The thunderous clang of thousands of cowbells ringing in unison is perhaps the most iconic sound in all of college football, and it belongs uniquely to Mississippi State. Legend has it that a wandering Jersey cow became a good luck charm in the mid-20th century after having strolled onto the field during an ultimately victorious home football game against Ole Miss. Over time, students began bringing cowbells for continued luck at outdoor athletic events, creating a tradition that would define Bulldog pride for generations. 

 

Though temporarily banned from 1974 to 2010, the cowbells triumphantly returned to Davis Wade Stadium, where fans now "ring responsibly." Today, the cowbells are symbols of unwavering loyalty, passed down through generations of Bulldogs who understand that nothing says "Hail State" quite like the cowbell.

The Chapel of Memories was built from the bricks of the Old Main dormitory, the first building on campus that operated from 1879 until its destruction by an accidental fire in 1959. The chapel was completed in 1965. This stunning neo-Gothic masterpiece stands as a testament to Mississippi State's ability to create beauty from adversity, transforming the remnants of tragedy into something magnificent. The 183 bells of the carillon provide one of the most memorable sounds on campus, chiming each hour and marking the passage of time for generations of students.

 

The beauty of the chapel is undeniable, which is likely why the wait list for weddings there can be notoriously long. For decades, hundreds of Bulldog couples have chosen to begin their married lives within these historic brick walls, creating a tradition of love that spans generations. The chapel connects MSU's past, present, and future through the enduring power of the bricks that witnessed the university's earliest days and now bless its newest traditions.

Mississippi State's campus is centered on the main quadrangle, called the Drill Field due to its heavy use by the Corps of Cadets prior to the end of World War II. The Drill Field has been the center of campus since the foundation of Mississippi A&M in 1878, serving as the heart of university life for nearly 150 years. This hallowed ground has witnessed the daily marching drills of cadets, the footsteps of countless students hurrying to class, and the celebrations of generations of Bulldogs.

 

The Walk of Honor is a 170-foot walkway that stretches from the Stephen D. Lee statue to the flagpole on the historic Drill Field, featuring over 6,400 bricks honoring donors and creating a permanent testament to Bulldog loyalty. Today, students still gather on this historic green space, maintaining the sense of community that has defined Mississippi State since its agricultural and military college roots.

MSU started making Edam cheese in 1938, establishing a delicious legacy that has delighted taste buds for nearly nine decades. We make over 300,000 pounds of cheese annually, along with producing 369,000 gallons of milk, 9,000 gallons of ice cream using milk from the nation's top collegiate Jersey herd. The plant is a teaching and research laboratory for students studying dairy foods at Mississippi State University, combining academic excellence with agricultural heritage in true land-grant fashion.

 

All of our cheeses age for at least 3 months, ensuring that every block of MSU cheese meets high standards of quality and excellence. Students and visitors can purchase these campus-made treasures exclusively at the MAFES Sales Store, taking home a literal taste of Mississippi State tradition that connects our agricultural roots to our modern research mission.

Prior to each campus game, hordes of students, alumni and supporters fill a sea of tents as they gather to eat, drink and visit while anticipating the team's Dawg Walk to Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field.This beloved pre-game tradition transforms The Junction into an electric corridor of maroon and white as thousands of passionate fans line the path to welcome their Bulldogs to battle. "It's a big motivation for us, I can guarantee it," State offensive lineman Kwatrivous Johnson said. "It makes us feel good going into the games knowing we have that support and everybody behind us."

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The Dawg Walk represents the unbreakable bond between Mississippi State's student athletes and their faithful supporters, creating an atmosphere of unity and anticipation that can be felt throughout Starkville. 

To launch the coming football season, the Cowbell Yell pep rally brings fans to Davis Wade Stadium as coaches, players, spirit groups, the Famous Maroon Band, and special guests work to pump up pre-game spirit. This electrifying tradition marks the official beginning of another season of Bulldog football, uniting the entire MSU family in a celebration of maroon and white pride. The stadium fills with the cacophony of thousands of cowbells creating a symphony of anticipation, while students, alumni, and fans gather to show their support for the team that will carry their hopes through another fall. 

 

The pep-rally is a declaration that Bulldog Nation is ready to stand behind their team, cowbells in hand, and voices raised, for whatever challenges the season may bring. The Cowbell Yell embodies the passion and dedication that makes being a Bulldog something truly special, setting the tone for months of Saturday celebrations in Starkville.