Wednesday Bulldog Update - 9/16/15
September 16, 2015 | Athletics
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I'll begin this week by thanking each of you for the role you played in creating a tremendous atmosphere Saturday night. The Mississippi State gameday experience has totally changed over the last few years, and it's because everyone (fans, students, players, faculty, staff, etc.) has worked to make Davis Wade Stadium the loudest, most electric venue in college football.
Despite the game's outcome, it was a remarkable evening, enjoyed by the second-largest crowd ever at an MSU home football game. However, success brings its own challenges, and we had a few Saturday, especially with post-game traffic flow. Rarely do we have a game where both everyone stays until the final play, and everyone wants to leave right when the game ends. But that was the case Saturday, and it stressed our road systems in a way that caused frustrating delays in getting off campus for many of you.
As you know, both our university and the city of Starkville are growing, with several construction projects ongoing that have impacted traffic routes. And while Davis Wade Stadium is attracting record numbers of Bulldog fans, the road infrastructure in and out of campus has remained constant. (NOTE: The planned entrance road through the South Farm should help greatly when it is completed). Typically, when fans choose to arrive or leave throughout the day (or night), the traffic spreads out and becomes more manageable for authorities. However, when 60,000-plus (or more) folks arrive or leave simultaneously (as happened after last Saturday's game) it clogs outbound arteries and causes these issues.
Despite these challenges, MSU Athletics, our campus leaders and law enforcement have worked tirelessly to find the best and safest way to move cars on and off of campus as quickly as possible (while keeping in mind that much of this traffic is in close proximity to pedestrians). We will all continue to seek ways to improve the game day experience as it relates to traffic flow.
I should also congratulate and thank you all again for ringing responsibly. When the SEC allowed us to keep our cowbells, we set out to create a new tradition in the way we ring. Over the last two years, with the national eye upon Starkville, we've proven our ability to uphold our most unique and recognized tradition in the appropriate manner, and now we've even got the Guinness World Record to go with it.
PLANS FOR FOOTBALL SATURDAY
While we were fortunate to have perfect football weather last weekend, forecast highs for this Saturday afternoon's game against Northwestern State are expected to reach 90 degrees, so we will institute our "heat protocol" for this game, meaning fans will be able to carry clear water bottles into the stadium and cooling stations will be set up on the concourses. Additionally, Aramark will offer two price points for bottled water, a 12 ounce size for $2 and a liter for $5. Keep in mind that, in addition to the water being sold at concessions, water fountains are located on the west, north and east concourses for those wanting to stay hydrated.
Also this weekend, we're thrilled to welcome back the 1980 football team for a reunion on campus. Their 6-3 victory over Bear Bryant and Alabama in Jackson is one of the great games in Bulldog sports history. After their reunion Friday night, we will be proud to honor this Sun Bowl team on the field Saturday. Make sure to offer all the guys from a memorable team a warm welcome back.
For you fashion-conscious Bulldogs, our staff is asking those sitting in lower level to wear White this Saturday, and for those in the upper decks to wear Maroon (premium seat holders, including west-side 100 and 200 level, are to also wear White). As a reminder, this info is printed on your game ticket.
One more note: We always get this question, so here's a simple reminder that restrooms in several campus buildings (the east side of Humphrey Coliseum, Newell-Grissom, the MSU soccer field, Butler-Williams Guest House, Mitchell Memorial Library, Hilbun Hall, the Welcome Center at the Depot, and Memorial Hall) are open on gamedays.
WRAPPING UP THIS EMAIL (IN MAROON AND WHITE)
* As we work on finalizing our 2016 baseball schedule (almost completed), we do want to share that Super Bulldog Weekend will be held April 15-17 in 2016. The spring is always a busy time with sports, weddings and vacations, so make plans to join us for the biggest weekend in MSU sports every year as we host Texas A&M in baseball, take in the spring football game and the wealth of other games and activities surrounding the weekend.
* On the subject of baseball, Coach Cohen's club started fall ball last night and will be scrimmaging regularly at Dudy Noble over the next month. Scrimmages are free and open to anyone if you'd like to stop by, including this Saturday morning with an expected start time of 11 a.m. Follow @HailStateBB on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more from the team.
* Athlon's preseason basketball publication, which hit newsstands last week, has our women's basketball Bulldogs ranked sixth nationally in its preseason poll. Remember, both men's and women's season ticket renewals are currently being accepted, with a deadline of next Tuesday (Sept. 22).
We appreciate what you do for Mississippi State Athletics and want to encourage you to get others involved. There are three things you can do to help the athletic department at Mississippi State reach its desired goals –
1. Buy Season Tickets
2. Financially Support the Bulldog Club
3. Get Others To Do The Same
Thanks for taking the time to read this Update.
Hail State!
Scott Stricklin
