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NCAA FBS

Vaught–Hemingway Stadium at Hollingsworth FieldUniversity, Mississippi

Mississippi

👥
Capacity
64,038
🏆
Conference
SEC
📅
Opened
1915
🌱
Surface
Grass

📖About Vaught–Hemingway Stadium at Hollingsworth Field

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at Hollingsworth Field holds 64,038 and is the crown jewel of Ole Miss athletics. Named for legendary coach Johnny Vaught (190-61-12, 3 national titles) and Judge William Hemingway (athletics committee chairman 1894-1937), it's famous for The Grove—the 10-acre tailgating paradise that Sports Illustrated called "The Holy Grail of Tailgating."

🏛️History

Origins

Opened in 1915 as Hemingway Stadium with 24,000 seats. The University of Mississippi played its first home game here on October 16, 1915, beating Southwestern Baptist 13-7. Renamed Vaught-Hemingway in 1982 after Johnny Vaught retired.

Major Renovations

1950Major expansion under Coach Vaught during championship era
1998$22M renovation: 10,000 seats, new press box, video board
2016South end zone enclosed with premium seating (64,038 capacity)
2024New video boards, LED lighting, enhanced sound system

Notable Moments

Oct 4, 2014Ole Miss upset #3 Alabama 23-17; fans stormed field
Nov 29, 2014Defeated #4 Mississippi State 31-17 in Egg Bowl to clinch Peach Bowl berth
Nov 16, 2024Ole Miss upset #3 Georgia 28-10 in SEC showdown

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

West side lower bowl offers shade and closer views. The Vaught Club (premium seating) has climate-controlled lounges. South end zone sections have affordable options with full-field views. Student section is in the north end zone.

Parking Tips

The Grove fills early—arrive by 8am for prime spots (no reserved spaces, first-come basis). RV camping at the Starnes Athletic Facility. Shuttle service from Pavilion parking garage. Manning Way closures begin 5 hours before kickoff.

Game Day

The Grove is a must-experience: crystal chandeliers, fine china, and formal attire amid the oaks. Walk of Champions starts 2 hours before kickoff. "Hotty Toddy" is the rally cry—learn the chant! The Speed Limit 18 sign honors Archie Manning's number. Clear bag policy enforced.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Library Sports Bar

$$

The premier sports bar in Oxford with over 20 TVs and a massive gameday crowd.

📍 1 mile120 S 11th St

💡 Expect a cover charge and long lines on SEC gamedays.

The Growler

$$

Craft beer destination with 30 taps and a great patio right off the Square.

📍 1.2 miles265 North Lamar Blvd

💡 Excellent local brews; perfect for a more relaxed gameday vibe.

Harrison’s

$$

A Square staple with multiple floors and dynamic gameday energy.

📍 1.1 miles1116 Van Buren Ave

💡 The rooftop area offers a great view of the Square.

🍽️Restaurants

Ajax Diner

$$

Legendary Southern comfort food spot. The soul of Oxford dining.

📍 1.1 miles118 Courthouse Sq

💡 Try the chicken fried steak or the meat-and-three specials.

Bouré

$$$

Upscale but casual Southern cuisine with a great balcony overlooking the Square.

📍 1.1 miles110 Courthouse Sq

💡 Perfect for a celebratory post-game dinner.

City Grocery

$$$$

Fine dining destination from Chef John Currence. Landmark for Oxford foodies.

📍 1.1 miles152 Courthouse Sq

💡 Reservations are essential on game weekends.

🏨Hotels

The Graduate Oxford

$$$$

Boutique hotel with quirky, local-themed decor and a rooftop bar.

📍 1.3 miles400 N Lamar Blvd

💡 Look for the pink flooring and local literary references in the lobby.

The Inn at Ole Miss

$$$$

The only hotel located directly on the Ole Miss campus.

📍 0.4 miles120 Alumni Dr

💡 Steps away from The Grove and the stadium.

🎭Attractions

Rowan Oak

$

William Faulkner’s historic home and grounds.

📍 1 mile916 Old Taylor Rd

💡 Walk the Bailey Woods trail from the University Museum to Rowan Oak.

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium Tour

$

Take a peek at the history and architecture of one of the SEC's most iconic venues.

📍 0 miles1 Bob Vaught Way

💡 Often available on non-gameday Fridays.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Jackson Avenue Center

Free shuttle
Lot📍 1.5 miles

💡 The best free option with a reliable gameday shuttle.

🏢

Pavilion Parking Garage

$40-50
Garage📍 0.2 miles

💡 Next to the stadium but fills up extremely early.

🅿️

University Museum Lot

$30
Lot📍 0.6 miles

💡 Good alternative if you arrive 4+ hours before kickoff.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Vaught–Hemingway Stadium at Hollingsworth Field? Share it with us.

🔥Rivals

Stadiums Near Vaught–Hemingway Stadium at Hollingsworth Field

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.