Fans of Mississippi State, you have been warned. Head coach Dan Mullen says there is no excuse for not having 30,000 fans show up for the spring game next week, and he is issuing a challenge to Bulldogs supporters.
“I want to see 30,000 people there. You can print that,” Mullen said to the Clarion Ledger. “We’ve got a new stadium, right? (Fans) should be coming in to see it.”
Mississippi State’s Davis Wade Stadium is not exactly a new stadium. It first opened doors in 1914 and is the second-oldest FBS stadium in the country (Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium opened in 1913). Mullen was actually referring to a $75 million renovation project that increased the capacity from 55,000 to 61,000 and improved concessions and restrooms as part of an improved concourse. But you get the point Mullen is attempting to make. He wants fans to come out, enjoy themselves, check out the new and improved stadium and help create a lively atmosphere for the spring game.
According to Saturday Down South, Mississippi State had an estimated crowd of 21,000 attend last year’s spring game.