Office of Leadership and Student Involvement
Parent and Family Weekend
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Whether you are a local from the Hub City area, or from outside of south Mississippi, Parent and Family Weekend is a wonderful time to connect with your student in their new home, visit campus and the Hattiesburg community, meet other Golden Eagle families and mingle with university administrators, faculty and staff.
We will be hosting our 2023 Parent and Family Weekend from Friday, November 3 through Sunday, November 5. During Parent and Family Weekend, you will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of family-friendly campus activities on Friday, November 3. The premier event, the Parent and Family Tailgate, will be held Saturday, November 4 prior to the Southern Miss vs. Louisiana-Monroe football game. More information about what the weekend has in store will be coming soon. If you plan to join us, we recommend organizing your accommodations as soon as possible.
Parent & Family Weekend registration is $50 per adult and includes admission to all Parent & Family Weekend events, a meal at the tailgate, a t-shirt, gift bag, and entry into various raffles and prize giveaways. Children’s registration (ages 4-12) is also available for $25, and ages 0-3 are admitted free.
Children's tickets do not include a t-shirt or gift bag, but still include admission to all Parent & Family Weekend events, a meal at the tailgate, and entry into the raffles and prize giveaways.
Parent and Family Tailgate fees are nonrefundable. The deadline to register is Friday, October 20. With a valid student ID, current Southern Miss students may attend the tailgate complimentary, and attend the football game, with seating in the student section.
Register here for Parent & Family Weekend!
Friday, November 3, 2023
Parent & Family Weekend Check-In
As you make your way to Hattiesburg for the weekend, stop by Spirit Park for an evening of fun! This will be an opportunity to check in with our staff for the weekend, so you will leave with everything you need to prepare for our tailgate and game day!
Friday Night at Spirit Park
Friday Night at Spirit Park is a beloved tradition at Southern Miss and will have plenty of live music, games, and fellowship to kick off a fun-filled weekend. You will even experience a Southern Miss Pep Rally in preparation for game day!
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Parent & Family Tailgate
Our Parent and Family Tailgate will be held prior to the Southern Miss vs. University of Louisiana-Monroe football game. We will have music, games and activities for all ages, a catered meal, periodic prize drawings, and maybe even a special guest or two! The tailgate will take place on the front lawn of the Payne Center, and the time is TBD, depending on the football game kickoff time. So check back soon for updates!
Eagle Walk
The Eagle Walk is a celebration of the spirit of Southern Miss football and allows fans to cheer on the team before entering the stadium. As an unrivaled parade, Eagle Walk is a celebration of the spirit of Southern Miss football. On game day at Southern Miss, a cannon is fired and participants march from the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building to The Rock. The Pride of Mississippi Marching Band strikes up “Southern Miss to the Top!” as thousands cheer their Golden Eagles to victory. We recommend walking over to join in on the fun!
Southern Miss vs. Louisiana-Monroe
Cheer for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles as they take on the Warhawks!
Sunday Suggestions
Lucky Rabbit Market
The Lucky Rabbit is a 15,000 square foot variety store filled with unique finds and nostalgic treasures from long ago. Brandon and Abby Thaxton created the Lucky Rabbit in 2013. They had a small budget, but big vision. Nearly 9 years later, the store has grown to become one of Hattiesburg’s local favorite places to visit and bring the family. The unique shop boasts over-the-top displays, such as vintage arcades, old cola machines, working payphone booths, and old video game systems. Additionally, Brandon and Abby focus on fun displays that are great for photos, such as a 1978 Westfalia Volkswagen Bus, a cute vintage camper, and nostalgic TV show recreations.
Hattiesburg Pocket Museum
Peer into the window of Hattiesburg's famous tiny museum! Their exhibits are ever-changing and always interesting. We hope you'll be moved to explore the side streets, back alleys, dirt roads, & nooks and crannies of Downtown Hattiesburg, as you have to find what you are looking for. We recommend following them on Facebook to learn more!
Hattiesburg Zoo
The Hattiesburg Zoo has something wild for everyone! From amazing animals to high-ropes adventures, the Zoo offers excitement for every family member.
Hattiesburg Lunch
As a premier city of the Gulf South, you can expect a variety of delicious tastes in Hattiesburg! We recommend getting out and grabbing a bite to eat before you head home. Our staff will certainly have some recommendations if you need them, and Visit Hattiesburg has a list of all of our options for you to browse.
Accommodations
If you are looking for accommodations for the weekend, you are in luck! Visit Hattiesburg offers a robust list of options ranging from hotels to campgrounds. Be sure to ask if they offer a USM rate, as some hotels may offer discounts!