Tigers Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Eliah Drinkwitz

Team Mascot: Truman the Tiger

Year Opened: 1926

Capacity: 61620

City / State: Columbia / Missouri

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Missouri vs Kansas

Rival Team: Kansas Jayhawks

When you think of Missouri’s biggest rival Kansas is the first thing that comes to mind. They have been playing since the 1890s and are neck and neck in their all-time series against each other, with the Tigers holding a slight 57-54-9 edge. These two have been in this constant border war struggle even during the actual Border War between Kansas and Missouri citizens during the Civil War. In 2012 Missouri moved to the SEC, and since then these two bitter rivals haven’t met on the gridiron. It has been a while since they played, but if and when they play, it’ll be an all-out brawl that you won’t want to miss.

Battle Line Trophy

Rival Team: Arkansas Razorbacks

Another border war exists between Missouri and Arkansas. However, one of the main issues that have fueled flames to this rivalry was former Tigers basketball head coach Mike Anderson leaving Mizzou to go coach the Razorbacks. This left many Tigers fans feeling very salty and has created bitter feelings toward the Razorbacks. So watch out because when the Razorbacks come into town, there is no holding back.

The Battle for Columbia

Rival Team: South Carolina Gamecocks

Missouri vs. South Carolina, also known as the Battle for Columbia has developed because both schools are located in Columbia of their respective states. The winner of contests between Tigers and the Gamecocks receives the Mayors' Cup, which the Tigers have taken home once in these school’s three meetings.

Tigers Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating at the University of Missouri has been a long standing tradition for many years. Fans will paint the town of Columbia in gold on Saturdays in support of their beloved Tigers. The students are in love with their school, and it shows! One of the unique things about Mizzou’s tailgate is that they are in love with their chili. You have two choices when going to a Mizzou tailgate: Make a whole lot of your family’s best chili, or come ready to eat enough chili for an entire family. It is a staple at every Mizzou tailgate, and it is oh so scrumptious.

Mizzou’s fans are one of the nicest fan bases out there. They are very welcoming and will play host to even the opposing team’s fans just to have some good conversation and meet some new friend along the way. That doesn’t mean that Mizzou doesn’t have team spirit, though. Be ready for a very loud environment with many cheers, chants, and songs because when in Tiger Country, do as the Tigers do!

Traditions

Tiger Walk

One of the most fun traditions at every tailgate is the “Tiger Walk.” Approximately 2 hours before the start of the game, the team starts at the Mizzou Athletic Training Complex, marches across Pedestrian Bridge on campus down to the south tunnel where they enter the locker room. The fans follow the team cheering and getting pumped up for the game.

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The Antlers Tailgate Spot

The Antlers are a group of dedicated Mizzou tailgaters who have been tailgating for Mizzou games for as long as they remember. If you’re looking to let loose and party then the Antlers provide a great place for you.

The Jungle

The Jungle has roughly 20 tables set up for student organizations to set up. Even though they are all students, they still come together in your traditional tailgate frenzy of grilling sausages, burgers, guzzling down alcohol, and bringing a whole lot of spirit.

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Homecoming

One of the more interesting facts about Missouri is that Mizzou is the birthplace of Homecoming - one of the most shared and recognizable traditions in all of college football. The University would invite alumni to "come home" for the game. In 1911, the tradition of Homecoming at the University of Missouri began with a spirit rally, a parade and more than 9,000 fans packed into Rollins Field (now Stankowski Field) to watch Mizzou football. It has since served as a model for the various Homecoming celebrations that take place across the nation. Take a chance to attend the Mizzou homecoming game to experience homecoming in its purest form.

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Where to tailgate

Tigers Stadium Guide

In Game

Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium AKA “The Zou” has been the home of Tigers football since 1925. It can hold roughly 72,000 people and sometimes it feels like that is still not enough as they experience many capacities and over capacity crowds in Columbia. The raucous crowds have even led to the stadium’s famed nickname “The Zou” as the raucous fans are similar to wild animals in the stands.

One of the more interesting facts about Missouri is that Mizzou is the birthplace of Homecoming – one of the most common and recognizable traditions in all of college football. The University would invite alumni to “come home” for the game. In 1911, the tradition of Homecoming at the University of Missouri began with a spirit rally, a parade and more than 9,000 fans packed into Rollins Field (now Stankowski Field) to watch Mizzou football. It has since served as a model for the various Homecoming celebrations that take place across the nation. Take a chance to attend the Mizzou homecoming game to experience homecoming in its purest form.

