Nestled in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium is a place I’ve come to love. As a fan of college football, I’ve visited many stadiums, but this one holds a special charm. It’s the home of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, and locals affectionately call it “The Rock.”
The stadium has a rich history dating back to 1932, when it was first known as Faulkner Field. In 1976, it was rebuilt and renamed after M.M. Roberts, a Southern Miss alumnus. The playing field got its current name in 2004, honoring Gene Carlisle, a generous supporter of the university.
I’ve always enjoyed the atmosphere here. The fans are passionate, and the Golden Eagles put on a great show. While it may not be the biggest stadium in Mississippi, it has character and a real sense of community spirit that’s hard to beat.
Key Takeaways
- The stadium combines rich history with modern amenities for a unique fan experience
- It’s a cornerstone of Southern Miss athletics and the Hattiesburg community
- The venue has undergone several upgrades to enhance spectator comfort and team facilities
History of The Rock
The Rock has a rich history spanning nearly a century. It’s seen many changes and hosted countless memorable moments for Southern Miss football fans like me.
Origins and Development
M.M. Roberts Stadium, nicknamed “The Rock,” opened its gates in 1932 as Faulkner Field. I find it amazing that it was built during the Great Depression. The stadium got its name from L.E. Faulkner, a local businessman who funded the project.
At first, it only had wooden bleachers that could seat 4,000 fans. The field’s first game was on October 29, 1932, when Southern Miss (then called State Teachers College) beat Spring Hill College 12-0.
In 1976, the stadium was rebuilt and renamed after M.M. Roberts, a Southern Miss alum. This big change expanded seating to 36,000 fans.
Renovations Through the Years
Over time, I’ve seen The Rock go through many upgrades. In 2002, they added luxury suites and club-level seats. These changes made watching games even more fun for fans like me.
In 2004, the playing field got a new name: Carlisle-Faulkner Field. This honored Gene Carlisle, a Southern Miss grad who gave a lot of support to the school.
The most recent big change I saw was in 2008. They added a new scoreboard, sound system, and more seats. Now, The Rock can hold even more excited fans on game days.
Notable Games and Events
I’ve got so many great memories of games at The Rock. One of my favorites was when Brett Favre led Southern Miss to beat Florida State in 1989. The crowd went wild!
Ray Guy, who became a famous NFL punter, played here too. His amazing kicks always got fans cheering.
In 1982, Reggie Collier made history at The Rock. He became the first college quarterback to run and pass for over 1,000 yards each in a season.
The Rock isn’t just for Southern Miss games. It’s hosted high school championships and even a few NFL exhibition games. I love how it brings our community together.
Stadium Characteristics
M.M. Roberts Stadium has some cool features that make it a great place to watch football. I’ll tell you about the seating, press areas, and recent upgrades.
Seating Capacity and Layout
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The stadium can hold over 36,000 fans. It’s got double-decked grandstands on both sides of the field, which gives it a big-time feel. I love how this setup brings everyone close to the action.
The seats wrap around in a horseshoe shape. This layout creates an awesome atmosphere on game days. You can really feel the energy from the crowd.
There’s not a bad seat in the house. Even from the upper deck, you get a great view of the whole field.
Press Box and Luxury Boxes Features
The press box sits high above the west side of the stadium. It gives media members a perfect vantage point to cover the games.
Luxury boxes are a newer addition to M.M. Roberts Stadium. These offer a premium experience for fans who want extra comfort.
I’ve heard the luxury boxes have comfy seats, climate control, and catering options. It’s a great way to watch the game in style.
Recent Additions and Upgrades
The stadium has seen some nice improvements lately. In 2004, they renamed the field Carlisle-Faulkner Field to honor a big supporter of the program.
They’ve put in new turf to keep the playing surface in top shape. This helps the players perform their best and looks great on TV too.
I noticed they’ve added new logo placements around the stadium. It really boosts the Golden Eagles’ brand and pumps up school pride.
There’s always something new at The Rock. These upgrades keep it feeling fresh and exciting for fans year after year.
Playing Surface
The playing surface at Carlisle-Faulkner Field has seen major upgrades over the years. I’ve watched it evolve from natural grass to state-of-the-art artificial turf. Let’s look at how the field has changed and how it’s cared for today.
Evolution of Turf Technology
When I first visited The Rock, it had natural grass. But times have changed. Now, the Golden Eagles play on high-tech artificial turf.
The latest upgrade happened in 2023. The new surface is a big step up from older artificial turfs. It feels more like real grass underfoot. The infill – tiny rubber pieces between the fake blades – gives it bounce and cushion.
I’m impressed by how real it looks. The turf has different shades of green to mimic natural grass. It even has brown “paint” to look like soil. This Momentum Turf is tough enough for football but safe for players too.
Maintenance and Sustainability
Caring for artificial turf is different from natural grass. I’ve learned it needs less water, which is great for the environment. No more worrying about dry spells killing the grass!
The grounds crew still has work to do, though. They brush the turf to keep the fibers upright. They also clean it to remove debris. Sometimes they add more infill to keep it cushy.
This new surface lasts longer than old-school turf. That means less waste over time. It can handle lots of use without wearing out. Rain or shine, the field is always ready for game day. No more muddy messes or bare patches!
Athletic Programs and Teams
Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium hosts exciting athletic events and performances. I’ve seen the Southern Miss Golden Eagles football team in action and enjoyed the Pride of Mississippi Marching Band’s lively shows.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles Football
The Golden Eagles are the heart of the stadium. I’ve watched them compete in the Sun Belt Conference, showcasing their skills on the field. The team has a rich history in NCAA Division I football.
