Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
Photo: Jfurr1981 at English Wikipedia · Public domain · source
- Capacity
- 60,492
- Year opened
- 1950
- Club
- —
- Country
- United States
- Sport
- American football
Overview
About the stadium
Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium is an outdoor American football stadium in Jackson, Mississippi, United States. Seating 60,492 spectators, it has served since 1970 as the home venue of the Jackson State Tigers. It was originally named War Veterans Memorial Stadium and later Hinds County War Memorial Stadium.
Location and surroundings
The stadium is located in Jackson, the capital of the state of Mississippi. For many years it was the largest stadium in the state, until the University of Mississippi expanded its own venue in 2016. Thanks to its location and capacity, it ranks among the major sporting facilities of the region.
Main uses
The stadium is dedicated to American football and has hosted the home games of the Jackson State Tigers since 1970. For many years it also served as an alternate home venue for the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Mississippi State University and occasionally the University of Southern Mississippi. Besides college and high-school games, it has hosted several NFL preseason matches.
History
Journey through time
The history of Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium is intertwined with the development of college football in the state of Mississippi. The stadium in Jackson went through a series of rebuilds and renamings before reaching its current form, with a capacity of 60,492 spectators and the role of home venue for the Jackson State Tigers.
Construction and opening
The stadium originally arose under the name War Veterans Memorial Stadium. In 1960 it was redesigned and enlarged, and in 1961 it was dedicated by an Ole Miss vs. Arkansas game before a capacity crowd of 46,000 as Mississippi Memorial Stadium.
Major renovations
With political support from Ole Miss and Mississippi State and leadership from athletic director Warner Alford, the stadium was enlarged to 62,500 in 1981. On 26 September 1981, Ole Miss and Arkansas again dedicated the facility before 63,522 spectators. In 1995 the stadium received its current name, Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Notable moments
From 1973 to 1990 the famous Egg Bowl between Ole Miss and Mississippi State was played here, and from 1992 to 2013 the stadium hosted the championship games of the Mississippi High School Activities Association. For many years it was the largest stadium in the state.
Atmosphere
Matchday
The atmosphere at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium has for decades been linked to the great college football games in Jackson. The stadium, seating 60,492 spectators, has seen numerous sell-out games, whether involving the Jackson State Tigers or visiting college sides.
Fan culture
The home team is the Jackson State Tigers, whose fans have formed the core of the stadium's atmosphere since 1970. The stadium long also drew supporters of other universities that used it as an alternate venue, so fan bases from across the state of Mississippi gathered here.
Big matches
Among the most famous is the Egg Bowl, the derby between Ole Miss and Mississippi State, played here from 1973 to 1990. The dedications of 1961 and again of 1981 drew capacity crowds. The stadium also hosted high-school championship finals and NFL preseason games.
Practical info
Visiting the stadium
A visit to Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium leads to the capital of the state of Mississippi, Jackson. The stadium, seating 60,492 spectators, serves as the home venue of the Jackson State Tigers and was for many years the largest sporting facility in the state.
How to get there
The stadium is located in Jackson, the capital of Mississippi. Thanks to its location in the city, it is accessible via the road network; on game days, expect heavier traffic in the area.
Tickets and tours
Tickets for Jackson State Tigers home games depend on the schedule, and availability varies with the importance of the fixture. We recommend following the official university athletics channels.
Visitor tips
- When to arrive: on game day, come early because of the atmosphere and city traffic.
- What to bring: clothing in the Jackson State team colours.
- What to look forward to: a traditional venue for great games, long the largest stadium in the state of Mississippi.
Map
Where to find the stadium
Rating
Your rating
No ratings yet
Plan your visit
Mississippi, United States
Accommodation
Booking.com — affiliate ID not configured
Stadium tour
GetYourGuide — partner ID not configured
Match tickets
Ticombo — affiliate ID not configured
Some links are affiliate — if you purchase, we earn a small commission (no extra cost to you).
