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Can't Miss Party of the South

Official Review by Jack Winter, Stadium Journey Regional Correspondent

The University of Mississippi's Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at Hollingsworth Field - impressive as it is - is one of just several factors that makes the Ole Miss football experience one of the country's very best.

Built in 1915, it was originally dedicated in honor of Judge William Hemingway, a law professor and chairman of the University's Committee on Athletics. In 1982, after coach John Vaught established the Rebels as the most dominant program of the mid-20th century, the stadium rightfully added his namesake. Six years later, the playing surface was re-named for longtime university supporter Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth, finally establishing the venue's current official title.

Vaught-Hemingway has undergone numerous renovations over the years, most with the ultimate goal of increasing seating capacity. The most recent expansion took place in 2002, bringing the stadium to it's present maximum volume of 60,580.

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at Hollingsworth Field is no doubt a more than serviceable home for one of college football's most historically respected programs. As anyone who's been to Oxford, MS for a game will tell you, though, it's far from the only thing that makes Ole Miss' game-day atmosphere one of the sport's greatest.

Food & Beverage    4

One of the countless great things about the Ole Miss football experience is that if you don't get your share of delicious food and drink outside the stadium, the in-house concessions offer alternatives almost as tasty and unique.

On the outer concourses of the stadium are countless food stands offering everything from Wendy's hamburgers to funnel cakes. Once inside Vaught-Hemingway, similarly unique stadium fare is available. A Hawaiian Ice station with every flavor imaginable and local favorites like Pork Nachos and brisket sandwiches are two great options, while stands with a traditional stadium menu are prevalent, too.

What makes the concessions at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium special, though, are the low prices. Jumbo hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and regular nachos each go for $4 and large specialty eats beat the competition at $6.50.

Though you're more than likely to fill up "" perhaps even for free if the right tent is found "" in The Grove, an extra snack or two during the game will be tough to avoid.

Atmosphere    5

The in-stadium experience for Ole Miss football shouldn't be overlooked; it's hardly far behind more recently successful SEC programs in that respect. What takes the game-day atmosphere in Oxford from exceptional to magical, though, is The Grove, a 10 acre stretch of tailgating paradise located just outside the stadium.

Rebels fans set up hundreds of red and blue tents, replete with all types of food and drink any college football fan could imagine. They don't just eat and drink, though, as the majority of tents came prepared to get their football fix by bringing a TV and cable-box. It's a good thing they did, too, as the rival Mississippi State Bulldogs lost a heart-breaker, bringing thousands of voices to rejoice in evil euphoria. The fans dress to impress, too, making a Grove experience the ultimate Southern outdoor dinner party.

The excitement carries over into the stadium as kick-off nears. The Vaught-Hemingway crowd "" led by a raucous students' section "" is fully engaged in school songs, chants, and traditions. Considering Ole Miss' "Hotty Toddy" is one of the country's best rally cries, that's hardly surprising, but the overwhelming buzz of intensity and school pride can only be understood if actually heard. It's college football at its finest.

Neighborhood    5

The area surrounding Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is the best in the country. It's that simple, and there's no debate.

The Grove aside, Oxford is a quintessential southern college town. Mountainous magnolias, Oaks, and Elms crowd the streets. Downtown is filled with countless charming local shops, bars, and restaurants. Dubbed "The Square," it overflows with Rebels fans before and after gametime regardless of the home team's outcome. Here, the party never stops, and everyone is welcome. Rebels toast Gators and Gamecocks, and visitors feel right at home.

The best thing about Oxford, though? Everything is within walking distance. Get drinks at favorite college hangout The Library on Friday night. Wake up the next morning and walk to The Rib Cage for some pre-game BBQ brunch. Then make the short trek to The Grove to get the real celebration started.

Oxford, simply, is one of the country's true college town treasures. Friends, fun, and football rule all else, just as they should. What else could you ask for?

Fans    3

Pre-game player introductions withstanding, the Rebels faithful deserve a grade worthy of The Grove. They're smart, passionate, loud, and appropriately rude to the opposition, just the way college football fans should be.

Having said that, they booed one of the Rebels when he was being introduced. It wasn't just several people, either; the boo birds were out in full force from every section of the stadium. Making matters worse, the player in question's only "offense" was his play on the field. Booing the home team as a whole "" let alone an individual player "" should have no place in collegiate athletics.

Access    4

As previously mentioned, one of the great things about Oxford is its walkability, and the same is true for Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. It's located on campus just outside The Grove, making for plenty of convenient parking spaces, even if most of it is off-campus.

Once inside, migrating through Vaught-Hemingway to your seat is done with relative ease. There are several entrances to the stadium, concourses are very wide on all levels, and access to seats high and low is smooth via numerous ramps and stairways. It's crowded before kick-off and between quarters, for sure, but hardly more so than any other well-attended NCAA stadium.

Return on Investment    5

Like the concessions, tickets to Ole Miss games beat market value, ranging as high as $55 and below. Given the entire Rebels football experience, you'll leave Oxford feeling you came out ahead; if there is such thing as an under-priced ticket, this is it.

Extras    5

It is site policy to normally award just one star to any single aspect that makes a Stadium Journey special. The Grove, though, renders that irrelevant. There may not be a better pre-game atmosphere in all of sports than Ole Miss'. For that, a rule can be broken, and the Vaught-Hemingway experience deserves five additional stars, all courtesy of The Grove.

Since this review was posted in September there has been a movement to improve food and drink availa

Since this review was posted in September there has been a movement to improve food and drink availability outside the stadium and around The Grove area. We also learned that there are food and drinks available in the Union (Student Union Building) located near The Grove area...

Thanks for the update Ole Miss Fans...

by Franklin | Oct 04, 2010 05:24 AM

100 Improvements in 100 Days

Saw this article today titled "Rebels revamping Vaught-Hemingway gameday scene." Sounds like the improvements Franklin mentioned were just the tip of the iceberg:

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110526/SPORTS030103/105260321/Rebels-revamping-Vaught-Hemingway-s-gameday-scene?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CSports%7Cs

by dmortimer | May 26, 2011 10:56 AM

RE: 100 Improvements in 100 Days

That is fantastic! We will have to make another visit soon to see all the great improvements that are taking place at Ole Miss...

Thanks for the link, dmortimer....

Franklin

by Franklin | Jun 20, 2011 01:09 PM

My take

It looks like a great place to see a game. Thanks for a solid write up. I hope one day to swing by Oxford on a game day and experience it.

by CigarBoy | Oct 31, 2011 01:29 AM

RE: My take

Man what a party, don't miss the Grove even if you miss the game itself!

by Franklin | Nov 29, 2011 06:47 PM

Road trip

I'm a Georgia Tech fan and Ole Miss is on our schedule for 2017. Definitely at the top of the list for a road trip that season.

by gth804f | Feb 08, 2013 01:56 PM

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