then check out either of these two areas. Both The Curb and The Wall are where you can find members of the Racers Club who throw some of the best tailgate parties out there.
East Side of the Stadium and Reagan FieldThose of you who want to set up a tailgate, but aren’t Racers Club members will want to tailgate on the east side of the stadium or Reagan Field.

Murray State Racers Stadium Guide

In Game

Murray State’s Roy Stewart Stadium may not have all the bells and whistles you’ll find at other larger venues, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have a great time taking in a Racers game. Stewart Stadium provides a fun small school football experience that any longtime FCS fan would enjoy making a trip to Murray, Kentucky an excellent experience.

The best part of any Murray State game is hands down the Racers live mascot Racer One. Racer One runs around the track after every Murray State score and is a must-see part of every game.

In addition to Racer One, Murray State is also home to a fantastic fan base. Racers fans know just about everything about the team and are typically more than happy to engage in conversation with visiting fans who want to learn more about the team.

Finally, you’ll see a lot of the traditional college football pageantry here including cheerleaders and a marching band providing you with exactly the type of college football atmosphere you’d expect.

A trip to Murray State is a fun one for anyone who loves college football, so get your tickets to a Racers game today.

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Things to check out

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Violet Cactus Burial

If you have the chance catch a glimpse of the burial site of Murray State’s original live mascot Violet Cactus. The horse is buried near where Racer One starts his lap around the stadium before each game and after each touchdown.

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Racer One

One of the coolest parts of any Murray State football game is the running of Racer One before the game and after every Racers score. Racer one is a can’t-miss part of any Murray State game, so don’t miss it during the game.

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Racer Band

Enjoy the Racer Band during your trip to Stewart Stadium. The Racer Band puts on a fun pregame and halftime show, so don’t leave your seat when you see them take the field.

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Dunker

Racer one isn’t the only Murray State mascot at Racers football games. Murray State’s costumed mascot gets into all kinds of shenanigans throughout the game and if you have the chance give him a high-five when you see him.

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Cheerleaders

Join in the cheerleaders’ cheers and chants to give the Racers as much of a home field advantage as possible. The cheerleaders are a fun part of any Murray State game, so keep an eye out for them at the game.

Fight Songs

Murray State Fight Song

Let’s fight, Murray! On to the goal!
We will watch ’em take the ball down the field.
As we fight for our Alma Mater brave and bold,
We’ll charge on to victory, our flag waving high!
March, men, march on down the field,
Place the ball o’er the line
For Thoroughbred’s fame and old Murray’s name
And everything that’s right — Fight! Fight!
The Old Gray Mare

The old gray mare, she ain’t what she used to be,

Ain’t what she used to be, ain’t what she used to be,

Ain’t what she used to be, ain’t what she used to be,

The old gray mare, she ain’t what she used to be,

Many long years ago.

Many long years ago, many long years ago,

The old gray mare, she ain’t what she used to be,

Many long years ago.

The old gray mare, she kicked on the whiffletree,

Kicked on the whiffletree, kicked on the whiffletree,

The old gray mare, she kicked on the whiffletree,

Many long years ago.

Many long years ago, many long years ago,

The old gray mare, she kicked on the whiffletree,

Many long years ago.

Murray State Racers Bars & Restaurants

Tap 216

A local favorite known for its delicious food and huge selection of craft beer!

216 N 15th St, Murray, KY 42071, USA

Bar website

american - pizza - $$
Family Affair Bar N Grill

Exquisitely delicious barbecue made to perfection, so flavorful, and at the right price! Plus a super nice staff!

715 S 12th St c, Murray, KY 42071, USA

Bar website

american - $
Bad Bob’s BBQ

Dive into our mouth-watering championship barbecue, or feast on our succulent ribs or smoked chicken.

806 Chestnut St, Murray, KY 42071, USA

Bar website

american - bbq - $$
Mugsy’s Hideout

A great Chicago-style restaurant in the south.

410 Main St, Murray, KY 42071, USA

Bar website

italian - pizza - $$
Los Portales Mexican Restaurant

Everything at Los Portales from our recipes to our decor is authentic. We use recipes that have been passed down in the family, and our restaurant is decorated with pieces from Mexico.

1506 Lowes Dr, Murray, KY 42071, USA

Bar website

mexican - $$
Hungry Bear Pancakes & Bar-B-Q

Good food that perfectly satisfies the hunger!

1310 Main St, Murray, KY 42071, USA

Bar website

american - bbq - $
Matt B’s Main Street Pizza

If it's fast service and fresh, great tasting, food that you're looking for on your break, come check us out!

1411 Main St, Murray, KY 42071, USA

Bar website

pizza - $
The Burrito Shack

Come enter a tropical atmosphere and relax. Try our famous Jalapeno Cheese Burrito or pick whatever you like and "Build Your Own"

214 N 15th St, Murray, KY 42071, USA

Bar website

mexican - $
Big Apple Cafe

Great food, great service, a great bar, and a great atmosphere.

1005 Arcadia Cir, Murray, KY 42071, USA

Bar website

american - $$
Don Sol Mexican Grill

Want something different? Try Don Sol Mexican Grill, the place to be when it comes to Mexican food. The restaurant offers a family atmosphere, clean environment, friendly staff, and a variety of food items and drinks.

1203 Chestnut St, Murray, KY 42071, USA

Bar website

mexican - $
Keg Steakhouse & Bar

The Keg has great food with a very wide variety from 1/2 pound cheeseburgers, pulled pork, and ribs to cajun favorites like blackened catfish and char-grilled oysters.

1051 N 16th St a, Murray, KY 42071, USA

Bar website

bbq - steakhouse - $$