As William Faulkner once said, “in order to understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi.” Ole Miss and its community is a mixture of tradition, spirit, and southern hospitality. With the immense beauty of the campus, and infamous Grove, it is no wonder Ole Miss is considered one of the most beautiful campuses. Aside from its beauty, Ole Miss also holds the title for best tailgating. Ole Miss has a long standing tradition of tailgating in The Grove, a 10-acre tailgating area in the center of campus that's surrounded by God’s green Earth. So, why does Ole Miss have the “Holy Grail of tailgating” according to Sports News?
1. The Tradition
Ole Miss has many long-lasting traditions, with tailgating being one of them. Ole Miss might not always win the game, but Ole Miss always wins the party. Originally, cars were parked in the Grove to tailgate until 1991. As a result of a swamp in the Grove, tents replaced the cars. Ever since, fans and different Greek societies have claimed their spots in the Grove. People will sit out all day (the night before the game) until 8:00 p.m. when the Grove officially opens for tent set-up. Trashcan Friday, the day before game day, is sometimes called Christmas Eve by fans and students. Blue and red trashcans are spread throughout campus, which signifies game day has arrived. The Walk of Champions happens a few hours before game time. The players walk down the Walk of Champions pathway, with fans lined up along the outside cheering them on. Frequently, you will hear fans scream the “Hotty Toddy” chant.
2. The Dress
Ole Miss truly embodies the phrase “dressed up to get messed up.” You will see the best of the South on game days. The gentlemen are dressed in their nicest polos, ties, sport jackets, and khakis. The women are dressed in their nicest dresses and heels or boots. Each game has a general color code. For different football games, the Ole Miss community is encouraged to wear certain colors to support our Rebels. Alongside the clothing, members of Greek affiliations will sport their sorority’s stickers or pins on their outfits to show their support for the team. You will find the men with various sorority stickers on their sport jackets!
3. The Tents
You will find some of the most extravagant tents in the Grove. And there is no better place to find true southern cooking. Many tents have their best dishes displayed, chandeliers, and television screens. You name it, they have it! Food, drinks, good company, and more drinks!
4. The Spirit and Magic of Ole Miss
Nothing beats the spirit of Ole Miss. Come Saturday, the morning is a dead college town: no one is seen on-campus and there is nothing but peace and quiet. Come a few hours before game time, the campus is filled with thousands of fans and visitors. Ole Miss and The Grove are transformed from this serene place into an indescribable tailgating experience. The Grove feels like it lasts for miles, with plenty of entertainment to last you an entire day. Come Sunday, The Grove is magically restored to its former peaceful and glorious self.
Aside from all the reasons above, one ESPN producer called Ole Miss the “best on-campus experience” he has ever had. Who can beat that compliment?
Hotty Toddy!
