As Christopher Walken famously declared in a 2000 Saturday Night Live sketch, “Well, guess what! I’ve got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!”
Welcome back to our weekly Tailgate Takeover series. This week, we’re heading to Starkville, Mississippi, home of the cowbell. No. 7 Alabama takes on No. 16 Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday, October 3, with an 11 a.m. CT kickoff. Both teams enter the matchup undefeated at 4–0, setting up a meeting between two ranked SEC teams. The game is scheduled to air on ABC.
Expect a spirited home crowd ready to ring those cowbells throughout the morning. With an early kickoff and plenty happening around campus, a little planning will help you make the most of your trip.
Getting Oriented
(Downtown Starkville/Facebook)
Starkville offers two main areas worth exploring: downtown and the Cotton District. Downtown, centered around Main Street, has boutiques, cafés and restaurants, along with historic buildings that give the city its character. Closer to campus, the Cotton District is a hub for bars, restaurants and entertainment that fills with fans on game days. With an 11 a.m. kickoff, time for pregame exploring will be limited, so decide what you most want to see before you arrive.
Where to Eat
Starkville has plenty of options for fueling up before or after the game. The Little Dooey is a longtime local barbecue institution, known for its smoked meats and signature sauces. Founded in 1985, it has become a fixture of the Starkville dining scene.
In the Cotton District, Two Brothers Smoked Meats serves barbecue in a casual setting that also works for food and drinks with friends. For Italian food, TASTE Italian Kitchen offers another option. Harvey’s and Bulldog Burger Co. are additional choices for a sit-down meal or a casual bite, depending on what you’re craving.
Game-day crowds can make popular restaurants busy, so consider checking hours and making reservations where available.
Where to Drink
(Two Brothers/Facebook)
The Cotton District is a natural place to start if you’re looking for a pregame drink. Bin 612 is a popular stop for drinks and bar food, and Two Brothers Smoked Meats is nearby. The Landing is another option in the district with a rooftop bar for great views.
For live music and a more laid-back atmosphere, Rick’s Cafe hosts performances and draws crowds throughout the year. Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern is another established Starkville spot, with extended hours during home-game weekends.
Downtown, Starkville State Theatre occupies a historic building dating to 1937. Now operating as a music venue and bar, it offers another place to catch live entertainment while exploring Main Street. Check its current event calendar before making plans.
Things to Do
Mississippi State game days revolve around two things: cowbells and The Junction, the tailgating grounds just outside Davis Wade Stadium. The Junction is a gathering place for fans before kickoff, with tents, food and plenty of maroon and white. On October 3, ESPN’s SEC Nation will broadcast live from The Junction from 8–11 a.m. CT, adding another reason to arrive early.
The Dawg Walk, when the team, coaches, band and mascot make their way toward the stadium through a crowd of fans, is another game-day tradition. Check Mississippi State’s official schedule for the specific time before heading over.
If you have time outside the game-day rush, consider the MAFES Cheese Store, which sells cheese and ice cream made on campus, including its Muscadine Ripple flavor. The store’s regular hours are weekdays, so confirm whether it will be open for this Saturday’s game before making it part of your itinerary.
And one final tip: if you’re sensitive to loud sounds, consider bringing ear protection. Cowbells are part of the Mississippi State experience, and they’re not exactly subtle.
Where to Shop
For men’s clothing, George Sherman offers a traditional retail experience, while Reed’s carries outdoor gear and workwear. Women looking to browse boutiques can stop by L.A. Green on Main Street for clothing and accessories. The Olive Tree is another downtown option; check its current selection if you’re looking for clothing, home décor or gifts.
If you have extra time or enjoy antique shopping, Horsefeathers Antique Mall is worth considering. Located outside the downtown core, the mall features antiques, furniture and vintage finds from a range of vendors.
Know Before You Go
An 11 a.m. kickoff makes for an early start, especially if you want to experience the pregame atmosphere. Plan your arrival around your priorities: SEC Nation will be broadcasting from The Junction from 8–11 a.m. CT, and the Dawg Walk has its own scheduled time. Check Mississippi State’s official game-day information for the latest details, parking guidance and stadium policies before leaving home.
The Cotton District and areas around campus can become crowded quickly, so allow extra time to park and walk between destinations. If you’re hoping to explore downtown as well, consider saving that stop for after the game rather than trying to fit everything into the morning.
As Alabama heads to Starkville to face an undefeated, ranked SEC opponent, expect a full day of football, food and cowbells. Enjoy the atmosphere, explore what the city has to offer and, as always, Roll Tide. Check back next week as we head to our next stop in the Tailgate Takeover series.
