Sports enthusiasts can find sporting events, festivals, and great sporting venues in Starkville. For the avid sports fan, Starkville offers Mississippi State University Bulldog football, softball, baseball, and basketball, nearby golf courses, local city sports leagues and associations, tennis courts, and the Mississippi Horse Park.
Mississippi State University Sports
Home of the Mississippi State University Bulldogs, Starkville is host to thousands of loyal fans for
- Southeastern Conference (SEC) football
- women’s basketball and men’s basketball
- softball
- baseball
- and other intercollegiate competitions
Starkville offers Bulldog fans comfortable lodging, great dining, and lots of shopping opportunities. The university provides convenient areas for tailgating and a shuttle service. Visit The Official Site of The Mississippi State Bulldogs for schedules and other information.
Festivals & Events
Bulldog Bash
Take part in Mississippi State University’s fall pep rally and hear live music from national touring acts on two open-air stages, see Bully (the MSU mascot) and the MSU cheerleaders, and enjoy great food and shopping. Held annually in the fall, Bulldog Bash draws around 40,000 visitors. Held in the Cotton District on University Drive, Starkville, (662) 325-3917.
MSU Homecoming Parade
Homecoming floats are led by football players, coaches, cheerleaders, the famous Maroon Band, and Bully (the MSU mascot) as they parade through the Cotton District and downtown Starkville. Held on University Drive and downtown Starkville, (662) 323-3322.
Super Bulldog Weekend
Share the Maroon and White excitement at spring homecoming with SEC baseball and softball games, the Maroon and White spring football game, a variety of events and gatherings held by departments, and a pig-cooking contest. Held over multiple locations on the Mississippi State University campus, (662) 325-3074. Learn more about Super Bulldog Weekend.
Mississippi Horse Park and Agricenter
The 100-acre Mississippi Horse Park and Agricenter is located south of the MSU campus at 716 East Poorhouse Road. It hosts an average of 40 events each year that cover a wide range of interests, including
- rodeos
- barrel racing, harness racing, and other equine events
- dog shows
- livestock shows
- circuses
- motocross racing
- concerts
- RV, car, and truck shows
- a 69,000-square-foot covered arena
- a warm-up arena
- a 5/8 mile all-weather track
- three barns housing 315 stalls
- 133 RV sites with electrical hookups and water
Phone (662) 325-9350 for more information
Starkville Sportsplex and Travis Outlaw Center
Located on Lynn Lane, the Starkville Sportsplex is a multipurpose facility providing indoor and outdoor spaces for a wide range of sports activities. Features include
- eight lighted youth and adult softball fields
- multi-purpose turf field
- seven lighted soccer fields
- three concession stands
- two indoor basketball courts
- three-lane indoor walking track
- two meeting rooms and a conference room
- banquet room
- aerobics and fitness classes
- youth and adult programs
Golf Courses
MSU Golf Course
Regarded as one of the premier public golf courses in the U.S. by Golfweek and Golf Digest Magazines, the Mississippi State University Golf Course features 18 holes over a 6,927-yard, par-72 course. It is equipped with a computerized drainage system that allows the course to remain open throughout the winter golf season. The course rating is 73.5 with a slope rating of 130 on Bermuda grass. The course features
- gently rolling hills
- three tee boxes at each hole
- water at 9 of the 18 holes
- 18-hole cart path
- driving range
- putting and chipping greens
- many strategically placed bunkers
- 5,000-square-foot clubhouse and snack bar
- fully stocked golf shop and classroom
Links of Starkville
This private, 9-hole course at 21 Player Lane in Starkville covers 3,254 yards with a par of 36 at the Links of Starkville Golf and Country Club.
Starkville Country Club
A private, 18-hole course operated by the Starkville Country Club, at 1800 S. Montgomery St., covers 6,325 yards with a par of 72. The course rating is 70.3 with a slope rating of 126.
Old Waverly
A private 18-hole championship course, the Old Waverly Golf Club is located at 1 Magnolia Drive in West Point, about 15 miles from the center of Starkville. The course covers 7,000 yards with a par of 72. The course rating is 74 with a slope rating of 140 on Bermuda grass. Amenities include
- cottages and villas
- meeting and banquet facilities
- lakes and gardens
- tennis courts
- fitness center
- swimming pool, and more
West Point Country Club
A 9-hole, par-35 course over 3,011 yards is available to members of the West Point Country Club at 1145 Lakeshore Drive in the city of West Point, about 14 miles from the heart of Starkville. The course rating is 70 with a slope rating of 113.
Elm Lake
With 18 holes over 6,874 yards and a par of 72, the Elm Lake Golf Course is open to the public. It is located at 1609 Taylor Thurston Road in Columbus, about 16 miles from downtown Starkville. The course rating is 71.1 with a slope rating of 124.
Tennis
Tennis courts are available on the campus of Mississippi State University, the Starkville Country Club, and McKee Park. Several of the community’s tennis teams are open to new members, providing opportunities for team play at all levels. Programs specifically designed for senior citizens and retirees are available.
Team Sports
A variety of city league team sports programs for adults and youth, such as softball, basketball, soccer, inline hockey, and flag football, are organized by Starkville Parks and Recreation.
Cycling
Bicycle routes and trails in and near Starkville include
- Natchez Trace Parkway
- Longleaf Trace
- Noxubee Crest Trail
- The Tanglefoot Trail
- Mississippi State Research Park Mountain Bike Trails
- Mississippi Development Authority’s Outdoor Adventure Guide – Bike Trails
OKTIBBEHA COUNTY BIKE/WALK MAP
This comprehensive map shows bike paths, bike lanes, bike routes, shared use paths, pedestrian paths, and rural routes in Oktibbeha County and Starkville.
