Mississippi State University - Starkville, MS
There’s something beautifully stubborn about Starkville—like the people know it’s not supposed to be on your radar, and they don’t give a damn.
They call it StarkVegas—but don’t expect neon lights or blackjack tables. The only thing you’ll gamble here is your hearing, sacrificed to the sharp, relentless clang of thousands of cowbells cutting through thick Mississippi humidity. This isn’t Vegas. It’s something stranger. Realer. Louder. It’s a Southern fever dream wrapped in maroon and white, fueled by bourbon, barbecue smoke, and a fan base that bleeds loyalty as deep as the Delta soil.
Starkville isn’t a bucket-list destination for most, and that’s exactly why you should go. It’s not curated. It’s not “influencer ready.” But spend a fall weekend here and you’ll realize the soul of college football doesn’t live in luxury suites or corporate tailgates. It’s under pop-up tents in The Junction, in the hands of pitmasters who’ve been working the smoker since 4 AM, and in the eyes of old-timers still telling stories about Jackie Sherrill and the day they beat Bama.
City Snapshot (Quick Glance)
Nickname/Claim to Fame
StarkVegas — a small town with big energy on game days and a cowbell beat that never quits.
Home Teams & Stadiums
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field
Vibe Check: One-sentence feel for the city on game day
Feels like the SEC’s best-kept secret until kickoff, when 60,000 cowbells make damn sure you don’t forget where you are.
How to Get There & Where to Stay
Closest Airports
Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) — 20 minutes away
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth (BHM) — 2.5 hours
Memphis (MEM) — 2.5 hours
Jackson-Evers (JAN) — 2.5 hours
Driving Distance from Major Cities
Birmingham, AL – 2.5 hrs
Jackson, MS – 2.5 hrs
Memphis, TN – 2.5 hrs
New Orleans, LA – 5 hrs
Do You Need a Rental Car?
Yes — unless you’re staying walking distance from campus.
Is There a Shuttle, Train, or Bus?
Limited Uber/Lyft on gameday. Tailgate shuttle service runs from downtown and hotels.
Parking Tips if You Drive In
Get a campus parking pass in advance or aim for the Cotton District early and walk in. Free parking near campus fills up by 9 AM on Saturdays.
Best Travel Recommendation
Fly into GTR if you can swing it — it’s small, smooth, and gets you closer to the action fast. If not, rent a car from any of the major hubs and enjoy a road trip that feels like the calm before the storm.
Best Places to Book if You’re Walking to the Stadium
Courtyard by Marriott Starkville MSU at The Mill
Hotel Chester — vintage vibes and only a short walk to The Junction
Short-Term Rentals with Tailgate-Friendly Patios
Search the Cotton District on Airbnb — look for porch swings, fire pits, and open lawns with cowbell-ready setups.
Hotel Vibe Ratings
The Mill – social, upscale, and always buzzing
Hampton Inn Starkville – solid, reliable, walkable
La Quinta – budget-friendly but books early
The Fan Experience
Traditions & Rituals
Cowbells are sacred. Don’t ask why — just grab one, ring it, and let the noise carry you. Walk of Champions is a must — fans line the streets to welcome the team into the stadium.
What to Wear
Maroon, white, and a healthy layer of sweat by noon. Cowboy boots and sundresses rule, but custom “Hail State” gear is the move. Bring earplugs if you’re new.
Tailgating Style
Grills pop off at 7 AM. The Junction is the heart of the party — a sea of tents, bourbon, and Southern hospitality. You’ll smell ribs, hear Skynyrd, and probably meet someone’s cousin named Bubba.
Chants, Cheers, and Anthems
“Hail State” is gospel. “Who Let the Dogs Out” still makes an appearance (don’t roll your eyes). When the Dawgs score, cowbells drown out your thoughts.
Before the Game
Top 3 Tailgate Parties
The Junction Veterans (tent near the M-Club) – old-school crew, killer gumbo
The Bootlegger’s Lot – young alumni, live music, always stocked
Delta Dawgs Tailgate – barbecue masters, legit ribs and red solo culture
Where to Park & Pre-Game
Try the Old Main District or Cotton District early. Walk over to Two Brothers Smoked Meats for beer and brisket tacos.
During the Game
Seats with the Best Energy
Lower West Side near the 50 — right behind the team
Student Section in the Northeast corner — wild, relentless, and rowdy
The upper deck east side gives you a panoramic cowbell storm
After the Game
Where the Crowd Goes After a Win
Cowbells in the Cotton District — the streets literally fill with maroon. Grab a drink at Bin 612 or grab a porch beer and let the chants echo.
Late-Night Eats
Starkville Café for greasy post-game eggs
Petty’s BBQ for a rib plate at midnight
Insomnia Cookies if you’re walking home high-fiving strangers
Post-Game Bars with DJs, Dives, or Dancefloors
Rick’s Café – live music and SEC hangovers
Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern – pub vibes and pizza till late
The Guest Room – speakeasy-style cocktails if you’re fancy
Where to Eat & Drink
Bars Near Campus
Two Brothers Smoked Meats – pulled pork tacos and local beer
The Guest Room – top cocktails and hidden basement vibe
Bin 612 – college favorite, big patio, always packed on weekends
What to Eat in the Stadium
BBQ nachos and smoked sausage dogs are the go-to
Grab a sweet tea or a local brew from the craft beer station in the concourse
Post-Game Bars
Bin 612, Rick’s, and Dave’s – where fans chant and stumble in rhythm
Late-Night Eats
The Grill at Midnight (old-school, greasy)
Starkville Café (classic diner)
Insomnia Cookies – no shame here
Must-Eat Food Spots
Little Dooey – best catfish in town
Restaurant Tyler – upscale Southern fare
Oby’s – po’boys and gumbo straight from Louisiana tradition
Local Culture for Travelers
Neighborhoods to Explore
The Cotton District – porch culture, Greek life energy, bar crawl central
Downtown Starkville – more low-key, boutiques, cafes, and art
Cool Shops for Vintage or Local Team Merch
Maroon & Co. – best custom MSU gear
Campus Book Mart – classic college merch
Deep South Pout – trendy Southern game day fits
Bonus: Cultural Side Quests
Visit the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library on campus
Wander the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum
Catch live blues at Dave’s on an off-night
Local Insider Tips
From a Local Fan
“Never forget your cowbell. It’s not just a noisemaker. It’s a damn identity.”
Things Not to Do
Don’t complain about the heat
Don’t wear Ole Miss anything — ever
Don’t ring a borrowed cowbell unless you’re ready to buy it drinks later
Game Day Hacks
Get to the Junction early and claim a shady spot
Download the MSU gameday app for maps and parking alerts
Freeze water bottles overnight — hydration is survival
Extras
Instagram Spots
The Bulldog statue at The Junction
The archway into the Cotton District
A selfie with the cowbell sculpture downtown
Hype Playlist
BowlGuides: Mississippi State Football Weekend
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4TXdyjcSlx6KQ7lihwJxfk?si=6728a6dfc6a84c4d
Local Merch Collabs or Drops
Check Maroon & Co. during rivalry week for special “Beat Ole Miss” gear drops
Hangover Brunch Spots
The Little Dooey (trust us, their catfish breakfast plate hits different)
The Breakfast Club Starkville – massive portions, no regrets