Ole Miss Expands In-Game Entertainment at The Pavilion
Published 8:00 am Friday, December 26, 2025
Story by Daniel Collins
Journalism student
With a new basketball season underway, Ole Miss is rolling out an expanded slate of in-game entertainment, giveaways, and fan-engagement events. This is all part of a renewed push to capitalize on last year’s Sweet 16 run and boost excitement inside The Pavilion.
The Ole Miss Rebels and Head Coach Chris Beard have revamped their team after losing several players this past offseason and are looking to improve their record when they play Alcorn State on December 29.
Ole Miss Athletics and its fan experience team are attempting to improve as well.
“We have big plans for the upcoming season. We hope to make these events as fun as possible and have as many fans as possible.” Margo Lewis, marketing assistant, said.
As has been tradition at home games, Athletics has provided themed T-shirts at the start of each game to members of the student section. The supply of these shirts is usually limited, which encourages students to get to the games as early as possible. Along with the shirts they provide pom-poms that are usually the same color as the tees.
This year, the fan experience team has set up elaborate walk outs for the Rebels. These include an introduction video, the classic starting line-up announcement and pyrotechnics, with nearly sky-high flames and a minor sprinkling of fireworks.
A few new additions this year include the “Domino’s Delivery.” This is where the cheerleaders pass around Domino’s pizzas to members of the student section. Also, they added a new competition where two fans each get three attempts at a three-point shot for a prize. The December 2 game featured tickets to the first College Football Playoff game.
“I think it’s awesome how they make the basketball games just as much of a show as the football games. They are so excited, and it is such an amazing environment,” Ole Miss sophomore Jackson Story said.
They also have several games that fans are allowed to participate in, such as the 30-second shot challenge. This event is sponsored by Renasant Bank and allows one fan to attempt four shots from four different locations, earning prize money by making the shots, with a grand prize of $1000.
Fans should be expecting an exciting atmosphere this year as the Rebels look to recreate the success of last season.