JACKSON — Some of y’all really are sports fans to the death. Like literally, to the death.
A new national survey examining the emotional ties between sports fans and their favorite teams found that Mississippi fans would most want their ashes scattered at two of the state’s most iconic college football stadiums.
Not surprisingly, it’s Davis Wade Stadium and Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
The poll, conducted by SportsbookReview.com, surveyed 3,013 sports fans across the country and asked participants which sports venue they would choose as a final resting place if given the option.
Mississippi State University’s Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville ranked first among Mississippi fans. The stadium, home to Bulldogs football since 1914, is known nationally for its cowbell tradition and game-day atmosphere on Scott Field.
Survey organizers said many fans view the stadium as more than a sports venue, describing it as a place tied to decades of memories, traditions and identity.
Second on the Mississippi list was Ole Miss’ Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford. Opened in 1915 and located adjacent to the Grove, the stadium is associated with the university’s well-known tailgating culture and longstanding football traditions.
The survey found that emotional attachment played a major role in fans’ choices. About 26% of respondents cited memories involving family, friends and childhood experiences as the primary reason for their connection to a stadium, while 25% pointed to lifelong support for a team.
Another 17% described stadiums as feeling like a “second home,” while 13% said the venues represented part of their identity.
Researchers also found that many fans would prefer their ashes scattered directly on the playing surface, with 64% selecting the field or court over seating areas or spaces outside the stadium.
Nationally, some of the most commonly selected venues included Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, Madison Square Garden, Lambeau Field and Dodger Stadium.
The survey also explored whether fans believed ash scattering should be permitted in sports venues. A slight majority, 54%, said they supported allowing it in controlled circumstances.
James Bisson, editor-in-chief of SportsbookReview.com, said the findings reflect how sports venues often become deeply tied to personal history and community identity.
“What we’re seeing here isn’t just about fandom — it’s about memory, identity and belonging,” Bisson said.
