The Walk of Champions.
An ode to fall, football season and fermented corn. A staple on game days and familiar to every freshman going through orientation, its iconic presence doesn’t go unmissed by many.
I can see it through my reflection in the glass doors as I walk up to the new Rebel Locker Room on Jackson Avenue.
This authentic-as-it-gets brick and mortar replica of the real Walk of Champions is about 1.5 miles away from the real one in the Grove, but it’s all part of their plan to provide customers with the most genuine experience possible.
The manager, an Ohio transplant by the name of Josh Stierer, has the enthusiasm to match the extravagant décor.
He explains that the goal of the Rebel Locker Room is to be the one-stop-shop for all things Ole Miss athletics. The new location has replaced the multiple on-campus locations and takes away the pressure of risking a few parking tickets.
According to Stierer, the Rebel Locker room offers what he refers to as the “authentic fan experience” (i.e. Walk of Champions, a basketball goal from the Tad Pad, and a colossal yellow field goal).
But with that they also sell a lot of Nike products and anything that will better prepare you for the Grove and game time. This includes a lot of GameDay polos. They also have a large selection of hats, t-shirts, and jerseys.
Perhaps the most impressive items offered are the game-used merchandise. As the official store for Ole Miss Athletics they have a partnership with Ole Miss that allows them to sell game-used ’06-‘12 jerseys. Because of this partnership, you can’t get these jerseys anywhere else in Oxford, and on the plus side, they are a lot cheaper than new ones (with built-in character).
In addition to game-used merchandise, the Rebel Locker Room is also the new home of what was Rebel Resell. Apparently no one was a big fan of that, so they threw it out the window. But piece by piece, they can sell the same clothing that was available though Rebel Resell on behalf of the athletic department. That money is then given back to the athletic department. So buying that clothing is just another way to support the Rebels.
Another offer the Rebel Locker Room has is their Club Card. Stierer says, “It’s what we call an all-access pass. It gets you 10% off apparel and novelties, 20% off hats and embroidery. If you come in and buy a shirt, polo or a hat, we can stitch “Hotty Toddy” on that, or anything you like to add a personal touch.”
Beyond the products they offer, Stierer is confident in the quality of the staff. He adds, “Our setup and our staff is second to none. If you come in here, you will feel like this is your section of the Grove. We want you to feel like family when you come in, and that’s nonnegotiable.”
Rebel Locker Room is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays or visit the website.
Mitchell Dowden is a HottyToddy.com staff reporter and can be reached at madowden@go.olemiss.edu.
