Contact: Maridith Geuder
Southeastern Conference presidents and chancellors voted Friday to continue a policy established in 2010 that allows the use of cowbells in Davis Wade Stadium at Mississippi State University.
They also lifted the annual sunset provision in the rule. This action will enable Bulldog fans to continue to use the artificial noisemakers, with restrictions, on a more permanent basis.
Under the rule, it is permissible to ring cowbells during pre-game activities, at halftime, during timeouts and after MSU scoring plays. Mississippi State Athletic Director Scott Stricklin stressed the need to continue to observe the policy and noted that a violation would result in a penalty of $50,000 per game.
MSU President Mark Keenum praised the decision and credited MSU fans for their support.
"Mississippi State fans have shown tremendous respect for this beloved tradition by following the rules and 'ringing responsibly.' Their efforts provided validation for the case I made with my fellow SEC presidents and chancellors. I told them the cowbell has special meaning in our Bulldog family, and that those feelings were evident in the way our fans responded over the past two seasons. They acknowledged the positive role our fans played in making this arrangement work. I appreciate the support of Commissioner Mike Slive and my SEC counterparts in helping us preserve this great tradition," he said.
"Now, more than ever, we must remain focused on 'ringing responsibly,' but I have every confidence that our fans will be vigilant and committed. Doing so will ensure that present and future Bulldogs can continue to ring their cowbells at Davis Wade Stadium."
Stricklin added, "We appreciate the vote of the Southeastern Conference membership in maintaining one of the great traditions in college athletics."
"It is an affirmation of the work we have done to educate our fans of the league's institutional sound policy, and our fans' commitment to following the guidelines. It remains incumbent upon us to continue the process of educating our fans so that a long-standing tradition may continue for years to come," Stricklin said.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see www.msstate.edu.