Davis Wade Stadium experience gets big upgrade for 2025

Mississippi State fans have been vocal over the last few seasons that they would like to see an improved atmosphere inside Davis Wade Stadium.

State’s leaders have, in turn, listened.

A push from the fanbase to bring LED light shows and an improved atmosphere inside the nation’s second oldest on-campus facility was put into motion by Director of Athletics Zac Selmon during the spring and those are available for the 2025 season. The lights are just a piece of a much improved gameday atmosphere set to welcome fans to DWS this fall.

“Mississippi State fans and students are at the heart of everything we do, and we know the importance of taking a customer-focused approach to the gameday experience at Davis Wade Stadium and each of our home venues,” MSU Director of Athletics Zac Selmon said in a release. “Our team has worked tirelessly over the last year to bring elements from both the collegiate and professional levels to ensure our fan experience is second to none. I can’t wait for Bulldog fans to see what we have in store for them starting with the debut of our new LED lights on Sept. 6.”

LED Light Show headlines improved experience

Fans will be treated to the LED light show throughout big moments of the game with an improved sound system from field level that will provide more clarity. The stadium will also have added cameras throughout the stadium for more angles with more fireworks and different launch points adding a 360 degree element to the pyro show.

Other in-stadium perks coming fans way include a new look to the West side concourse and East side restroom renovations. Fans can also enjoy new and improved chairback seats available for rent for the season that provide more comfort and a recline. These seats are also available for rent on a game-by-game basis for the first time.

Concession stands are getting a facelift as well with food-specific locations including Bully’s Pizza Co. and new specialty pizza items like the hot-honey flatbread. The Dawg House brings fans delicious Country Pleasing sausage dogs like the Alligator dog that rose to popularity at Dudy Noble Field for two baseball series last season.

In addition to the food options expanding, fans will find more convenience at their concession stands whether it be with the efficient drink coolers, grab and go options or the AI technology checkout kiosks that have been implemented for the first time.  

Before fans make it inside the stadium, there will be changes this season as well. Namely, the new tailgating layout inside the Junction. This season, the University and Athletics have made the decision to uniform the Junction with Southern Tradition Tailgating. The popular specialized service will move from across the street and be housed exclusively in the Junction.

Fans still have the ability to tailgate publicly around the Junction and the students will now have spots in the Amphitheater across the street. To view a map of the tailgating layout, fans can visit the Athletics website.

All total, the projects for this season cost the Athletic Department $9 million with more improvements on the way in the coming seasons and fans can see the full list of upgrades HERE. The team has a long-term plan to fix the sound system inside DWS as that has become one of the main complaints from fans over the years.

Additionally, Selmon rolled out a master plan for facilities that include a South End Zone project that has no timetable at the moment. The first major project set to get underway is the team’s football-only indoor practice facility. Howard Industries is at the forefront of that fundraising project that is expected to cost somewhere around $60 million and will break ground in 2027.

Momentum is building inside the city of Starkville and on campus as the University and city announced last week the Crossroads development just steps away from campus. The development will connect the rich history of the Cotton District with campus and be centered by a boutique Hotel Madelon and a physical Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library. Construction on the hotel is set to begin in October of this year.