Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014. It is a day Ole Miss fans will remember for the rest of their lives. It was the first time College GameDay made an appearance in the Grove, the day Katy Perry traveled to Oxford to cheer on the Rebels and the day that number 11 Ole Miss upset number one Alabama with a score of 23-17.
Last year’s showdown between the Rebels and the Crimson Tide lived up to its hype, and the excitement is high for this year’s game. Since 2014’s game was at Vaught-Hemmingway, this year’s game will play out under the lights of College GameDay at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Rebel fans are planning on making their presence known in Tuscaloosa.
For junior business major, Mike Patel, traveling to support the Rebels is nothing new.
“I have traveled to most every game since I’ve been a student here,” Patel said. “I’ve decided to go to the Alabama game this year because the hype was unreal last year and this year’s game should be just as good as last year’s.”
While traveling to away games, especially against SEC opponents, is exciting, there are major expenses to be paid. Gas prices have dipped below $2 across the state and, according to USA Today, the average miles per gallon for standard vehicles is 25.4. With Tuscaloosa 162 miles from Oxford, gas money is low compared to the $100-$500 game ticket price and $80 parking pass for the weekend. Hotel rooms in Tuscaloosa are ranging from $120 to $300 for a two-night stay. On top of that, tailgating will cost on average about $100.
Patel said he’ll most likely spend $600 this weekend, but the match-up is well worth the money.
Even though making the trek to Tuscaloosa can be expensive, undeclared freshman Avery Cione has a family tie to the rivalry weekend.
“My sister attends Alabama,” Cione said. “I come from a very competitive family and I’m one of those annoying people that if my team wins, I’ll rub it in your face.”
Traveling to other college campuses for football games lets students experience new things. Patel said that visiting other campuses for football weekends, especially Alabama, lets him experience different traditions and something besides the Grove.
With Cione’s sister attending Alabama, she has been to her fair share of games in Bryant-Denny Stadium, but now her loyalties lie elsewhere.
“While I love the atmosphere and intensity of the Alabama football games, I can’t wait to be the only one wearing blue in the crimson red sea of students,” Cione said.
Most Rebels who are traveling to this weekend’s game will start to leave Friday afternoon into early Saturday morning. For those who want to witness this year’s game in person, there are still some tickets available.
