Traditions both old and new make Ole Miss the unique place it is.
For more than 75 years, Ole Miss students and fans have chanted “Hotty Toddy.” In fact, it has become a greeting when fans spot each other in red and blue Ole Miss gear outside of Oxford. And we also have a unique tradition of landing big-name celebrities to lead the stadium “Hotty Toddy” chant prior to each home football game. James Franco, Betty White, Octavia Spencer, Liam Hemsworth and Woody Harrelson are just a few who have led the cheer.
Perhaps our most famous tradition is the Grove. Every Friday night before a Saturday home game, tailgaters race to grab a spot for their tent the next day. And on that Saturday, you’ll find the women in sundresses and the men in sport coats, dressed in their best for their Rebels. That’s what we do here.
Fall tailgating in the Grove. Photo by UM Photographer Kevin Bain
The Walk of Champions brings the game and the Grove together. About two hours before kickoff, the entire team, led by Coach Hugh Freeze, walks through the Grove and to the stadium. Fans line the entire length of the sidewalk to get a glimpse and high-five from the team that is currently making history.
But traditions don’t have to be old. Several new traditions have stuck over the last few years. The “Fins Up” sign began with linebacker Tony Fein in 2008 and has become the identity of our defense.
Ole Miss vs. Texas 2012
So, for all of the traditions that make Ole Miss the place it is, we are thankful.