By Marvis Herring

University Communications

 

Home football games at the University of Mississippi generated more than $325 million in economic impact during the 2024-25 season, according to new data from Visit Oxford.

Fans shattered several Vaught-Hemingway Stadium attendance records during the seven home games, driving a substantial boost to area businesses, hotels and restaurants.

“Ole Miss is incredibly fortunate to have the most dedicated fans in college football and to be situated in the best college town in the nation,” Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. “Combining these elements with the university’s culture of hospitality is a recipe for tremendous success.”

Visitor spending in Oxford during the seven 2024 home games totaled $325,283,234.

Fans broke the single-game attendance record four times this season, combining for 471,601 visitors in the fall of 2024, the largest on record.

On Nov. 9, a record 68,126 fans watched the Rebels defeat the University of Georgia Bulldogs. That weekend, visitors spent more than $71.6 million across the city.

“From packed hotels and restaurants to thriving local shops, each game weekend fuels our economy, strengthens small businesses and showcases the unmatched spirit of our community,” said Kinney Ferris, executive director at Visit Oxford. “This milestone underscores how vital Ole Miss football is to Oxford’s vibrancy and growth.”

Visitor spending during all seven home game weekends:

1. University of Georgia – $71,695,869
2. Georgia Southern University – $62,728,064
3. University of Kentucky – $47,199,489
4. Oklahoma University – $47,161,996
5. Mississippi State University – $38,043,928
6. Furman University – $29,594,698
7. Middle Tennessee State University – $28,859,199

The city’s food and beverage tax revenue for November 2024 spiked 18.37% compared to the same time in 2023, according to tax diversion reports released this month.

Comparing November 2024 to November 2023, Oxford’s sales tax total spiked 7.97% and the hotel/motel tax total also jumped by 6.75%.

The success of the university’s athletics programs is a win for the entire community, Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill said.

“When Ole Miss wins, Oxford wins,” Tannehill said.