Golden Eagles Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Will Hall

Team Mascot: Seymour d'Campus

Year Opened: 1932

Capacity: 36000

City / State: Hattiesburg / Mississippi

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Rivalry in Dixie

Rival Team: LA Tech Bulldogs

The rivalry with Louisiana Tech is one of the Golden Eagles fiercest and their only currently active one. It dates back to 1935 when the Bulldogs shutout the Golden Eagles 27-0 and only has gotten more intense over the years. The name for the rivalry was coined in 1976 when Louisiana Tech head coach stated, “This is the finest rivalry in Dixie.” Southern Miss holds a 31-15 lead in the all-time series and will look to increase their lead in the coming seasons.

Black and Blue Bowl

Rival Team: Memphis Tigers

Memphis-Southern Miss games have produced some of the most fiercely competitive contests in the history of these two programs, which has led to this rivalry being nicknamed the Black and Blue Bowl. The rivalry between these two southern schools dates back to 1935 when the Golden Eagles shutout the Tigers 12-0. Today Southern Miss holds a 40-22-1 lead in the all-time series and will look to build upon it when these two teams meet next.

Golden Eagles Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

The administration at Southern Miss wants tailgating to be a destination event, so hey have allowed for open tailgating all around campus. This means that you can tailgate just about wherever you please on campus as long as you are not disrupting or blocking traffic.  

With that being said, the tailgate at Southern Miss is one of a kind. Southern Miss fans have created a tailgating rivalry with their instate neighbors to show that you don’t have to be in a power conference to put on a great pre-game party. Many tailgaters drive in from hours away a  day before kickoff to set up a full gameday site including grills, TVs, and sometimes even come in RVs.  

One of the most popular foods found at a Southern Miss tailgate is boudin. This Cajun sausage is considered a delicacy by Southern Miss fans as well as a tailgate staple. These sausages consist of pork, pig’s blood, and a number of spices and are something everyone attending a Southern Miss game should try.
The university’s allowance of open tailgating isn’t the only thing they’ve done to build a strong tailgating culture at Southern Miss. The Eagle Walk is a time-honored pre-game tradition that not only allows fans to show off their Golden Eagles spirit, but also provides an excellent pre-game atmosphere.

Traditions

Eagle Walk (Location)

Located under the East Rock, The Eagle Walk is a must see featuring a variety of banners and tributes honoring all-time great Golden Eagles players and moments. The Eagle Walk also plays a part in university traditions as every year incoming students paint and maintain it. Stop by to for a chance to take in one of the most special traditions at Southern Miss.

Friday Night at the Fountain

Friday nights the fountain at Shoemaker Square is home to a pep rally that gets the fans pumped for the next day's game. The band, cheerleaders, mascot, and many more take part in this great tradition, so get here a day early to partake in it yourself.

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The Little Rock

Stop by The Little Rock to see what message Golden Eagles fans have left for their opponents this week.

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The District

The District is the home to the most diehard tailgaters at Southern Miss and also where the majority of the tailgating action takes place. Here you’ll find a tailgating atmosphere that can go head to head with even the best tailgates in the SEC.

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Mugshot’s

Mugshot’s is a popular gameday spot in Hattiesburg that is home to one of the best traditions around, Mugshot’s Challenge. Mugshot’s Challenge consists of three patties, six strips of bacon, swiss, cheddar cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, so come hungry if you’re looking to take on this monstrosity.

Junior Eagles Fun Zone

You’ll find plenty of family and kids activities when attending a Southern Miss tailgate thanks to the Junior Eagle Fun Zone. Located at Pride Field, this area provides a variety of food and games for the entire family, so if you’re bringing little ones to the game make sure to stop by.

Where to tailgate

Golden Eagles Stadium Guide

In Game

M.M. Roberts Stadium AKA “The Rock” has been the home to Southern Miss Golden Eagles football since 1932 and has provided fans with countless memories over the years. The stadium has been the stage for two national championship teams and a future Hall of Fame quarterback. You’ll feel a distinct aura when attending a game here, so make sure to take in all the sights and sounds The Rock has to offer.

The fans at Southern Miss are full of passion that is only rivaled by those of the largest programs in the country. You’ll also find that they aren’t afraid to show off this passion during games, as the fans come out in full force and pack the stadium every Saturday regardless of the opponent or weather. Just going by the sound of the crowd you wouldn’t be able to tell if you were at a Southern Miss game or a SEC game with playoff implications. Golden Eagles fans provide an electric atmosphere that makes going to a game well worth your time.

On game days, it’s not only the roar of the crowd that rocks M.M. Roberts Stadium but also the pounding drums and the blasting brass of the “Pride of Mississippi Band.” Their halftime shows are arguably the best in Conference USA and are worth the price of admission all on its own. Keep yourself glued to your seat at halftime as you wouldn’t want to miss this outstanding performance.

The historic stadium, outstanding fan support, and bombastic band make attending a Southern Miss game one of the best in all of College football.

Things to check out

Seymour d’Campus

The Southern Miss mascot has been a golden eagle since 1972. However, Seymour did not get his name until 1984. The name is inspired by the 1984 World’s Fair mascot Seymore D. Fair and is a pun sounding like “see more of the campus.” During games you can see Seymour entertaining the fans on the sideline and pumping up the crowd at critical times, so keep your eyes peeled for him.

