Contact: Harriet Laird
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Mississippi State University continues to provide a safe and fan-friendly game day experience this Saturday as the Bulldogs kickoff against Alcorn State University at 2:30 p.m. in Davis Wade Stadium.
With record fan attendance expected this season for MSU home football games and with the continued stadium construction, the university's Game Day Committee wants to remind fans of some guidelines that can help ensure a positive environment.
"In the midst of the outstanding upgrades being made in and around Davis Wade Stadium, our hope is to foster an inviting atmosphere on game day and lessen any chance of frustration for our fans and friends attending the game," said Amy Tuck, MSU's vice president for campus services and Game Day Committee chair. "We're going to need the continued cooperation of all our fans."
Those visiting the Starkville Campus and Davis Wade Stadium are encouraged to take note of the following:
--Roads close 4 hours prior to kickoff (10:30 a.m. for this game). Tailgating fans are allotted a maximum of 5 minutes for unloading the supplies at curbside prior to this time. Closed roads include Creelman St. from Tracy Drive to Stone Blvd.; Stone Blvd. from Bost Drive to Bully Blvd.; and Barr Ave. from Collegeview St. to George Perry St. Also, Lee Blvd. from Walker Road to George Perry St. is one way east bound for traffic. To view the game day map, click here.
--Gates to Davis Wade Stadium open 3 hours prior to kick off.
--Officials will monitor weekend weather conditions to determine the use of grass lots. If any of these lots are closed, fans will be notified via www.fanguide.msstate.edu and through Twitter @mstategameday.
--Fans wanting to purchase resale tickets from individuals are asked to do so AWAY FROM the stadium area, including street intersections, sidewalks, and the Junction.
--Tailgating fans are reminded that small tents are permitted. Stakes 1/4th inch or smaller in diameter and 6 inches or shorter in length are permitted. Larger tents must be rented from MSU Event Services, 662-325-3228.
--Golf carts are ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED in tailgating areas such as the Barnes & Noble lawn, FanFair area, Junction, West Lawn tent area; along all closed roads; and all sidewalks. Golf cart drivers must possess a valid driver's license and proper insurance.
--Commercial tent operations (those setting up 10 or more tents for a fee) are now required to register with the university. These operators will be allowed to set up tents prior to the standard 4 p.m. time, but will be limited to portions of the Amphitheater and portions of the Ag-Bio lawn.
--Pride in maintaining a beautiful campus should be a top priority for everyone--especially on game day and in tailgating areas. Garbage should be sealed in the black bags and recycling items in the blue bags, which are available on poles located throughout the tailgating areas. These bags can be left for collection at tailgating areas or in a trash or recycling container. There are more garbage/recycle cans out on game day than ever before, and fans should do their part in using these resources and keep campus clean.
--A shuttle service for all fans is now available from the MSU Horse Park. Anyone who pays the roundtrip fee of $5 can use this service. A complimentary shuttle is available from downtown Starkville and picks up at the Starkville Daily News and Courthouse Annex. A park and ride shuttle service is available from the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park for a roundtrip fee of $20. Shuttles begin service 3 hours prior to kick off and resume service for 2 hours after the game.