The Pride of the South Marching Band Enjoys New Practice Field

 
The University of Mississippi’s Pride of the South marching band has enjoyed preparing for the 2024 football season on the new $5.4 million practice field.  The field is a full-size replica of Hollingsworth Field at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The practice field features synthetic turf with the Ole Miss script logo at center field. Dr. Tim Oliver, Director of Bands and Professor of Music, told us, “While it may look like a football field, this new space is really an outdoor classroom for the students enrolled in Pride of the South Marching Band. The new outdoor classroom has increased the instructional efficiency of the band faculty members and has accelerated student learning and achievement.”  He went on to explain that this practice field and teaching tower allows the students to learn more efficiently and effectively.  The full-size field improves the band’s accuracy and reduces instructional time, overall. 
 
HNP Landscape Architecture was responsible for the field design, grading/drainage, landscaping and construction administration. The synthetic turf and new drainage system minimizes instructional time loss. In wet weather conditions, the band can be practicing on the field in just a short amount of time, whereas a natural field delays the band’s ability to use the field for at least a day.  
 
Dr. Oliver stated, “The students and alumni visitors all seem to have renewed respect, appreciation, and “pride” for Pride of the South Marching Band. This facility is among, if not the best, outdoor classrooms in the nation.”