Getting There
The primary gateway for traveling fans is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), approximately 123 miles south of Hattiesburg via I-59 North, with a drive time of roughly 2 hours. Renting a car at MSY is the most practical option, as there is no direct shuttle service between the airport and Hattiesburg. Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport (PIB) is the closest regional airport and offers United Airlines (operated by SkyWest) flights to Houston (IAH), but most fans will find better fares and connections flying into MSY.
Getting Around
Hattiesburg has a public bus network called Hub City Transit, which runs fixed routes Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., making it unreliable for evening or weekend game-day travel. Uber and Lyft both operate in the city and are the go-to options for getting to and from M.M. Roberts Stadium on game nights. A rental car is strongly recommended for any visiting fan, as Hattiesburg is a spread-out, car-oriented city and rideshare availability can be inconsistent during peak post-game hours.
Where to Stay
Downtown Hattiesburg is the best base for visiting sports fans, offering walkable access to Hardy Street bars and restaurants for pre- and post-game activity, and it sits near the Hub City Transit Center on Newman Street. The Midtown neighborhood, centered along Hardy Street, is another solid choice with easy rideshare access and a concentration of sports bars and casual dining. Hotel rates in Hattiesburg are generally affordable, with most mid-range options running $90 to $160 per night, though prices spike significantly on Southern Miss home game weekends, so book well in advance. Avoid booking near the US-98 highway strip to the west if you want walkable nightlife after games.
Sports Fan Notes
Hattiesburg is a college football town through and through, with Southern Miss Golden Eagles games at M.M. Roberts Stadium drawing passionate fans who take particular pride in their program's history as a Group of Five independent powerhouse. The Golden Eagles have a storied rivalry with Louisiana Tech and strong regional rivalry games that draw loud, dedicated crowds. The University of Southern Mississippi campus setting means game-day atmosphere builds early with tailgating, and the Hardy Street corridor fills up with fans hours before kickoff. For fans making a longer trip, the Gulf Coast is about 75 miles south, putting Biloxi and Gulfport within easy day-trip range.
Venues in Hattiesburg
Reed Green Coliseum
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from MSY to downtown Hattiesburg?
The best option is renting a car at MSY and driving north on I-59, a trip of about 123 miles that takes roughly 2 hours depending on traffic. There is no direct shuttle or bus route connecting MSY directly to Hattiesburg, though private shuttle companies like Grove Transit offer airport runs. A rideshare from MSY to Hattiesburg would be expensive, likely $80 to $130 or more each way, so a rental car is the most practical and economical choice for most fans.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Hattiesburg for a sports trip?
Downtown Hattiesburg is the top pick, putting you close to the Hardy Street entertainment corridor, which is the hub of pre- and post-game bar and restaurant activity. The Midtown area along Hardy Street is a close second, with plenty of casual sports bars and easy rideshare access to M.M. Roberts Stadium. Both neighborhoods also connect to Hub City Transit routes if you need daytime transit options.
Which sports teams play in Hattiesburg?
The primary professional sports tenant is the Southern Miss Golden Eagles football team, which plays NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) games at M.M. Roberts Stadium on the University of Southern Mississippi campus. Southern Miss competes as an independent and has a passionate regional fan base with a proud football tradition, including multiple conference championships and bowl appearances.
Is Hattiesburg a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Hattiesburg is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The nearest host city is Atlanta, Georgia, which is approximately 4 hours northeast of Hattiesburg and is one of the 16 North American venues selected for the tournament.
Sports cities near Hattiesburg
Close enough to pair with a Hattiesburg trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.