Mississippi State is adding arena enhancements and fan events at Humphrey Coliseum for the 2026-27 basketball season, including upgraded lighting, expanded videoboard content and pregame performances, the athletic department announced.
New lighting controls will support shows synchronized with music and videoboard content. Beginning with Southeastern Conference play, CrowdSync LED modules along arena handrails are scheduled to add coordinated effects for player introductions and other moments. The school also plans new hype videos, animations and interactive features on the videoboard.
Pregame sequences will feature the Famous Maroon Band and Mississippi State Spirit Squads. State 1878 will host autograph sessions with student-athletes from various Bulldogs teams before select games. Fans also can buy personalized videoboard messages for men’s and women’s basketball games, according to the announcement.
Education Day returns Nov. 17, when the women’s team is scheduled to host Alabama State at 11 a.m. The event has reached capacity for the first time, Mississippi State said, though season ticket holders and students can still claim tickets. Holiday events include photos with Bully Claus and merchandise at women’s games against Texas Tech on Dec. 13 and Samford on Dec. 16, and the men’s game against Mississippi Valley State on Dec. 15.
The school listed six color-themed games: men’s basketball against Alabama on Jan. 2 (True Maroon) and Florida on Jan. 13 (Blackout), and against Missouri on Feb. 3 (Whiteout); women’s games against Texas A&M on Jan. 3 (Whiteout), Ole Miss on Feb. 7 (True Maroon) and Alabama on Feb. 21 (Think Pink).
Halftime entertainment is set to include performers Grace Good, Owen Sanchez, Christian & Scooby and the Zooperstars, along with events such as a Teddy Bear Toss, Diaper Derby and Teams of Tomorrow Little Dribblers. The schedule also lists the XPogo Stunt Team for the Feb. 7 women’s game against Ole Miss. Mississippi State said more performances will be announced during the season.
The department also plans separate jersey commemoration ceremonies for former Bulldogs Erick Dampier and Jeff Malone. Military appreciation events are scheduled for the women’s game against South Carolina on Jan. 7 and the men’s game against Texas A&M on Feb. 6. Through a partnership with Vet Tix, the school said it will offer free tickets to eligible service members, veterans and their families.
Mississippi State has partnered with PMC to manage basketball parking at the arena. The plan includes single-game parking purchases at a designated location for select games, subject to availability. Premium-seat areas are also scheduled to receive expanded retail options after football season.
