Hattiesburg is a charming Mississippi city, offering unique cultural experiences and a deep passion for sports
Hattiesburg is “The Hub City,” a nickname originating from its location as the center of six nearby major points of interest, including New Orleans to the southwest and Mobile due southeast. This nickname is so deeply ingrained into the Mississippi city’s identity that its symbol—a simple yet stylish design that immediately catches the eye—can be found just about everywhere from elegant floor designs within buildings to artwork on a downtown building wall. Earned as the center of the region’s lumber and railroad industries back in 1920, it’s now even more than that. The Hub City is also the center of sports tourism and a wonderful getaway experience with a unique local culture that is certain to charm everyone.
Live music, unique shops, restaurants and more in Downtown Hattiesburg
The culture of Hattiesburg, aka Hburg, is visible from just about turn, including at a roundabout where two skeletons are holding a damaged plastic Christmas tree to welcome visitors downtown. Intriguing and delightful, the TLDR origin story of this display starts with a new tree that was accidentally damaged by a car prior to the holidays. Instead of dumping it, the local “junk joint” flea market, slash antique store, slash pop culture stop called The Lucky Rabbit made it into something befitting of a business as well as a city which both shine with eclecticism.
Eclectic Hattiesburg and brews
The Lucky Rabbit is a one-stop shop with everything from vintage collectables to houseplants and much more across two buildings. Rotating themed rooms, decorated after pop culture films and series, compliment the wide selection. It’s also a perfect landing spot on weekends for locals and tourists alike, and is only a short walk from other shops, restaurants and some of the best craft beer you’ll find at Southern Prohibition Brewing (SOPRO). I recommend Devils Harvest, a light breakfast IPA, paired with the fried chicken sandwich. Take a seat in front of the bar to enjoy the innovative SOPRO logo hanging above within a greenery and lights display.
Outdoor exhibitions
Along with rotating themed rooms and local brews, Hburg is renowned for its outdoor museum called the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum. Located in an alleyway between Main St and Forrest St, the museum’s mix of rotating exhibits and mainstays are a delight for all ages. Each month, new exhibitions are complemented by short films with its Pocket Theater—a theater made from a modified View-Master situated on the exterior of a building. The mainstays, from beautifying touches like artist River Prince transforming a skywalk into a Lego brick creation, complete with Lego rock climbers and explorers, to Kelsey Montague’s eye-catching mural of emerging dragonflies on the city parking garage, are all fun and inspiring.
Live music and great food
For nightlife fun and entertainment, it’s a particularly great time to visit during spring or fall for Live at Five. Grab a lawn chair or beach towel and head over to Town Square Park for this free outdoor concert series that runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays. Along with a strong lineup of performers, enjoy a drink or something to eat from one of the on-site local vendors.
If you’re still hungry after the concert, walk just a few blocks to discover a great selection of unique restaurants. Bourbon on Front is a hip standout with innovative cocktails and fine dining options which include top-notch steaks, including the newer and delicious bone-in pork chop, sauced with bourbon glaze and served with apple chutney, seafood like BBQ bourbon shrimp and plenty more.
For something a little more casual, Keg & Barrel, part of the Hatties{BURGER} Trail, is tough to beat on both the classic hamburger and more diverse selections like the Korean BBQ burger. This standout downtown brewpub is located within a historic house, providing a vibe that’s unmatched. If you’re not in the mood for a burger, grab a seat at the bar, order a sandwich and strike up a conversation. I highly recommend the Creole Club that comes with their addicting home cut fries.
Black and gold at the University of Southern Mississippi
Another large part of Hburg’s culture, and the word “large” might still be taking things a little lightly, can be seen at just about every turn throughout the city—that of course being a passion for the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and all things black and gold. The USM Golden Eagles men’s and women’s sports teams feel the love of the community, and that love is repaid to the athletes and fans with superb sports facilities across the board.
“Boasting more than 30 unique event spaces, USM’s wide array of venues satisfy even the most discerning event planners,” said Casey Taylor, assistant director for events, camps, and conferences at USM. “With accommodations for up to 500 people and a robust event staff, the University can host student events, professional conferences, sporting events, proms, movie screenings and community events seven days per week.”
Football and baseball reign supreme
Although not one of the larger collegiate football stadiums in the nation, M.M. Roberts Stadium, affectionately known as “The Rock,” is a classic nonetheless with fantastic views and atmosphere. Originally built in 1932, and most recently renovated in 2008, the way this 36,000-capacity stadium is built, fans will always feel close to the action no matter where they sit or stand to cheer and sing. If you happen to visit during Homecoming in the fall, in addition to the big game, a parade takes place along the bustling Eagle Walk road. Even the players march towards the stadium in a display of pride and showmanship that is worth soaking in no matter if you’re a student, alum, fan or tourist.
