Misunderstanding Over Arizona State Football Team’s Hotel Stay

Starkville, Mississippi, September 5, 2025

News Summary

Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham’s remarks on hotel accommodations for his team in Starkville have sparked clarification efforts. Initially claiming the team would stay over an hour away due to a lack of non-casino hotels, Visit Starkville promptly countered this by revealing nearby hotel options. Dillingham later acknowledged local fan engagement but expressed frustration over logistical challenges. This incident has highlighted the logistical hurdles faced by college football teams in smaller towns and the significant role of community dynamics in sports.

Starkville, Mississippi — Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham’s recent comments regarding hotel accommodations for his team during their visit to Starkville have generated discussion and clarification. During a news conference on September 1, Dillingham stated that the Sun Devils would be staying over an hour away due to a scarcity of hotels that were not casinos. However, the Visit Starkville X account promptly fact-checked these remarks, emphasizing that there are no casinos in Starkville.

To address Dillingham’s claims, Visit Starkville released a video detailing four hotels located within just two miles of Davis Wade Stadium, the venue where Mississippi State is set to host No. 10 Arizona State on September 6 at 6:30 p.m. This game, featuring two undefeated teams, has created heightened anticipation among local fans.

Dillingham’s earlier comments reflected the logistical challenges college football teams encounter when traveling to smaller towns. In his original statement, he conveyed frustration at having to stay far from the stadium due to the limited hotel options. He specified the duration of the commute, stating that it would take approximately an hour and 15 to 20 minutes to reach the stadium from their accommodation.

Following the fact-check, Dillingham provided a clarification during an interview on “Wake Up Barstool” on September 4. He expressed that his remarks were not intended as a critique of Starkville. He acknowledged the strong local support resulting in many hotels being fully booked, highlighting the enthusiasm of the fanbase.

While speaking to sports media, Dillingham noted that he has previously recruited in Starkville, although he has not coached there. His comments about university towns were framed positively, demonstrating his appreciation for the atmosphere they generate. Upon receiving feedback from Mississippi State and Ole Miss fans on social media, he expressed surprise at the level of engagement and response to his initial statement.

Despite the misunderstanding, the excitement among fans continues to grow ahead of the game. Dillingham recognized the importance of fan participation in creating a lively environment, especially noting the traditional use of “cowbells” at Mississippi State games. He described college football as a spirited endeavor, emphasizing the passionate nature of the fanbases involved.

The upcoming matchup between Arizona State and Mississippi State is not only significant for the rankings but also offers a platform for Dillingham to affirm his commitment to community engagement. His attempt to address logistical issues amid fanfare reflects on larger themes present in college sports today.

Background Context

The discourse arises as college football teams frequently travel to varying environments, each presenting unique logistical challenges. Dillingham’s remarks shed light on how team logistics can sometimes misinterpret local infrastructures, and the importance of understanding community dynamics in sports.

Conclusion

The landscape of college football continues evolving, with fan engagement playing a pivotal role in shaping perceptions and experiences surrounding the events. The case of Dillingham’s comments serves as a reminder of the intertwined relationship between sports teams, local communities, and the media.

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Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Starkville Prepares for Arizona State vs. Mississippi State Matchup
Starkville Prepares for Showdown Against Arizona State
Arizona State Coach’s Remarks Spark Controversy in Starkville

Additional Resources

• Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State vs Arizona State
• Arizona Central: Kenny Dillingham Comments
• Arizona Sports: Kenny Dillingham and Brandon Walker
• Sports Illustrated: Dillingham Confronted by Fans
• Style Blueprint: Mississippi State Football
• Wikipedia: Starkville, Mississippi

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.