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Pride of Mississippi Band

On game days, it's not only the roar of the crowd that rocks M.M. Roberts Stadium but also the pounding drums and the blasting brass of the “Pride of Mississippi Band.” Their halftime shows are arguably the best in Conference USA and are worth the price of admission all on its own. Keep yourself glued to your seat at halftime as you wouldn’t want to miss this outstanding performance.

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Fight Songs

  1. Southern Mississippi to the Top

    Fight song

    Southern Mississippi to the top! To the top!  So lift your voices high,
    Show them the reason why,
    that Southern spirit never will stop.  FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!
    Southern Mississippi all the way,
    Banners high,
    And we will fight! Fight! Fight! To victory
    Hear our battle cry!  GO EAGLES!
    GO EAGLES!

  2. Alma Mater

    We sing to thee our alma mater,
    U S M thy praises be: Southern mem’ries we shall cherish,
    Loyalty we pledge to thee.
    Spacious skies and land of sunshine, Verdant trees and shelt’ring walls,
    Now our hearts lift ever to thee,
    As we praise thy hallowed halls.

Golden Eagles Bars & Restaurants

  1. Thirsty Hippo

    Thirsty Hippo

    In 2006, this place was named the state’s Best Live Music Venue by Mississippi Magazine.

    309 Mcleod St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA

    601-583-9188

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Mahogany Bar

    Mahogany Bar beer

    We are all about beer, whiskey, and vinyl with 145 beers in house (all nine Mississippi breweries on tap), a huge whiskey selection, and a killer food menu

    3810 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39402, USA

    601-264-0657

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Mugshots Bar & Grill

    Mugshots Bar and Grill fries burger

    Home of the best burger period!

    204 N 40th Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA

    601-271-2299

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Keg and Barrel

    Keg and Barrel

    Keg and Barrel is Mississippi’s premier beer emporium offering over 120 different kinds of beer. With this many beers, there is sure to be one to match everyone’s taste.

    1315 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA

    601-582-7148

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Stricks Original BBQ & Catering

    Stricks Original BBQ and Catering

    Family owned and operated since 1980! From home cooked barbecue and fixings to hot boiled crawfish, Strick's BBQ is your one stop shop for dining, take out, and catering.

    3802 W 4th St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA

    601-264-2502 / 601-264-2562

    Bar website

    bbq - $

  6. Ed’s Burger Joint

    burger fries

    Ed’s Burger Joint celebrates the long tradition of folks making honest, quality food for folks in their community. Fresh beef. Fresh buns. Nuthin’ fancy.

    3800 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39402, USA

    601-602-2601

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Izzo’s Illegal Burrito

    Izzos Illegal Burrito

    Everything we do at Izzo’s Illegal Burrito is focused on one simple goal: Rolling You a Better Burrito

    3319 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA

    225-706-7000

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  8. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

    Raising Canes Chicken Fingers

    Raising Cane’s focuses on only one thing – chicken fingers – we are able to do it better than anyone else. It’s what we call ONE LOVE.

    3703 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39402, USA

    601-264-2630

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. Glory Bound Gyro – Hattiesburg

    Glory Bound Gyro Hattiesburg

    Home of the famous Pepperjack Gyro!

    6174 US 49, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA

    601-582-8252

    Bar website

    american - $

  10. Topher’s Rock ‘N Roll Grill

    Tophers Rock N Roll Grill

    Topher’s provides a unique and fun dining experience. We specialize in chargrilled burgers on sour dough buns, unique sandwiches, salads, apps, and more!

    3320 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA

    601-255-5035

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. Bop’s Frozen Custard

    Bops Frozen Custard

    Bop's offers high-quality frozen custard and an excellent variety of premium frozen custard delights, including cones, shakes, and sundaes.

    104 S 30th Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA

    601-296-1228

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  12. T-Bone’s Records & Cafe

    T Bones Records and Cafe

    All kinds of Music, Great Coffee, Delicious Food and Good folks is what we got.

    2101 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA

    601-583-0099

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  13. Patio 44

    Patio Forty Four

    Come enjoy delicious food paired with a premium cocktail in a comfortable, fun atmosphere.

    3822 W 4th St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA

    228-207-2628

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. The Front Porch Barbecue & Seafood

    The Front Porch

    Excellently-made BBQ served with love!

    205 Thornhill Dr, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA

    601-264-3536

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  15. Crescent City Grill

    Crescent City Grill

    The Crescent City Grill has a longstanding tradition of quality, in which every offering is made from scratch every morning.

    3810 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39402, USA

    601-264-0657

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. Gold Post Sandwich House

    Gold Post Sandwich House

    Gold Post is locally owned and operated by the Lowry family and has been since 1971. We still use the same recipes we did when the doors opened.

    2210 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA

    601-583-9454

    Bar website

    american - $

  17. Petra Café

    Petra Cafe

    Traditional hospitality and delicious, authentic abundance of flavors Middle Eastern food is known for.

    6060 US 49, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA

    601-268-8850

    Bar website

    american - european - $$

  18. Tabella

    Tabella

    Tabella is locally owned and operated and has been serving the community delicious, homemade italian fare since march 2011.

    23A, 3720 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39402, USA

    601-255-5488

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$