Atmosphere
Tailgating is a huge part of what makes Ole Miss a special place to be on game days. Unlike most schools where tailgating is scattered all around campus, at Ole Miss everyone comes out to tailgate in one centralized location called The Grove.
The Grove consists of 10 acres of land, but it still doesn’t fail to fill up entirely on game day. Here you’ll find a sea of tents with over 60,000 people grilling, drinking, and having a good time as they celebrate a Rebels game day. The Grove has a family reunion feel, so you’ll feel right at home here.
Fitting for their name, the Rebels do things much differently in Ole Miss. There is an heir of class found at the Grove that you won’t find many other places throughout college football. You won’t find any drunken slobs here in coveralls like you would at Iowa or Wisconsin, as men usually come to the tailgates dressed in full on suits with the beautiful blazers, bow ties, and all of the red, white, and blue you can ask for. The ladies come in their nicest sun dresses, and make sure to show off their pearls. So if you are at Ole Miss, you better be prepared with your best outfit because they don’t mess around over there.
It’s not just the way that people dress that sets tailgating at The Grove apart from other schools, as what you’ll find inside the tents are often much fancier than you’ll find elsewhere as well. At The Grove, you’ll find tents equipped with fountains and chandeliers, which adds a touch of class to an activity that is often not seen as being high class.
You’ll also find that The Grove has strict rules that also help create the superb atmosphere of The Grove, such as all drinks must be in blue or red cups rather than beer cans or bottles. There are also restrictions on how loud generators can be and propane tanks are banned. These rules seem they could stifle tailgating, however at The Grove they do the exact opposite as they enrich the tailgate experience by creating a more friendly environment for everyone.
Another beauty about Ole Miss is their southern hospitality! The Rebels will welcome anybody in with an open hand; you will feel right at home. Whether you are from the opposing team, or just looking to have a good time, you are always welcome under a Rebel tent or a second helping of the famous Mississippi Mud Cake.
Lastly, The Grove is great because here at Ole Miss the players walk right through the heart of The Grove on their way to the stadium. The players walk down The Walk of Champions right to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium giving fans the chance to cheer them on before they take the field.
If you can only tailgate at one place in your lifetime than there is no better place to do so than The Grove at Ole Miss. At Ole Miss they say, “Ole Miss never loses a party” and you’ll certainly feel like a winner when attending a tailgate party at the Grove.