Your Complete 2022 Egg Bowl Guide: Timing, Tickets, Stadium Rules, Local Fun, and More

The 2022 Egg Bowl begins at 7:30 p.m. Central on Sunday, November 26. The clock starts with the national anthem, followed by the marching bands, and then the first play. Arriving 30 minutes early gives you a chance to soak in the pre‑game atmosphere, watch the band performances, and secure a good seat.

Because the kickoff time is fixed, planning your travel around it is essential. If you’re driving from a nearby city, factor in traffic, especially on I‑22 and I‑59. If you’re flying, book a flight that lands at least an hour before the game.

Official tickets are available exclusively through the Egg Bowl’s online portal, which partners with both Alabama and Mississippi State. The portal opens sales on September 1, offering season‑ticket holders early access. General public sales start on September 15. Each ticket includes a QR code for entry.

To buy online, create an account, choose your seat, and pay with a credit card or Apple Pay. If you prefer a physical ticket, you can pick it up at the stadium’s ticket office on game day, but wait times can be long.

For last‑minute buyers, the Egg Bowl’s “Rush” ticket section offers a small number of seats at a reduced price, but these are sold on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

Security at Bryant–Denny Stadium is rigorous. The policy is simple: no oversized bags, backpacks, or containers over 10 oz. All items must fit in a clear, resealable bag. Items like umbrellas, large coolers, or personal electronics larger than a phone are prohibited.

If you bring a bag that fails inspection, you’ll be asked to empty it or leave it at a designated bag drop. The process can take 5–10 minutes, so arrive early.

Remember, the stadium’s policy is enforced equally on both sides of the rivalry. A quick scan will let you through, but a hasty bag can delay your entry.

Bryant–Denny Stadium offers multiple parking options: the East and West fan lots, the Premium Parking Lot, and a dedicated shuttle service that runs every 15 minutes from the main entrance. The shuttle can carry up to 50 cars and stops at the stadium’s concourses.

Parking fees vary by section: general parking costs $12, while Premium Parking is $25. If you’re arriving late, the shuttle may be full; in that case, use the nearby parking garages on I‑22.

Public transportation is limited; the best option for those without cars is the Starkville Transit Service’s special Egg Bowl route, which starts at the downtown bus terminal and runs directly to the stadium.

Starkville’s downtown is a treasure trove of Southern charm. Start at the historic Main Street, where brick storefronts line the avenue. The Mississippi Delta Museum offers a deep dive into the region’s music and civil rights history.

Foodies will love the local BBQ joint, “The Smokin’ Pig,” which serves brisket that melts in your mouth. For a sweet finish, stop by “Mama’s Sweet Shop,” known for its homemade pecan pie.

If you’re a history buff, a quick detour to the “Old St. Peter’s Church” gives insight into the town’s colonial past.

The city also hosts a weekly farmers market on Saturdays, so if you’re in town early, you can pick up fresh produce and artisanal goods.

The Egg Bowl’s official Twitter handle, @EggBowl, posts real‑time updates on kickoff, score changes, and weather alerts. The MVSU athletics Instagram stories provide behind‑the‑scenes footage.

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, the Egg Bowl’s official website offers a live scoreboard and a push‑notification feature. Turn on the alerts on your phone before the game to receive instant updates.

If you’re traveling and need to adjust plans, the stadium’s mobile app provides real‑time parking availability and gate information.

If stadium seats aren’t an option, the 2022 Egg Bowl is available on ESPN+, which streams the game live with commentary. For a broader audience, the game also airs on the local CBS affiliate, WTVY, in the Mississippi area.

The ESPN+ feed includes replays, player interviews, and a 3‑point‑plus view of the field. If you’re in a different time zone, check the local TV schedule to catch the game at the correct hour.

For international fans, the ESPN International app offers a live stream, though a VPN may be required to bypass regional restrictions.

The Egg Bowl is steeped in lore. One of the most iconic rituals is the “Golden Egg” ceremony: after the game, the winning team’s captain carries the trophy into the center of the field, where the crowd chants “Golden Egg!”

Another tradition involves the “Spirit of the Egg” banner. Each team’s cheerleaders unfurl a massive banner before kickoff, and the crowd responds with a coordinated chant that echoes for miles.

Tailgating is a ritual in itself. Fans arrive early, set up grills, and compete for the best table setup. The “Egg Bowl Cook-Off” is an unofficial contest where fans bring their signature dishes.

The Egg Bowl welcomes all fans, but certain sections require season‑ticket holders or alumni status. General admission seats are sold on a first‑come, first‑served basis. VIP sections, such as the “Coaches’ Box,” are reserved for university staff and sponsors.

Alumni can claim a spot in the “Alumni Row” by presenting an alumni card at the ticket office. Families with children under 12 can use the “Family Section,” which offers discounted rates.

If you’re a student, check the university’s student portal for special student ticket packages that include concessions.

The Golden Egg Trophy, weighing 22 pounds, is the centerpiece of the Egg Bowl. It was first introduced in 1948 to symbolize the rivalry’s competitive spirit.

The trophy’s design—a gold egg encased in a silver frame—reflects the agricultural heritage of both states. Winners receive the trophy for a year, and it is displayed in the winning school’s trophy case until the next season.

Over the decades, the trophy has survived a few mishaps: a broken handle in 1972 and a near‑miss with a broken glass in 1999. Each incident only adds to its legend.

Pre‑game, the “Egg Bowl Tailgate Fest” runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the stadium’s east side. Vendors sell themed merchandise, and local bands perform live.

Post‑game, the “Victory Parade” in downtown Starkville is a must‑see. The parade route takes the winning team through Main Street, where fans cheer and toss confetti.

For those who want to stay after the game, the “Post‑Game Fest” at the stadium’s amphitheater offers live music and a food truck line featuring regional cuisine.

The Egg Bowl has seen future NFL stars like Peyton Manning and Brett Favre in their college days. Alumni from Alabama’s 1993 team, including former head coach Nick Saban, have gone on to shape the NFL coaching landscape.

Mississippi State’s 2009 roster featured future Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu. The 2015 game showcased the then‑emerging talent of Jalen Hurts, who later became a first‑round NFL draft pick.

Beyond the gridiron, the Egg Bowl has spotlighted athletes who transitioned into media, such as former Alabama quarterback Ken Stabler, who became a respected sports commentator.