Vaught-Hemingway Stadium: The 5 biggest crowds in Ole Miss football history
When Ole Miss is playing good football, there aren't many places louder than Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. This past season alone saw some of the highest attendances in Ole Miss Football history.
Originally named the Hemingway Stadium when built in 1915, it could hold a capacity of 24,000. From 1949 to 2016, the stadium had many expansions, increasing the capacity each time, with it now holding a capacity of 64,048 fans. The final expansion happened in 2016, completing the stadium's bowl shape.
As the Rebels head into the 2024 season with expectations high, could we see a new record attendance at the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium?
523. . Nov.12, 2022. 8-1. 532. . 7-2. 5th. Attendance 65,925
Most college football venues record attendences over their stated capacity due to cramming more students into the north end zone. They were out in force for the visit of Alabama, the reigning SEC and National Champions.
Lane Kiffin's side were sitting second in the SEC West with an 8-1 record, with Alabama just behind with a 7-2 record. The Crimson Tide were coming off a loss to LSU, with Ole Miss already losing to the Tigers a few weeks earlier. A win for Lane Kiffin's team would have kept their slim hopes of a SEC West title alive.
The Rebels started the game well, leading 17-7 with two Quinshon Judkins rushing touchdowns. With seconds remaining in the half, Alabama QB found tight end Cameron Latu in the end zone to make it a three-point game.
Bama levelled the scores twice in the 3rd quarter, first a field goal from Will Reichard, then a Ja'Corey Brooks TD after Jonothan Mingo had previously put Ole Miss back in front. Two fourth-quarter field goals from Reichard were the final scoring plays, giving Alabama a 30-24 victory.
The Rebels had the ball with just over two minutes left to play, managing to move the ball into the red zone, mainly thanks to a Judkins 35-yard burst. However, the offense couldn't finish the drive with a touchdown, leaving a disappointment around the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
The result sent both teams on different trajectories in the final three games. Alabama won out, while Ole Miss lost their final three games, including a 24-22 Egg Bowl loss over rivals Mississippi State in Oxford.