A Blackout in Reed Green Coliseum

Official Review by Travis Thornell, Stadium Journey Guest Correspondent

Affectionately known as the Yurt to the Golden Eagle faithful, the Reed Green Coliseum was built in 1965 and was named after the former player, coach and athletic director Reed Green. The coliseum is on the northwest side of campus and has an overall capacity of 8,095.

Food & Beverage    2

The Yurt offers the typical assortment of popcorn, soda and burgers. The concession stands are located throughout the circular concourse but usually only one stand is open for the majority of games.

Atmosphere    4

Southern Miss basketball has not had a whole lot of excitement for several years, but the 2011-2012 team has been off to a great start this season. With great success, a great energetic crowd will follow. A better crowd could not have been present for the Blackout game against Memphis that we witnessed for this particular review. A raucous student section and a clever pep band made this game special. It had been 8 years since USM defeated the national power house Memphis. The electricity around the Yurt and the tailgating outside was an incredible feeling and many USM faithful were ready to get the monkey or in this case the tiger off the program's back.

Neighborhood    3

Mugshots Bar and Grill is a popular bar near campus. Mugshots, a Hattiesburg staple, recently rebuilt on the west side of campus after a fire destroyed the original building, offers an array of great burgers and sandwiches. This place is an ideal pre game stop to get a few beverages before tip-off.

After the game, Golden Eagle followers flock to the Keg and Barrel to celebrate a victory. The Keg is a must stop for the craft beer enthusiast and offers beers from around the world and region. Try the Chicken and Waffles and enjoy anything from the local Lazy Magnolia brand of beers.

Fans    3

USM fans have been hungry for a team that can finally slay the Memphis Tigers. The fans were into the entire game and the proximity to the Memphis bench gave them a chance to get in the Tigers' heads late in the ball game. An interesting stunt was pulled where Seymour, the USM mascot, surfed over rolling fraternity boys the entire length of the court.

Access    2

Parking is a major hassle for this on campus arena, but there is no charge for parking anywhere on campus. Around the arena are reserved spots for season ticket holders. Across from the stadium on Fourth Street is an open lot near the baseball field and the nearby parking garage can usually handle the crowd for basketball games. Restrooms are located near the concession stands and are kept very clean.

Return on Investment    3

A good venue to watch a game, but some renovation is needed. The wooden bleachers are very uncomfortable and the chair back seats are a little too expensive. A very family friendly environment that appeals to younger fans as there are many opportunities to interact with the mascots and catch items thrown into the crowd during time outs.

Extras    1

Southern Miss commemorated their 1987 NIT championship with the tailgating location, Nitchampsburg. This special place is located near the stadium and was given its own zip code in honor of Mississippi's only men's division I basketball championship.