9/21/24

Mississippi State Game Day Parking: What to Expect

Introduction

Ah, GAME DAY at Mississippi State University (MSU)! There's an electric energy buzzing through the air as fans decked in maroon and white converge on campus, raising their cowbells in anticipation of some exhilarating football action. But with all that excitement comes a crucial piece of advice: planning ahead for parking is absolutely essential for enhancing your game day experience. If you're ready to tackle the logistics of Mississippi State game day parking, then this guide is just what you need! We'll provide you with tips, things to expect, and detailed logistics that will ensure your game day is as seamless as possible.

I. Preparing for Game Day: The Essentials

A. Check the Schedule

Before anything else, knowing the GAME DATE & TIME is vital. The first kickoff to kick off the 2023 season is against Southeastern Louisiana scheduled for September 2, 2023, at 3 p.m. There’s no scrambling at the last minute if you're aware of the kickoff times. So mark your calendars and maybe set a reminder or two! You can find the complete schedule here.

B. Essential Game Day Links

Here's your game day toolbox filled with crucial resources:

C. Suggested Arrival Times

Remember, arriving EARLY is key to securing a prime parking spot close to the festivities! For a 3 p.m. kickoff, aim to get there by 11:30 a.m. or even earlier if you want to soak in all the excitement. Trust us, you’ll appreciate the extra time!

II. Game Day Parking Options & Fees

A. Types of Parking Available

  1. Public Reserved Parking
  2. General Public Parking
    • If you wanna save a few bucks, general public parking is available at $10 at Research Park & Vet School parking lots.
  3. ADA Parking
    • For those needing accessible parking, there are dedicated ADA options available that ensure everyone can enjoy the game day experience.
      • Learn more about ADA parking fees here.

B. Payment Methods

One of the biggest changes this coming season is that ALL TRANSACTIONS WILL BE CASHLESS. So, make sure you’ve got your CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS handy! No cash transactions will be accepted at the public parking areas. This is to streamline payment and help reduce congestion. For more guidelines, you can see here.

C. Campus Road Closures

Prepare for some road closures, as several key streets will shut down starting 4 HOURS before kickoff. This is to ensure the flow of foot traffic and safety for everyone attending the game. Notable closures will affect:
  • Creelman Street and others leading toward the stadium.
  • For a full list of closures, including specific streets that will be impacted, check here.

III. Game Day Shuttle Services

A. Overview of SMART Transit Services

The Starkville-MSU Area Rapid Transit (SMART) is here to save the day! They’re running FREE transit services from various off-campus locations like Giles Hall and Newell Grissom. This is a great option to avoid the stress of parking altogether. To see the service times, be sure to check out SMART Services.

B. ADA Transit Services

Accessible shuttle services from ADA parking lots will begin 4 HOURS prior to kickoff, making it easier for fans with disabilities. You can expect smooth transit processes; check out more on their offerings here.

IV. Tailgating Tips: Set Up for Success

A. Tailgating Areas & Guidelines

Tailgating is a beloved tradition at MSU, so why not join in? The famous Hailstate Tailgate offers plenty of opportunities for fun and camaraderie! Here are some recommended spots:
  1. Creelman Street Tailgate: This year includes new setup guidelines for a better experience!
  2. Open Grass Areas: Great for setting up your tents and having a picnicky vibe.
    Make sure you check out the full tailgating information at MSU Tailgating Info.

B. What to Bring for Tailgating

Get ready for a feast! Bring your essentials like:
  • Grills
  • Chairs
  • Fun games
  • Much-loved food!
Tailgating is not just about food; it's about the social environment that comes with it too! One quick tip: follow the university’s regulations—no tents over 10'x10' are allowed to keep things organized.

V. Navigating to the Stadium: Keeping it Smooth

A. Recommended Routes

Avoid traffic snarls by taking some of these key routes for entering campus. Use apps like Waze to get live updates on road closures and detours. Trust us, navigating around closed roads will save you precious time and energy. You can find more info about the best routes here.

B. Post-Game Egress

After the final whistle, exiting the campus can be a daunting task. To avoid the heavy congestion, follow these tips:
  • Stick to the optimal routes for a smooth exit.
  • Keep an eye on posted signs along your way for real-time info.
  • For a detailed look at egress maps, check here.

VI. Game Day Atmosphere: The Experience Beyond Parking

A. The Pre-Game Experience

The pre-game atmosphere is something you truly don’t want to miss! From the thrilling atmosphere of tailgating to the iconic Dawg Walk, there's so much to soak in before kickoff. Cheerleaders pumping up the energy and the band contributing to a jubilant sound—it's a whole experience! For more about what you can expect, check Experience MSU.

B. Game Day Amenities

Worried about bathroom breaks? You don't have to! Plenty of restroom facilities are available throughout campus, including portable units, for your convenience. And don’t miss out on the eateries open on game day to fuel those cheering voices:
  • Fresh Food Co.
  • Subway
  • Chick-fil-A
  • Panda Express
Make sure to check out the complete list of game day eateries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planning for parking & transit is crucial for a successful game day experience at Mississippi State. As you prepare for the excitement, remember to enjoy all aspects—from the bustling tailgates to the thrilling moments on the field. And don’t forget to follow official MSU channels for live updates, useful tips, & all things game day!
Let’s cheer on our Bulldogs to victory!