Pete Taylor Park is home to USM Golden Eagles baseball, with a seating capacity of 4,300. The popularity of the baseball team and the park itself can be felt every game, particularly from the Right Field Roost. Known simply as “The Roost,” this tailgating area has a 15-year waiting list to grab a coveted spot for the season, but don’t let that deter you from showing up. Everyone there is warm and welcoming, showing off that renowned Southern Hospitality.
Hattiesburg’s top indoor arena
Basketball is also popular here, and the men’s and women’s teams will soon be feeling even more love as their longtime home, Reed Green Coliseum, is set for a $43.2 million renovation. This popular 8,095-seat multipurpose domed arena, which earned it the nickname “The Yurt,” has an intimate feel to it with its rounded stands. This cozy design provides a great view of the action from any seat in the house, and the roar of the crowd will always be electric. Renovations will further improve the positives with new floor seating, suites and improvements to existing seating comfort, along with a new sound system, scoreboard and new and renovated concessions with plenty more.
Esports shine at USM
On top of popular sports facilities and other venues such as their elaborate grand ballroom, which can be sectioned off for multiple event types, USM also has a rapidly growing esports sector and a dedicated esports arena within the R.C. Cook University Student Union. The 1,935-square-foot arena contains 15 Alienware and Dell gaming PCs containing top-of-the-line hardware for optimal competitive game play across an extensive gaming library. The arena also houses a media and production space for live broadcasting, allowing students the opportunity to learn the ropes, team collab stations to review previous matches and plan for upcoming ones, as well as PS5 and Nintendo Switch consoles in the casual seating area for everyone to enjoy.
Casual and curious USM students will also be able to enjoy an adjacent 2,554-square-foot casual space with additional PCs, consoles, foosball table and more. To top off the esports experience though, the university also holds major competitive events within the Joe Paul Theater. This tailored experience, with exquisite lighting and comfortable seating is a sight to behold and a real treat for esports fans and athletes alike.
Hburg prides itself on top-notch sports facilities
Along with the strong connection between community and college, youth sports also play a pivotal role in the sports tourism market in Hburg. Being “The Hub City” is certainly instrumental in this regard, but with Parks and Recreation striving for quality, quantity and care as key factors to success, the city’s sports facilities speak for themselves.
“Parks and Rec in Hattiesburg plays a pivotal role in resident quality of life and overall visitor experience,” said Betsy Mercier, director of parks and recreation with the City of Hattiesburg. “As a child, I grew up playing soccer at Tatum Park and now as Director, I am able to drive operations in a strategic, creative and hands-on approach to ensure that employees always have a voice and that maintenance with modernization remains our focus.”
Tatum Park’s premium offerings
Betsy and the athletic fields team, led by Todd Hawkins, have the mindset that Hattiesburg is the premier city of the Gulf South, and they understand their potential to be a great driver in the sports tourism industry. Tatum Park and its facilities are a great example, and a source of pride for them and the community. Nestled in a wooded area just a few minutes southwest of downtown Hburg, Tatum features 18 multipurpose fields for sports like soccer and lacrosse, two of which are championship level, as well as five baseball diamonds and four practice fields at Larry Doleac Youth Baseball Complex.
“We completed the addition of the two championship level fields in the fall of 2023, one synthetic turf and one natural grass, to increase our ability to host competitive, higher-caliber level play,” said Mercier. “As an added touch to the synthetic field, Mayor [Toby] Barker requested that the iconic “Hub” symbol be made as the center field circle.”
The diamonds at Doleac play as big of a part of the city’s self-proclaimed obsession for baseball as USM’s Golden Eagles do over at Pete Taylor Park in building upon their sports-related nickname, Baseburg. It’s truly a big deal, and well-earned as Hattiesburg has hosted many of the best young athletes in the region, including the 2022 NCAA Regional Tournament, 2022 and 2023 NCAA Super Regional Tournament, the opening round of the 2023 NAIA’s baseball postseason and the 2023 DYB World Series, with even more on the cards through 2025.
Hattiesburg will have you wanting to come back for more
With its unique culture, open-minded community, sporting excellence and more, Hattiesburg, Mississippi is sure to delight visitors of all ages and interests. Jump in head first to experience everything, even if just for an extended weekend, and you’re also guaranteed to come across that famed Southern Hospitality several times. During my time there, I not only witnessed community members helping out at shops, unpaid, when things got a little busy, but I even had someone buy me a drink, just because I hadn’t tried one of his favorites yet from SOPRO.
These are just two examples of many. Visit to bring home your own tales of warmth and kindness. Give the people of Hattiesburg the chance to show you why they love their city and you will want to keep coming back.
By Christopher D. Silbernagel
Main photo: “The Rock” is a classic stadium in Hattiesburg with great views and atmosphere. Photo courtesy of USM.
