Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71
Williams Assembly Center S Prentiss St Jackson, MS 39203
Year Opened: 1981
Capacity: 8,000
Jackson State Tiger World
Roughly halfway between Memphis, Tennessee, and New Orleans, Louisiana sits the city of Jackson, the capital of Mississippi. Within the town is the campus of Jackson State University, an HBCU with an enrollment of over 7,000 students.
The Jackson State University Tigers athletic program plays in the SWAC conference and their basketball programs have played at the Williams Assembly Center since 1981.
Food & Beverage 2
There is one concession stand in the corner of the arena selling the usual stadium fare such as hot dogs ($5), nachos ($5), popcorn ($3), candy ($2), chips ($2), and peanuts ($4). Pepsi provides soft drinks with 20 oz drinks ($4), water ($3), and Gatorade ($3). The concessions only take cash, so remember that when attending a game.
We recommend grabbing a pre-game or post-game meal rather than stopping by the concession stand.
Atmosphere 3
The exterior of the arena was refreshed a couple of seasons ago and fans enter the arena by a sign that reads “Tiger World” with an illustration of a tiger head. The entrance includes a trophy case showcasing some of Jackson State’s athletic accomplishments over the years.
Once your ticket is scanned, you notice the seats are in four separate sections. The seats by the sidelines are split between season ticket holder seats in the front and the main seating bowl between blue yellow and red sections. The seats behind the reserved seats by the baselines are bleacher seats.
There are banners commemorating Jackson State’s athletic accomplishments including Jackson State’s three NCAA tournament appearances.
I will give an extra point for the four-sided scoreboard that was added in 2024. Each screen is 10x23 feet and hangs over the center of the court. It replaced a scoreboard that seemingly had been in service since the arena’s opening (the old scoreboard had the vintage NCAA logo). Unfortunately, the game I attended happened before I could see the new scoreboard in person.
I was disappointed to not see the band during my visit to Jackson State. A band would have made the atmosphere significantly better given that Jackson State has one of the best bands in the country.
Neighborhood 3
Jackson is the largest city in Mississippi as well as the capital of the state. The campus is only a couple of miles away from downtown attractions such as the Russell Davis Planetarium, Mississippi Museum for Art, and the Old Mississippi State Capitol Building. If you drive north on Highway 51, you can stop by Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, which is the home of the Jackson Tigers football team.
Restaurants include Basil’s for pizza, Bettina’s Soulfood Kitchen, and the Farish Street Burger Bar. If you want a drink, bars include Ole Tavern, Martin’s, and One Block East.
Lodging options include Westin, Hilton Garden Inn, and the Old Capitol Inn.
Fans 4
The fans were engaged throughout the game with cheerleaders and an emcee helping to keep the energy up. The fans are knowledgeable about the game and have pride in their school.
The passion for their school is immediately noticed. The fans will get behind the Tigers regardless of whether they win or lose.
Access 3
From I-20 Westbound turn off exit 45A onto S Gallatin Street. Turn left on Dr Robert Smith Pkwy then make another left at the third roundabout. The Williams Assembly Center will be on your right.
From I-55 Southbound turn off exit 96A onto Pearl Street. Pearl Street becomes Dr Robert Smith Pkwy. From here follow the same instructions as above.
Once at the arena, there should be enough parking, although you may need to walk up some steps to get to the arena. Once inside the arena, there is plenty of room to walk around and there are enough restrooms.
Return on Investment 2
Tickets go for $15 and typically include both a women’s and men’s game. If you pay $10 for concessions that means you pay $25 for a day of SWACtion. That would have been a great deal if the band was performing.
Extras 2
The court is a parquet floor similar to what the Boston Celtics play on. Walter Payton played football for the Tigers.
Final Thoughts
Jackson State has a very passionate fan base that gets behind their Tigers regardless of how the teams are performing. The Tigers are investing in the basketball program as seen by the recent renovations to the arena.
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