University of Missouri Tailgating
University of Missouri is the home of the Tigers and Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Fans refer to the stadium as “The Zou,” and the M-I-Z-Z-O-U chant is the university’s proudest tradition, led by Truman the Tiger. Pack up the RV and stay overnight for a Tiger's game.
Event information
Mizzou tailgating at Faurot Field offers dedicated RV parking at Truman's Landing, opening at 5 pm the day before games, with overnight stays permitted until noon the following day. Located in Columbia, Missouri, the 62,000-seat stadium (expanding to 65,000 in 2026) accommodates RVs for approximately $200 per game with complimentary sewage service on Sunday mornings, though electrical and water hookups aren't available. Parking lots open at 7 am on game day for general parking, while the legendary Tiger Walk occurs two and a half hours before kickoff. Columbia's central Missouri location between Kansas City and St. Louis provides excellent RV rental options, with nearby campgrounds like Cottonwoods RV Park and Hanson Hills Campground offering full hookups and amenities for comfortable pre-game staging just minutes from Memorial Stadium.
What Makes Mizzou Tailgating Special?
University of Missouri tailgating embodies the spirit of SEC football combined with authentic Midwestern hospitality, creating an atmosphere unlike any other college game day experience. Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium—affectionately known as "The Zou"—has hosted Tigers fans since 1926, and the tailgating tradition runs as deep as the M-I-Z-Z-O-U chant itself.
What sets Mizzou apart is the genuine community atmosphere. Tigers fans welcome visitors with open arms, sharing food, stories, and that trademark Missouri friendliness that makes every game day feel like a homecoming. Whether you're an alum reliving glory days or experiencing your first SEC matchup, the tailgating lots transform into a sea of black and gold where strangers become friends over barbecue and football talk.
The Tiger Walk tradition draws thousands of fans to watch the team make its entrance two and a half hours before kickoff, creating an electric pre-game energy that carries through the entire day. Columbia's compact downtown sits just minutes from campus, offering easy access to restaurants, shops, and entertainment when you want a change of scenery from your tailgate setup.
To maximize your Tigers experience, explore Columbia RV rentals for the most convenient access to Faurot Field, or discover Jefferson City RV rentals just 30 minutes away along scenic Missouri River routes.
Tickets
How Much Does Mizzou Tailgating Cost?
Tigers game experiences involve several cost components, with pricing varying based on opponent quality and conference matchups.
RV Parking: Truman's Landing costs approximately $200 per game and must be purchased in advance through Mizzou Athletics. Single-game passes can be purchased online, while season-long RV permits are available through the Mizzou Athletics Fund (maf@missouri.edu / 573-882-0704).
Game Tickets: Mizzou offers some of the SEC's most affordable tickets, typically ranging from $40-60 for decent seats. Premium seating and rivalry games (especially Arkansas, Kansas, and top SEC opponents) command higher prices. Season tickets remain the best value, with the university reporting record-breaking sales exceeding 40,000 for recent seasons.
Additional Costs:
- Tow vehicle parking permits (if bringing additional vehicles)
- Food and beverages for tailgating
- Stadium concessions (featuring $2.99 hot dogs, popcorn, and fountain drinks)
- Fuel and supplies for your RV adventure
Money-Saving Tips:
- Book RV parking immediately when passes go on sale
- Purchase tickets early in the season for better pricing
- Bring your own food and drinks for tailgating (nothing can be brought into the stadium)
- Consider midweek arrival for extended stays to maximize value
- Take advantage of the complimentary sewage service on Sunday mornings
How Do I Rent an RV Near Columbia for Mizzou Games?
Columbia's central Missouri location makes it an ideal RV rental hub, situated perfectly between Kansas City and St. Louis with easy I-70 access for fans traveling from across the Midwest.
Columbia offers the most convenient proximity to Faurot Field, putting you just minutes from game day action. The city provides a diverse selection of RV rentals, from compact campervans perfect for couples to spacious Class A motorhomes ideal for large tailgating crews. Many local RV owners understand the Tigers' game day experience and can provide insider tips on parking and tailgating.
Jefferson City, Missouri's capital city, sits just 30 minutes south along scenic Route 63. This option offers a more peaceful pre-game base with access to state parks and the Missouri River, while still providing easy game day access.
Kansas City and St. Louis both sit about 2 hours from Columbia via I-70, making them viable options for fans already visiting these major metros who want to add a Tigers game to their itinerary.
Explore University of Missouri Tailgating RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Memorial Stadium sits in the heart of Mizzou's campus in Columbia, easily accessible from Interstate 70. From the east (St. Louis), take I-70 west to Providence Road, then follow signs to the campus. From the west (Kansas City), take I-70 east to the Columbia exits. Note that road construction projects on I-70 between mile markers 137 and 144 and at the US Route 63 interchange may impact traffic flow—allow extra time on game days.
