Starkville MS, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Mississippi State University has announced changes to its tailgating policies for the upcoming football season. The Junction will no longer serve as a public tailgating area, now exclusive to Southern Tradition Tailgating. A new student-tailgating area will be established near the amphitheater, while public tailgating has moved to several other campus locations. These adjustments aim to enhance safety and the overall game-day experience for fans.
Hello, Starkville!
Exciting changes are coming for the 2025 football season at Mississippi State University (MSU). The university has recently announced some *significant* alterations to their tailgating policies, making this year’s game-day festivities a bit different.
Say Goodbye to The Junction as a Public Tailgating Spot
The most notable change is the removal of public tailgating from The Junction. This popular spot will now be exclusively reserved for Southern Tradition Tailgating, a corporate partner of MSU. If you’re looking for a premium tailgating experience, you might want to consider their packages, which start at a hefty $3,500 per season. This package includes everything from *spacious tents* to large-screen televisions and comfortable furniture.
New Student Tailgating Area
In an effort to keep the fun alive for students, an exclusive student tailgating area is being introduced around the amphitheater. This means that students can still enjoy the game atmosphere while having a dedicated space just for them.
Where’s Public Tailgating Now?
Don’t fret if you’re a public tailgater! Public tailgating has simply been moved to some peripheral areas lower on campus. Check out these new spots:
- The Cullis Depot
- Lee Boulevard by the Student Media Center
- The area around the Newell Grissom volleyball gym
- Creelman Street towards Allen Hall
For those eager to grab a spot, public tailgating spaces will be available on a *first-come, first-served* basis. However, you can start marking your territory with equipment placement as early as *5 a.m.* the day before the game, and you can set up your tent starting at *4 p.m.* on Fridays.
Safety First: Why the Changes?
University officials are emphasizing the need for these changes due to increasing *safety concerns*. Complaints about certain incidents and overall game-day atmosphere have drawn attention, especially after a specific altercation among fans during the MSU-Kentucky game in 2023. To create a more family-friendly environment, MSU has also put in place a prohibition on amplified music and large speakers in tailgating areas.
Changes to Popular Events
Another change that might come as a disappointment is the decision to not sponsor the beloved Hailstate Tailgate in 2025. With construction going on around Dorman Hall and the need to keep Creelman Street accessible for traffic, that event is being put on hold.
Monitoring and Feedback
The university is committed to ensuring that the tailgating experience is enjoyable yet safe. Officials plan to monitor the changes closely throughout the season and are open to making adjustments based on fan feedback. This shows that MSU is really listening to what the community wants while keeping safety top of mind!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new tailgating zones for the 2025 football season?
The new public tailgating locations include The Cullis Depot, Lee Boulevard by the Student Media Center, the area around the Newell Grissom volleyball gym, and Creelman Street towards Allen Hall.
What is Southern Tradition Tailgating?
Southern Tradition Tailgating is a corporate partner of MSU that offers premium tailgating packages starting at $3,500 for a season, providing equipment like tents, TVs, and furniture.
When can I start setting up my public tailgating spot?
You can place equipment to reserve a spot starting at 5 a.m. the day before games. Tent setups are allowed from 4 p.m. on Fridays.
Will Hailstate Tailgate be held in 2025?
No, the Hailstate Tailgate will not take place in 2025 due to construction around Dorman Hall and traffic considerations.
What safety measures have been implemented?
MSU has prohibited amplified music and large speakers in tailgating areas, emphasizing a more family-friendly atmosphere.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tupelo Welcomes Back Mississippi State Bulldogs
Additional Resources
- Daily Journal: MSU Unveils Tailgating Changes
- Clarion Ledger: Safety Regulations at MSU
- WJTV: MSU Updates Tailgating Zones
- StyleBlueprint: Mississippi State Football
- Visit Lex: Welcome to Starkville
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
