Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Pig Pickin’ – the ultimate Southern-style barbecue! Since its inception in 1985, thanks to the visionary past Alumni Foundation director, Hugh Ellis Walker, the Pig Pickin’ has evolved from a small gathering in Shumate Park into a massive celebration! Now, we welcome thousands of alumni, friends, community members, current students, and even prospective students to the vibrant Statesmen Park. The weekend is jam-packed with tailgating, thrilling live entertainment, a fierce cooking competition, and, of course, delicious BBQ! And don’t forget the excitement of DSU football! Join us for an action-packed weekend you won't want to miss!

No! Sampling is not allowed. Our cooking competition is a sanctioned competition with the Memphis BBQ Network. You can purchase a plate of Yo Eddie’s BBQ at the alumni Association tent or visit one of our vendors for other dining options.

We have several events taking place during the weekend. You can view our full schedule of events HERE https://www.dsupigpickin.com/events

BBQ tickets will be $15.00 each and include a BBQ sandwich, baked beans, cole slaw and a drink.

Absolutely! You may purchase BBQ tickets HERE https://www.dsupigpickin.com/tickets-merch or stop by the Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni-Foundation house to purchase tickets.

Yes, we will have tickets available for purchase at our Alumni Association Registration tent located at the entrance of the Statesmen Park.

Yo Eddie’s BBQ, Ray and Gail’s Pork Skins, Mac’s Shaved Ice and Kingdom Grounds Coffee will be set up at the Statesmen Park!

For lodging options visit https://www.visitclevelandms.com/accommodations

As of 5:00pm Friday, all color lots (1-7) are designated parking and can only be accessed with the appropriate placard.

A limited number of Lot 6 parking spots will be available beginning at 3:00pm Saturday in advance at the gostatemen.com or call 662-846-4300

Additional parking will be available at the Shumate Park, Walter Sillers Coliseum, Kent Wyatt Hall, and across MS Highway 8 on campus.

Vehicles with the appropriate Pig Pickin BBQ team parking pass are permitted to park in the grass area north of lot 5 and east of Statesmen Park.

You can purchase the official Pig Pickin’ shirt HERE https://www.dsupigpickin.com/tickets-merch or stop by the Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni-Foundation house.

Yes, we will have shirts available for purchase at our Alumni Association Registration tent. We do pre-sell these shirts, so sizes will be limited the day of the event. It is best to purchase a shirt early!

Alumni, family, and friends do not have to reserve a space for tailgating. There is plenty of space set aside for tents. However, all student and university affiliated groups must register with the office of Student’ Affairs HERE www.deltastate.edu/students/calendar-and-facility-reservation/

No, tailgating spaces are FREE!!