On game days, Mick Deaver Drive partially closes, and traffic flow changes around the stadium. MoDOT and the Missouri State Highway Patrol prohibit parking on the shoulder of Providence Road from Stadium Boulevard south to Truman's Landing.
Parking areas
Most parking lots open at 7 am on game day (except special games like the season opener, which may open at 2 pm). Lots in the immediate vicinity of Memorial Stadium are reserved for Mizzou Athletics Fund members holding season-long football parking permits. For information on permit parking eligibility, contact the Mizzou Athletics Fund at (573) 882-0704.
Stadium Entry by Parking Location:
- West Side Gates (2W through 6W): Use these if parking in Lot C, D, G, H, Q, R, T, U, Y, or Truman's Landing
- East Side Gates (2E through 6E): Use these if parking in Lot I, J, K, M, N, O, P, or M-ADA
Stadium gates open 90 minutes to two hours prior to kickoff. Get to your seat early to join the pre-game festivities.
Public Transportation
Shuttle Services
MO-X Shuttle: Pregame shuttle bus transportation operates from Truman's Landing and other lots (T, Q, Y, H, D, U) to Memorial Stadium. Shuttle service begins two hours prior to kickoff. Mizzou Athletics also runs courtesy shuttles from Mick Deaver near Lot I to near Gate 5W and vice versa, operating from two hours before kickoff until one hour after the game.
Columbia Transit (GoCOMO): Columbia's transit system runs six shuttle routes on game day—two through downtown Columbia and four to hotels across the city. Track shuttles using the GoCOMO app on your mobile device. Downtown parking garages are free after 6 pm. GoCOMO also provides free rides from downtown to Memorial Stadium before select games.
Accessible Shuttles: Operate from the southeast end of the Hearnes Center (adjacent to Lot M-ADA) and provide service to gates on both sides of the stadium. Patrons parking in Lot M-ADA receive an Accessible Shuttle Voucher from the lot attendant.
Rideshare and Taxis: Rideshare and taxi zones are located in the Lot R entrance across the street from Truman's Landing. Drivers can stage in the zone after the game, but should leave the lot after dropping off patrons before the game. Columbia offers both Uber and Lyft service, plus traditional taxi companies.
Where to stay
Onsite
Truman's Landing serves as Memorial Stadium's exclusive RV and bus parking area, located conveniently off Old Route K/Mick Deaver Memorial Drive on the west side of campus. This dedicated lot is the only on-campus RV parking option and the best place for an authentic Mizzou tailgating experience.
Truman's Landing Features:
- Opens at 5 pm the day before each home game
- Overnight parking is permitted until noon the day after the game
- Complimentary sewage service is typically available on Sunday mornings
- No electrical or water hookups available
- Generator use is permitted within your assigned space
- Tailgating is allowed within designated grassy areas on parking lot perimeters
- RV/bus parking spaces cost approximately $200 per game
- Early departure required by noon the following day
Important RV Guidelines:
- RVs and buses must not exceed five standard parking spots
- Support vehicles must be parked parallel to the RV
- All amenities and tailgating equipment must remain within your space
- No staging of RVs allowed until designated opening times
- Contact parking attendants for specific requirements regarding oversized vehicles
- Single-game and season-long permits are available through different channels
How to Find Truman's Landing: Take Providence Road to Old Route K/Mick Deaver Memorial Drive. Head west onto Old Route K/Mick Deaver Memorial Drive, stay to the left, and the entrance to Truman's Landing will be on the right.
Nearby
If Truman's Landing sells out or you prefer more amenities, several excellent nearby campgrounds offer full-service RV sites:
Cottonwoods RV Park sits right in Columbia near Interstate 70, offering 97 sites, including 63 pull-through spaces with full hookups and 50-amp service. This pet-friendly park features Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, a playground, basketball courts, horseshoes, a rec room, a library, showers, laundry facilities, and a camp store. It's perfectly positioned for easy game day access while providing all the comforts unavailable at stadium parking.
Hanson Hills Campground in Kingdom City offers a convenient stopping point between St. Louis and Kansas City, with sites featuring water and electrical connections or full hookups. Amenities include restroom and shower facilities, a swimming pool, a stocked fishing pond, and an on-site café and convenience store.
Binder Campground near Jefferson City (45 minutes from Columbia) provides a lakeside setting with 17 paved sites offering full hookups supporting 30/50-amp electrics. The campground features fire rings, grills, covered picnic tables, laundry facilities, restrooms, and showers, plus access to Binder Lake for fishing and boating.