Optional Engagement Notes

We'd love to hear from those who have experienced game day at MSU! If you have favorite parking stories or best practices to share, drop them in the comments below!
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Mississippi State Game Day Parking FAQ

When it comes to parking fees, there are a few options available on game day:

  • Interior Public Parking Lots: These will cost you $30 per vehicle/trailer.
  • Research Park & Vet School Parking Lots: If you're parking in these lots, it's a bit friendlier on your wallet at $10 per vehicle/trailer.
  • Just a reminder, cash is a no-go at public pay lots since they are exclusively for credit & debit cards only! Say goodbye to digging for coins.

Buying a reserved parking permit is as easy as pie! You can snag those bad boys by purchasing them in advance starting from 8 a.m. CT on Friday before the game. Head over to hailstate.com/tickets to get your tickets! Just keep in mind that grass parking lots might depend on weather conditions, so check that before you make your move!

Accessible parking is a breeze! For those needing ADA parking, you’ll find specific lots designated for it. Here’s the scoop:

  • North ADA Parking: Located at 100 Research Blvd in the Thad Cochran Research Park, with a fee of $10 per vehicle.
  • South ADA Parking: Right by the Animal Dairy Science Building.
  • Payment can only be made via credit or debit cards.
  • Accessible transit services operate 4 hours prior to kickoff and drop off at the appropriate terminals in the stadium. You can even find disability carts available to help you navigate to the entrance!

Absolutely! Game day means traffic can get a bit tricky. Roads will start closing 4 hours prior to kickoff. For example, major routes like Collegeview Drive and University Drive will close. This will include all roads leading to the center of campus. Make sure to plan ahead to avoid any unexpected detours!

You’ll want to roll into the parking lot at least 7 hours before kickoff if you want a prime spot. That means parking lots will typically open around 7 a.m. for a game day kickoff, time to grab that perfect parking space!

Tailgating is indeed allowed, but with a catch! Tailgating is ONLY permitted in designated areas where it doesn’t obstruct traffic. So be sure to follow those picnic zone regulations like a good fan. Remember: no tents, tables, or chairs are allowed in the parking spaces or sidewalks. Only grass areas are fair game.

Get ready to navigate like a pro! Using the Waze app can be a great guide to help you find the best route to your designated parking lot. Make sure to check in for any road closures ahead of your trip!

If you're parking off-campus, you're in luck! There’s a free transit service called SMART that runs on game days. This service provides a convenient way to get to Newell Grissom and Old Main Academic Center, making it super easy to hop on over to the stadium!

You bet! Disability carts will be on the scene to help those who need assistance. They start operating 4 hours before kickoff and will have designated pick-up and drop-off points at the stadium, making your arrival as smooth as butter.

When it comes to payment on game days, don’t forget your cards! The public pay lots accept credit & debit cards ONLY. Absolutely NO cash payments will be accepted, so make sure you’re ready to swipe or tap your way to a good parking spot!

Oh, absolutely! There are plenty of restrictions on what you can bring into the parking areas for tailgating. No tents, tables, or chairs in the parking spaces or sidewalks. However, bringing food and drinks for your tailgate is encouraged, just keep in mind you’ll need to stick around designated areas to enjoy them. Watch out for the pesky rules—nobody likes a party pooper!

Yes, indeed! A fabulous shuttle service operates from the Mississippi Horse Park, which is where you’ll find the public RV parking. The shuttle will transport you to the Newell-Grissom area, making it easier to get to the game!

For a stress-free experience, get there at least four hours before kickoff. Trust me; the earlier you arrive, the better! This way, you ensure a prime parking spot, and you get ample time to set up your tailgate.

RV parking guidelines are straightforward! Public RV parking is at the Mississippi Horse Park. However, for reserved RV parking, the lots between 34 & 38 open 10 a.m. on Fridays during home games, with an important rule: NO unauthorized vehicles are allowed to enter these lots after 3 p.m. on Thursdays. If they’re still there at 5 p.m., they WILL be relocated, so heed this advice!

If you find yourself in an EMERGENCY while at the parking lot, don’t sweat! You should immediately contact MSU Police at (662) 325-2121 for help. There will be personnel on-site to assist you, especially during the game!

Heads up! Roads surrounding the stadium will start to CLOSE four hours prior to kickoff. So, if you plan to head that way, leave yourself plenty of time to navigate through the changes in traffic flow and avoid those roadblocks!

ADA transit services are super accommodating! They start 4 hours before kickoff and allow fans to catch a ride from the public ADA parking areas into the stadium. You have two specific spots to board from: 100 Research Boulevard for North Campus and the Animal Dairy Science Building for South Campus. Just hop on and enjoy the ride!

Sorry to burst your bubble, but NO SAVING SPOTS! Parking spaces cannot be saved for friends, so if you’re arriving early, make sure everyone comes together or they’ll be hunting for a new spot!

While there are various amenities, restroom facilities are a question mark in the parking areas specifically. It would be wise to plan ahead and make sure you hit the restrooms inside the stadium before game time to avoid any dire situations!

If you’re a first-time visitor, fear not! You can find tons of helpful resources online, like the interactive Gameday Map that will guide you through parking, traffic flows, & where to set up those beloved tailgates!

Oh no, lost or stolen parking passes are a hassle! Unfortunately, parking passes that are lost or stolen cannot be reprinted. Make sure to keep your pass safe, preferably handy in your wallet or phone so you don't have to worry about the 'missing pass' blues.