The Missouri Tigers are one of the better programs in all of college football having had a lot of success lately as well as throughout their history.  The Tigers have taken home 15 conference titles, five division titles, and two national championships and they are still on the rise. The Tigers are a fun team to watch, with a rich history, and some of the greatest fans in all of sports, so you’ll have a great time when you make the trip to Columbia to watch the Tigers.

Things to check out

The Rock “M”

As soon as the stadium comes into view, the first thing fans and opponents alike will see is the massive rock “M” that stands above the north end zone. The M was built by a group of freshman students in 1927 and has been an integral part of the stadium ever since. Nebraska and Kansas fans have tried to turn the M into an N or K but the groundskeepers and students are very protective of this historic landmark inside their stadium, and no one has succeeded in altering the M.

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“Big MO”

Standing at nine feet tall, Memorial Stadium is home to the world’s largest marching bass drum. The drum is often used by the Marching Mizzou, so look and listen for this incredible instrument.

Truman the Tiger

Mizzou’s official mascot can be seen throughout the game hyping the crowd up with special dances and routines. He puts on quite the show and will keep you well entertained during stoppages in play.

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MIZ-ZOU Chant

This tradition began in 1976 during a game between the Tigers and Ohio State and has carried on to today. The Marching Mizzou will begin their halftime show by splitting to opposite sides of the stadium and have one side of fans chanting “M-I-Z” followed by the other side chanting “Z-O-U.” Usually, the student section will shout the first half while the alumni section will follow with the latter half!

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Black Out Game

The very last home game of the season (which is also senior night) is the black-out game in which fans are encouraged to wear all black. The game is played at night, and even the Tigers players are decked out in black uniforms. The coaches will participate as well by wearing black shirts.

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Gold Rush

Originally fans were encouraged to wear gold to one game a season until the Gold Rush game in 2007 against Nebraska. Head coach Pinkel thought the game day atmosphere was so successful that he and the athletic department asked fans only to wear gold the rest of the season (with the exclusion of the black-out game). After the 2007 season, the first home game has become known as the Gold Rush Kickoff game, and everyone wears gold for the remainder of the season up until the Black Out Game.

Fight Songs

  1. Old Missouri (Alma Mater)

    Old Missouri, fair Missouri,
    Dear old varsity, Ours are hearts that fondly love thee,
    Here’s a health to thee.  

    (Chorus:)
    Proud art thou in classic beauty,
    Of thy noble past; With thy watchwords, Honor, Duty,
    Thy high fame shall last.
    Every student, man and maiden,
    Swells the glad refrain,
    Till the breezes music laden,
    Waft it back again.  
    (Repeat Chorus:)

  2. Fight Tigers

    (Main Verse) Fight, Tiger, fight for old Mizzou, Right behind you, everyone is with you.
    Break the line and follow down the field,
    And, you’ll be, on the top, upon the top.
    Fight, Tiger, you will always win, Proudly keep the colors flying skyward.
    In the end, we’ll win the victory,
    So Tiger, fight for Old Mizzou! (YELL) T-I-G-E-R-S, TIGERS GO! (Repeat Main Verse)

  3. Every True Son and Daughter

    Every true son, so happy hearted,
    Skies above us are blue,
    There’s a spirit so deep within us,
    Old Missouri here’s to you (RAH! RAH!).
    When the band plays the Tiger war song,
    And when the fray is through,
    We will tramp, tramp, tramp around the Columns,
    With a cheer for Old Mizzou!

    HIT IT!
    HOORAY, HURRAH, MIZZOU, MIZZOU!
    HOORAY, HURRAH, MIZZOU, MIZZOU!
    HOORAY, HURRAH, AND A BULLY FOR OLD MIZZOU,
    RAH! RAH! RAH! RAH!
    MIZZOU-RAH! MIZZOU-RAH! MIZZOU-RAH, TIGERS!

Tigers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Truman’s Bar & Grill

    Trumans Bar Grill

    Watch your favorite games with good food and cold beer.

    3304 W Broadway Business Park Ct, Columbia, MO 65203, USA

    573-445-1669

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  2. Billiards on Broadway

    Billiards on Broadway

    Billiards not only is home to regular pool and bar tables, but offers many other entertainment options such as shuffleboard, pinball and other arcade games. Enjoy a full menu and bar or patio, specifically try the Famous Billiards Burger and fresh cut fries!

