The BoomBox Classic is an annual rivalry game played between the Jackson State Tigers and the Southern Jaguars. The two SWAC rivals first met in 1929, but the rivalry didn’t kick off until 1958. It’s not just the action on the field that is a must-see when Jackson State and Southern square off the battle of the band between the schools is just as big and is where the rivalry gets its name. If you’re attending the BoomBox Classic, make sure to stick around for the 5th Quarter band performances after the game.

Southern Heritage Classic

Rival Team: Tennessee State Tigers

The Southern Heritage Classic is held each year at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee and it pits the Jackson State Tigers against the Tennessee State Tigers. The game itself is only part of the event as the halftime show featuring both schools’ bands and famous musicians is as big a draw as the game. If you want to attend one of the best Jackson State games of the year, then make sure to get tickets to the Southern Heritage Classic.

Soul Bowl

Rival Team: Alcorn State Braves

From 1994 to 2012, the rivalry game between Jackson State and Alcorn State was called the Capital Classic and was held in Jackson. However, Alcorn State decided they wanted a piece of the action and the series became a home and home since 2012. There is a lot of bad blood between two Mississippi-based rivals, so make sure to be in attendance when the Tigers take on the Braves.

Jackson State Tigers Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

No Jackson State game is complete without tailgating, so make sure to arrive early and take part in all the fun outside the stadium. Tigers fans show up bright and early to start tailgating in the lots outside the stadium open for tailgating at 8 am on game days. If you want to get a good spot and enjoy a Tigers game to its fullest, then arrive early at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

After you get to the tailgate, you’ll be surrounded by a sea of Tigers fans. Everywhere you look fans will be dressed in navy and white grilling out and throwing back beers. Tigers fans love to party and are very welcoming, so bring something to share, and you’ll make lots of new friends quickly.

Finally, don’t hesitate to try some delicious Mississippi favorites when tailgating at Jackson State. Tigers fans prepare a variety of local delicacies including crawfish and much more, so don’t hesitate to try something new if offered.

You’ll have a lot of fun tailgating before a Jackson State Tigers game making a trip to Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium a must for any tailgating enthusiast.

Traditions

Homecoming Parade

If you’re attending the Jackson State homecoming game, don’t miss the opportunity to see the parade. The parade is a fun part of any homecoming especially when it includes a fantastic band like Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South.

Where to tailgate

Tailgating Parking Lot

Those of you who want to set a modest size tailgate will find plenty of room to do so as there is an entire parking lot dedicated to tailgating outside MVMS. The tailgating parking lot is the perfect place to grill out and make some new friends, so take advantage of it during your trip to see a Tigers game.

RV Tailgating

Don’t worry if you’re planning to bring an oversized tailgate vehicle to a Jackson State game. MVMS is home to plenty of RV parking spots meaning you’ll have no trouble setting up your rig for a full day of tailgating.

Jackson State Tigers Stadium Guide

In Game

While you may technically be going to a football game when attending a game at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, a Jackson State Tigers game is all about the band. The Sonic Boom of the South put on an incredible show that any marching band fan or college football fan won’t want to miss. They’ve received lots of praise of the years, and with good reason, so make sure to enjoy the Sonic Boom of the South when attending a Tigers football game.

The Sonic Boom of the South isn’t the only spirit group that puts on a fantastic performance at Tigers games. The J-Settes also provide fans with plenty of entertainment and their dance routines are a must-see part of any Tiggers game. You’ll also enjoy watching Wavee Dave, and the Baby Tigers perform as well, and the cheerleaders do an excellent job of keeping the fans up on their feet and cheering.

Additionally, the fans themselves create a fun atmosphere as diehard Tiger fans fill MVMS on game days. No matter what the score you’ll see a large number of fans cheering on the team and showing their support. The fans here are also extremely knowledgeable and more than happy to talk to newcomers about the team and its history.

You’ll have a fantastic time attending a Jackson State game where the band and spirit groups still the show to create an unforgettable experience.

Things to check out

Sonic Boom of the South

The Sonic Boom of the South is the best reason to come to a Jackson State game and is one of the best bands in the country. The band has received national acclaim over the years and has even earned the moniker “Hollywood’s band of choice.” Enjoy the Sonic Boom of the South’s performance as they’re a can’t miss part of any Tigers game.

J-Settes

While the Sonic Boom of the South may get the most press, deservedly so, the J-Settes are no slouches either. Enjoy watching the J-Settes incredible dance routines when taking in a game at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Wavee Dave and the Baby Tigers

Keep an eye out for the Tigers mascot Wavee Dave and the Baby Tigers during the game. Wavee Dave and the Baby Tigers will dazzle you with their dance moves and have been a big part of every Jackson State game since the early 1980s and the 1990s respectively.

Cheerleaders

Join in the cheers lead by the cheerleaders to give the Tigers as much of a home field advantage as possible. There’s no better way to show off your JSU spirit than by cheering along with the JSU Cheerleaders.

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