Their gold and black colors shine bright under the stadium lights. I love the energy of the crowd when the Golden Eagles score a touchdown. The team’s fierce rivalry games are always a highlight of the season.
Students and alumni pack the stands to cheer on their beloved Golden Eagles. I’ve noticed how the team brings the whole University of Southern Mississippi community together.
Pride of Mississippi Marching Band
The Pride of Mississippi Marching Band adds so much excitement to game days. I’m always impressed by their precise formations and upbeat tunes. They perform before kickoff and during halftime.
The band’s gold uniforms sparkle as they march across the field. Their music gets everyone pumped up for the game. I especially enjoy their rendition of the Southern Miss fight song.
Students from various majors make up the band. Their dedication shows in every performance. The Pride of Mississippi is truly a source of, well, pride for the university.
Fan Experience
I love the lively atmosphere at Carlisle-Faulkner Field. The tailgating scene is bustling, and there are fun attractions nearby to check out before or after the game.
Tailgating Traditions
I always look forward to tailgating at The Rock. The parking lots fill up early with Golden Eagles fans grilling and playing games. I’ve seen some impressive setups with big-screen TVs and elaborate spreads.
The Golden Eagles Football Team has a tradition called the Eagle Walk. Two hours before kickoff, players and coaches walk through the tailgating area. It’s awesome to cheer them on as they head into the stadium.
My favorite tailgate foods here are barbecue and Gulf seafood. Nothing beats sharing a crawfish boil with fellow fans before watching Southern Miss play.
Local Attractions and Amenities
When I’m in town for a game, I like to visit Kamper Park. It’s a great spot to relax before tailgating starts. The park has a small zoo that’s fun for kids.
Downtown Hattiesburg is charming, with local shops and restaurants. I enjoy grabbing a pre-game meal there. The Saenger Theater often has shows on game weekends too.
For a longer trip, I sometimes drive down to Biloxi after the game. It’s about 1.5 hours away and has casinos and beaches. A nice way to extend the weekend if I’m not ready to head home yet.
Notable Figures
I’ve got to tell you about some of the big names linked to Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium. It’s pretty cool!
First up is Brett Favre, a Southern Miss legend. He played quarterback here before his amazing NFL career. I always get excited thinking about his time at “The Rock”!
Jeff Bower is another guy I can’t forget. He coached the Golden Eagles for 17 years and really put the team on the map. Under his leadership, the stadium saw some great moments.
Reggie Collier is a name that brings back memories. He was one of the first quarterbacks in NCAA history to run and pass for 1,000 yards each in a season. Pretty impressive, right?
Here are a few more stars who played at M.M. Roberts:
- Derrick Nix: A fantastic running back
- Sammy Winder: Went on to play for the Denver Broncos
- Ray Guy: The best punter ever, in my opinion!
The stadium has also hosted some thrilling games against rivals like Alcorn State, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss. Those matchups always get the crowd going!
I love how this place has seen so many talented players and exciting games over the years. It really adds to the stadium’s charm and history.
Future and Legacy
The future looks bright for Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium. I’m excited to share some recent wins and upcoming plans that will make “The Rock” even better for Golden Eagle fans.
Recent Achievements and Records
I’m thrilled about Southern Miss football’s winning season in 2023. The team really shined on the new playing surface installed that year. It gave the players an extra boost.
The Golden Eagles have racked up several conference championships over the years. Each victory adds to the rich history of M.M. Roberts Stadium, which opened way back in 1932.
I love how “The Rock” has become such a special place for fans. The atmosphere on game days is electric!
Investments and Planned Improvements
I’m pumped about the upgrades happening at the stadium. The new CoolPlay field from FieldTurf is a game-changer. It keeps players cooler and safer during those hot Mississippi games.
More improvements are in the works too. I’ve heard rumors of expanded seating and upgraded concessions. These changes will make the fan experience even better.
The university is committed to keeping Carlisle-Faulkner Field a top-notch facility. With continued investment, I believe “The Rock” will remain a jewel of Southern Miss athletics for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
M.M. Roberts Stadium offers various seating options, amenities, and accommodations for fans. I’ll cover key details about the stadium’s features, recent changes, and facilities to help you plan your visit.
What are the seating options available at M.M. Roberts Stadium?
The stadium has a mix of general admission and reserved seating. I’ve found the best views are from the west side stands. There are also luxury boxes and club seats for those wanting a premium experience.
Can you describe the various amenities offered at the Southern Miss football stadium?
I love the concession stands that offer local favorites like fried chicken and BBQ. There are plenty of restrooms throughout the stadium. The new video board adds to the game-day excitement.
How has Pete Taylor Park recently expanded or changed?
Pete Taylor Park, the baseball stadium, got upgrades a few years ago. They added new seating areas and improved the concourse. The playing surface was also redone to enhance drainage.
What facilities can fans and athletes enjoy at Southern Miss Athletic complexes?
The athletic complex includes top-notch training facilities for athletes. Fans can enjoy the Carlisle-Faulkner Field with its artificial turf. There’s also a great team store where I like to grab Golden Eagles gear.
What year was M.M. Roberts Stadium originally constructed?
The stadium has a rich history. It was originally opened in 1932 as “Faulkner Field.” Back then, it had wooden grandstands that could hold 4,000 fans.
What are the accommodations for disabled guests at Carlisle-Faulkner Field?
I’m happy to say the stadium is accessible to all fans. There are wheelchair-accessible seating areas and ramps throughout. Elevators make it easy to reach upper levels. The staff is always ready to help with any special needs.
