Southern Miss Athletics Unveils Exciting Upgrades to The Rock Ahead of 2025 Home Opener
8/15/2025 12:58:00 PM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. — As the Golden Eagles prepare to kick off the 2025 football season, Southern Miss Athletics is proud to unveil a series of major upgrades and additions to The Rock, all designed to elevate the fan experience, improve efficiency, and expand product offerings throughout the venue.
These upgrades reflect our commitment to providing Golden Eagle fans with the very best game day experience, said Jeremy McClain, Director of Athletics. From the moment you arrive on campus to the time you leave The Rock, we want every fan to feel the energy, excitement, and pride that make Southern Miss special. These improvements will not only make game day more enjoyable but will also help create an atmosphere that gives our team a true home-field advantage.
Enhanced Concessions Experience
In partnership with Aramark, Southern Miss Athletics undertook a full-scale renovation of the lower-level concessions this summer. Highlights include:
- Complete overhaul of concession stands
- Fresh paint and updated signage
- Clearly marked entry and exit points to streamline traffic flow
- Two new satellite concession stands on the westside outer concourse will offer cold drinks and quick snacks for fans entering the venue, available during games with anticipated capacity crowds.
- Installation of a new grab-and-go service model at all west-side stands and two eastside stands — mirroring the successful model at Pete Taylor Park
- Introduction of the Touchdown Market, located on the southeast concourse behind Section K. This dynamic, marketplace-style setup offers food and beverage options curated specifically for Golden Eagle fans and is designed to evolve with new products over time.
All concessions now feature:
- Brand-new cooking equipment, warmers, drink coolers, and updated beverage machines
- Double the number of points of sale to significantly reduce wait times
Cashless Venue
Beginning this season, The Rock will operate as a cashless venue. This change is part of our ongoing effort to improve efficiency and ensure fans don't miss a moment of the action.
New Recovery Zones
To help fans stay cool and hydrated, Southern Miss has installed Recovery Zones on both the upper and lower concourses. These areas feature WaterMonster hydration stations and misting fans for added comfort on hot game days.
Live DJ Entertainment
DJ Kujho will bring a high-energy soundtrack to each home game from his new location in the bottom row of the east-side student section. His presence is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the in-stadium atmosphere and boost student engagement.
Expanded Bookstore Access
Golden Eagle fans will now have even more opportunities to purchase officially licensed gear. In addition to the traditional bookstore trailer on the west-side concourse, Barnes & Noble will open one additional location on the east concourse behind Section K during the home opener against Mississippi State on August 30.
Bathroom Renovations
Southern Miss is pleased to announce the completion of bathroom upgrades across all restrooms in the upper-level concourse, including facilities in the press box area.
Eagle Walk
Beginning this year, Eagle Walk will now take place two and a half hours before kickoff. Fans are encouraged to come out and cheer on the Golden Eagle Football Team as they make their way to the stadium.
Unloading Zones
Southern Miss Athletics will continue to offer designated unloading zones on East Memorial Drive and in the Thad Cochran Center parking lot. Unloading times will vary based on kickoff, so please refer to Southern Miss Athletics' game week communications for specific details.
Southern Miss Athletics remains committed to creating a game day environment that reflects the pride and passion of Golden Eagle fans. These stadium upgrades are yet another reason to make your plans now and be part of an unforgettable season.