Ole Miss Rebels Football: History & Traditions

Ole Miss Rebels football has represented the University of Mississippi since 1893 and enters 2026 under new head coach Pete Golding, promoted from defensive coordinator after Lane Kiffin departed for LSU following the 2025 season. Vaught-Hemingway Stadium has been the Rebels' home since 1915 and sits at the center of one of college football's most distinctive game day traditions.

No college football tailgate is more famous than The Grove, the tree-lined ten-acre plot on campus where Ole Miss fans set up elaborate tailgate tents hours before kickoff every home game. Fans greet the team as it walks through the crowd on the way to the stadium, and the "Hotty Toddy" chant echoes throughout Oxford on game day. The 2026 season also brings a storyline years in the making: Lane Kiffin returns to Oxford as LSU's head coach on September 19, in what fans are already calling one of the most anticipated games of the year.

Ticket Types & Seating Guide at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium seats over 64,000 fans, and knowing the layout makes a real difference in choosing the right ticket.

• Sections A-J (Ole Miss Sideline) — lower level seating on the home side, closest to the Rebels' bench.
• Sections K-S (Visitor Sideline) — lower level seating on the away side, closest to the visiting team's bench.
• Section E (50-Yard Line, Home Side) — the premium midfield sightline on the Ole Miss sideline.
• Section O (50-Yard Line, Visitor Side) — the premium midfield sightline on the visiting team's sideline.
• Sections N1-N10 & S2-S10 (End Zones) — budget-friendly seating at either end of the field with a straight-on view of scoring plays.
• Section N11 (Band Section) — seating alongside the Ole Miss band, with a unique in-stadium atmosphere.
• 100 Level (Upper Level) — elevated seating with a wide view of the entire field.

Compare all available sections and price points for each 2026 matchup directly on this page before you buy.

Rivalry Games to Watch in 2026

Ole Miss's 2026 schedule brings two marquee matchups. The Rebels host LSU in the Magnolia Bowl on September 19, marking Lane Kiffin's return to Oxford as an opposing head coach, and close the regular season on the road against Mississippi State on November 28 in the annual Battle for the Golden Egg.

Getting to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium sits on the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford, and traffic tightens considerably in the hours before kickoff for marquee SEC matchups. Parking passes for Ole Miss home games are available on SOLDOUT.COM — browse Vaught-Hemingway Stadium parking lots alongside game tickets so you can lock in a spot before arriving rather than searching on game day.

Game Day Tips

• Arrive early for The Grove. Tailgating in The Grove starts hours before kickoff and is worth experiencing even if you're not tailgating yourself.
• Plan parking ahead of time. Lots near Vaught-Hemingway sell out fastest for LSU, Georgia, and Auburn weekends.
• Check the forecast. September kickoffs in Oxford can run hot and humid; late-November games can turn cold.
• Know your section before you go. Sideline, end zone, band section, and upper level all offer very different atmospheres.
• Learn the chant. "Hotty Toddy" is heard throughout the stadium and around Oxford all game day long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for other Ole Miss Rebels tickets? Visit the main Ole Miss Rebels page for basketball, baseball, and all other Rebels sports, browse more events in Oxford, MS, check out our 2026 SEC Football Season Guide, or see all NCAA Football tickets on SOLDOUT.COM.