Party in the Grove

- Raider Walk starts 2.5 hours before kickoff in Walnut Grove
- Visiting artists go on 30 minutes after Raider Walk
- “Follow Me to Floyd” starts 30 minutes before kickoff.
- Bathrooms can be found in Peck Hall.
- A Port-a-Potty station will be set up in the Grove.
- Floyd Stadium has a strict clear bag policy.
- Emerald Empire Band on Sept. 5 at 4 p.m.
- 129th Army Band on Sept. 19 at 4 p.m.
- Bully on Oct. 13 at 4 p.m.
- Edgehill on Oct. 28 at 4 p.m.
- Grace Leer on Nov. 7 at 12:30 p.m.
- Ceron Mays and the AMAYSN Band on Nov. 28 at 11 a.m.
The university’s tailgating tradition kicks off with Raider Walk, a chance to cheer on head football coach Derek Mason, his staff and players as they march by the Blue Horseshoe before the game as the Band of Blue plays, followed by live entertainment, food trucks, freebies and activities in Walnut Grove near Peck Hall. Then “Follow Me to Floyd” marches the party to Floyd Stadium, where fans cheer on the Blue Raiders.
The party starts two and a half hours before kickoff and wraps up with the traditional march to Floyd Stadium 30 minutes before every home game. That leaves plenty of time for a stop by the photobooth, to grab a taco, some Asian street food, a popsicle or a refreshing drink at a food truck, amp up the school spirit with a True Blue custom license plate or airbrushed T-shirt, make some spin art or get a henna tattoo.
This year’s musical lineup was selected by Recording Industry students, except for the 129th Army Band, slated for the Sept. 19 Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces game. Recording Industry assistant professor Adam Caress’ students get hands-on experience working with artists’ teams and booking shows right here on campus. The course, called “Live Event Talent Booking,” was developed in 2025.