Mississippi State is implementing several new rules and policies following a brawl outside the university’s football stadium on Saturday.
During the Bulldogs’ game against Kentucky, seven people were arrested in the Junction after a massive fight broke out. In response to the situation, Mississippi State President Dr. Mark Keenum announced a list of rule changes for future tailgaters.
“Conduct of this nature is not keeping with Mississippi State University’s core values of integrity, kindness, and respect for others,” Keenum said. “I have instructed our leadership team to make clear that this behavior will not be tolerated on our campus.”
Of the new rules, which will be in effect for the final two home games of the 2023 season, the university released the following procedures:
- No non-MSU-provided amplified music will be allowed in the Junction. TVs and radios will be allowed, but large speakers or elevated speakers will NOT be allowed.
- The university’s traffic and pedestrian life safety video surveillance system will be used to monitor activities in the Junction.
- The Junction tent spaces will be reconfigured to provide additional clearance for the sidewalks, and fans will not be allowed to block or impede pedestrians.
- MSU will supplement its existing MSU Police Department officers with additional sworn officers from state and local agencies to ensure safety.
- MSU is a smoke-free campus for tobacco and controlled and illegal substance use violates state law and campus regulations.
- Violators who refuse to comply with these and other gameday rules are subject to removal without ticket refund and prosecution.
New gameday regulations at Mississippi State will be reconsidered before the start of the 2024 football season.