Getting around
To reliably get from the parking lot to the Memorial Stadium, use the MO-X shuttle. Those who park on lots that are east or south of the stadium can ride on one of the complimentary shuttle carts, which run 90 minutes before the game.
What to pack
Clothing
Missouri football season runs from late August through November, meaning weather can range from hot and humid early season to cold and potentially snowy late season. Columbia experiences all four seasons distinctly, so layering becomes essential for comfortable tailgating.
Pack a mix of breathable short sleeves for warm early-season games and warmer layers for late-season matchups. The average December low in Columbia hits 27°F, while September can still reach 90°F. Show your Tigers pride with black and gold team gear—you'll fit right in with the sea of fans creating that iconic game day atmosphere.
Gear
Game day isn't complete without showing your Mizzou spirit. Pack your favorite team clothing, flags, and folding chairs to create your tailgate headquarters. When fellow Tigers fans pass by your RV, they'll know you're part of the family. If you need more team gear, visit the Tiger Team Store located inside the stadium near Gate 1, or check out the other merchandise stands throughout Memorial Stadium. All shops accept both cash and credit cards.
Health & Safety
Long tailgating days and stadium time mean lots of standing and walking. Bring comfortable, broken-in shoes with soft insoles to keep your feet happy through the entire experience. Pack a first aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, and other essentials for minor aches. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat for those sunny early-season games.
Where to eat
Cooking
Missouri tailgating centers around good food and great company. Whether you're perfecting your Kansas City-style burnt ends, St. Louis ribs, or your family's secret seven-layer dip, tailgate cooking is a proud tradition. Gas and charcoal grills are permitted in tailgating areas (not in parking garages). If you use charcoal, dispose of hot coals in designated coal containers located in your parking lot—never leave them burning.
Open flame cooking and proper storage of flammable liquids are essential for everyone's safety. Fires built on the ground and open fire pit devices are prohibited. Grills and pits must not be overly large (if it takes more than two people to carry it in, it's too large).
Restaurants
Columbia's dining scene reflects its position at the crossroads of Missouri, offering everything from Kansas City barbecue to St. Louis cuisine. Several excellent restaurants sit within easy walking or short driving distance of Faurot Field, perfect for pre-game meals or post-game celebrations.
For authentic Missouri barbecue, you'll find several highly-rated spots serving everything from burnt ends to pulled pork. Columbia's restaurant row along Broadway and downtown's district offers diverse dining options, including Tex-Mex, Asian fusion, farm-to-table American, and classic college town favorites.
Vendors
Memorial Stadium offers plentiful food and beverage options to keep you fueled through four quarters of Tigers football. Six concession stands feature $2.99 hot dogs, popcorn, chips, 16oz fountain sodas, and 12oz Dasani waters—some of the best value pricing in college football. You'll also find traditional fan favorites like nachos, as well as heartier options. All concessionaires accept both credit cards and cash.
The Tiger Team Store on the north concourse offers official Mizzou merchandise throughout the regular season. Arrive with an appetite—between Chow Town tailgating and stadium concessions, you won't go hungry at The Zou.
Safety
Security
Mizzou Athletics and the University of Missouri Police Department work together to ensure safe, enjoyable game day experiences. Security personnel are present throughout tailgating areas and inside Memorial Stadium, conducting vehicle inspections at parking entrances and security screenings at stadium gates.
Leave unnecessary items in your RV and bring only what you need in a stadium-approved bag. The university reserves the right to refuse service to anyone at any time. Inappropriate behavior results in permanent loss of all parking and tailgating privileges without refund.
For emergencies, dial 911. For non-emergencies, call University Police at (573) 882-7201. If you lose an item, visit the guest service booths inside the stadium. Uncollected lost items are handed to the school's police department.
Weather
Missouri weather during football season varies dramatically. September games can be hot and muggy with temperatures reaching 90°F, while November and December games may bring cold, overcast conditions with potential snow—December lows average 27°F. Missouri often experiences severe spring storms, and late-season snowfall is common.
Monitor local weather stations as you embark on your RV trip. Thankfully, RVers can pack extra clothing and gear for any conditions. If the weather becomes uncomfortable during your tailgate, bring the party inside your RV. Memorial Stadium's retractable roof means you'll stay comfortable during the game regardless of outdoor conditions.
Medical
Memorial Stadium staffs medical personnel throughout game days. First aid stations are available inside the stadium—ask any staff member for directions if needed. For more significant medical issues, emergency rooms and urgent care clinics are located within two miles of the stadium. Multiple pharmacies sit within walking distance if you need to pick up supplies.