    514 E Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-449-0116

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  3. Stadium Grill

    Stadium Grill

    Our setting is only a few blocks away from Faurot Field and the Mizzou Arena which makes Stadium Grill the perfect place before or after the game.

    1219 Fellows Pl, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-777-9292

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  4. Room 38 Restaurant & Lounge

    Room thirty eight Restaurant and Lounge picture

    Room 38 Restaurant & Lounge is Columbia’s premier venue for dining, entertainment, and special events.

    38 N 8th St, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-449-3838

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Willie’s

    Willies

    A place that serves good food, has a friendly staff and nice atmosphere.

    1109 E Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-499-1800

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. McNally’s

    McNallys

    Missouri, McNally’s Irish Pub serves a full menu and the best drink specials in town! Plenty of TVs with sports, a spacious patio (with TV) and games... pool, foosball, and darts.

    7 N 6th St, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-441-1284

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. Booches

    Boocches burger

    They serve amazingly good burgers and the drinks are fantastic!

    110 S 9th St, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-874-9519

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. Shiloh Bar & Grill

    Shiloh Bar Grill

    Where good friends meet for good times!

    402 E Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-875-1800

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Flat Branch Pub & Brewing

    Flat Branch Pub and Brewing

    Flat Branch serves a diverse menu as well as award-winning hand-crafted beers on tap.

    115 S 5th St, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-499-0400

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Heidelberg Restaurant

    Heidelberg Restaurant

    ‘The Berg’ is a great spot for locals as well as a popular hangout for college students.

    410 S 9th St, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-449-6927

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Harpo’s

    Harpos

    Delicious food, friendly bartenders, and that down-home sports bar atmosphere!

    29 S 10th St, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-443-5418

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Campus Bar & Grill

    Campus Bar and Grill

    Campus Bar & Grill is the best place in town to watch MIZZOU Tiger Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, Rams, Blues, and the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals - It's always game time at Campus Bar & Grill!

    304 S 9th St #100, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-817-0996

    Bar website

    american - $

  13. Bandana’s Bar-B-Q

    Bandanas Bar B Q

    Bandana's Bar-B-Q is Southern Style BBQ - seasoned with a dry rub and cooked sauceless, then hand-cut to order straight from the smoker.

    3405 Clark Ln, Columbia, MO 65202, USA

    573-256-2229

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  14. Broadway Diner

    Star Lite Dining Lounge

    Amazingly flavorful food menu and the friendliest staff!

    22 S 4th St, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-875-1173

    Bar website

    american - $

  15. Buckingham Smokehouse Bar-B-Q

    Buckingham Smokehouse Bar B Q

    With a 5,000-pound smoker that’s 7 1/2 feet tall and 15 feet long, we burn over a cord of hickory wood a week.

    3804 Buttonwood Dr, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-499-1490

    Bar website

    american - $

  16. Pizza Tree

    Pizza Tree

    We have fun with pizza and keep our ideas and ingredients fresh and house-made.

    909 Cherry St, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-874-9925

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  17. Ernie’s Cafe & Steak House

    Ernies Cafe Steak House

    Some of their specialties include Custom Omelettes, Homemade French Toast, Hashbrowns and French Fries, Vegetarian Specialties and our famous Chopped Cow.

    1005 E Walnut St, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-874-7804

    Bar website

    american - $

  18. Gumby’s Pizza

    Gumbys Pizza

    We make, sell, eat, study, etc pizza.

    1201 E Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-874-8629

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  19. Coley’s

    Coleys

    Coley’s offers a comfortable yet classy destination for anything from cocktails and appetizers to unique dinner entrees.

    15 S 6th St, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-442-8887

    Bar website

    american - $$

  20. Shakespeare’s Pizza

    Vic Deans Pizzeria Grill pizza

    A great place to enjoy a slice of pizza for lunch or a whole pie with family and friends!

    3911 Peachtree Dr h, Columbia, MO 65203, USA

    573-447-7435

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  21. Addison’s American Grill

    Addisons American Grill

    Addison’s is a full service restaurant and bar serving appetizers, pizza, pasta, salads, sandwiches, steak, and seafood.

    709 Cherry St, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-256-1995

    Bar website

    american - $$

  22. El Rancho

    Mexican

    It's all about fresh ingredients, our family's traditional recipes, wonderful spices and flawless preparation.

    1014 E Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

    573-875-2121

    Bar website

    mexican - $