Pete Taylor Park - Southern Miss

SRO, The Right Field Roost

History

Opened in 1984, Pete Taylor Park in Hattiesburg, MS has welcomed over one million fans to watch Southern Miss baseball. Named after Southern Miss alum Pete Taylor, "The Pete" has hosted matchups against high profile programs such as Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Alabama. It also hosted an NCAA Regional in 2025, cementing the program and the park as a highlight of baseball in the South.

Atmosphere

Fans show up and show out at Southern Miss games. A highlight is the Right Field Roost, where fans with reserved spots drive in their trucks and tailgate in right field. I was able to grab a spot with someone who has held his spot since the early 90s, and they don't let them go easily - the man I sat with has in his will that his spot goes to his oldest daughter, a fellow Southern Miss alum. In addition to The Roost, many fans bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit in the grass past the bleachers on the first base line. They also stay the whole game even if it's a blowout, and the home field advantage here is strong.

Concessions

There are three permanent concession stands, as well as rotating booths for BBQ, Chick-Fil-A, and Dippin Dots. Concession pricing is relatively standard, though it's common as the weather warms up to see fans in Right Field bringing their grills and cooking themselves for games. Another note is that if you happen to be at The Pete during Lent, the Catholic Church just outside the gate holds a fish fry that I've heard is great.

Access

Hattiesburg was a railroad hub when it first became a city, and the access the railroad brought hasn't changed. Roughly an hour and a half from New Orleans, Jackson, Meridian, and Mobile, Hattiesburg is easy to get to regardless of where you're staying. I came in from the coast and it was a straight shot north from Gulfport. Once you get to campus, there is a mix of paid lots and free - I parked for free at one of the parking decks on campus and had a maybe 5 minute walk to The Pete.

Final Thoughts

Pete Taylor Park is a gem of a college baseball stadium, and the fans here are proud of its history. Know you may need to purchase tickets well in advance (or know someone who knows someone), but a trip to watch the Golden Eagles and experience a game will prove quickly why it's one of the best atmospheres in baseball.