From best to worst: SEC Party School scenes across the conference

USA Today

29-05-2025

From best to worst: SEC Party School scenes across the conference
As college football season rapidly approaches and fans plan to fill their favorite respective Southeastern Conference environments this fall, it is always useful to know where the party life at each school ranks for your pregame and postgame ventures.
The conference dominated Niche's 2025 Top Party Schools in America, with 12 of its 16 teams receiving A+ party grades. From great bar scenes to the incredible tailgating atmospheres on gameday, it is tough to beat an SEC party.
Whether you are a Vanderbilt fan planning on hitting Broadway before the Commodores hit the gridiron on Saturday, or a Crimson Tide faithful ready to paint the town red, there are options for everyone in the conference that never sleeps.
Here are the full rankings of the Best Party Schools in the SEC according to Niche.com:
1. University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, Alabama (No. 4 Party School Rank)
T-Town Delights: Tuscaloosa, known better as T-Town to locals, is famous for being an incredibly vibrant college town that brings about an energetic environment inside and outside of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Check out more on Campus Life.
Top Spots in T-Town: Gallettes, Innisfree Irish Pub, Rounders, The Houndstooth Sports Bar, Loosa Brews
2. University of Georgia - Athens, Georgia (No. 6 Party School Rank)
Athens After Dark: The charm of Athens, combined with an incredible party atmosphere, makes for a breathtaking haven for students and visitors alike. The town's rich history and bar scene, mixed with an incredible football program, put Georgia in the top 10. Check out more on Campus Life.
Top Spots in Athens: The 40 Watt Club, Trappeze Pub, Sandbar, Blue Sky Bar, Sister Louisa's Church
3. University of Mississippi - Oxford, Mississippi (No. 13 Party School)
Rowdy Rebels: What would a party list be without the city that lights the 'Sip ablaze? Do not let the rich Southern traditions and history fool you, Ole Miss can throw down any day of the week, and twice on gameday. Check out more on Campus Life.
Top Spots in Oxford: The Blind Pig, Funky's Pizza & Daquiri Bar, The Library Sports Bar, Proud Larry's, Rooster's Blues House
4. University of Oklahoma - Norman, Oklahoma (No. 25 Party School)
Overnights in Oklahoma: The historic Campus Corner District offers a variety of bars, restaurants and gameday atmosphere specials that make Norman a go-to spot for tourists, students and college athletics fans in general. Check out more on Campus Life.
Top Spots in Norman: The Porch, The Mont, O'Connel's Irish Pub & Grille, Logie's On The Corner, Library Bar & Grill
5. University of South Carolina - Columbia, South Carolina (No. 27 Party School)
Gamecock Gamedays: If you're looking for a perfect patio bar scene, look no further than Columbia for a youthful and energetic environment. Located close to Williams-Bryce Stadium, South Carolina is the place to be for the perfect mix of drinks and entertainment. Check out more on Campus Life.
Top Spots in Columbia: Pavlov's, Tin Roof, The Whig, Jake's Bar & Grill, Bar None
6. University of Texas - Austin, Texas (No. 30 Party School)
Hook 'Em Hangouts: The Longhorns' libations and live music in Austin provide a scene like no other in the great state of Texas. Bars, festivals and everything in between light up the capital city in a burnt orange hue. Check out more on Campus Life.
Top Spots in Austin: Cain & Abel's, Crown & Anchor Pub, Otopia Rooftop Lounge, Parlor and Yard, The Library Bar
7. Vanderbilt University - Nashville, Tennessee (No. 31 Party School)
Music City Mayhem: If you are in the mood for good country music, drinks, food and an overall lively atmosphere, look no further than Nashville. The home of the Vanderbilt Commodores and aspiring musical artists, the Music City never fails to bring the party. Check out more on Campus Life.
Top Spots in Nashville: Red Door Saloon, Tin Roof, Corner Bar At Elliston Place, Dogwood, Kung Fu Saloon
8. University of Florida - Gainseville, Florida (No. 41 Party School)
Gainseville Grooves: The beautiful campus is the cherry on top of a party scene filled with students and fans ready to hit the town after a hard's day work cheering on the Gators. Music venues and the electric downtown area bring Gainseville alive after dark. Check out more on Campus Life.
Top Spots in Gainsville: Downtown Fats, The Swamp Restaurant, White Buffalo, The Range, JJ's Tavern
9. Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge, Louisiana (No. 51 Party School)
Calling Baton Rouge: If you have not been to a night game in Tiger Stadium, have you really lived? LSU's campus provides ignites spirits and a cajun culture that strikes fear into visiting teams. Make no mistake about it, the Tigers in the bayou love to party. Check out more on Campus Life.
Top Spots in Baton Rouge: Fred's Bar & Grill, The Chimes, Revelry, The Bulldog, 13 Social
10. University of Missouri - Columbia, Missouri (No. 54 Party School)
Tigers, Tunes, and Toasts: CoMo is the premier spot in Missouri if you want the SEC experience of a true party school. Eateries and bars in Columbia give students and fans an experience of a lifetime before and after cheering on the Tigers on Saturdays. Check out more on Campus Life.
Top Spots in Columbia: Harpo's, Fieldhouse, Willie's, Shiloh Bar & Grill, The Penguin Piano Bar
11. University of Arkansas - Fayetteville, Arkansas (No. 57 Party School)
Hog Heaven: The beauty of the scenery in Fayetteville only enhances the overall experience of a school that can throw a party with the best of them. Razorback fans, students and tourists alike rave over the bars and nightlife in the heart of the city. Check out more on Campus Life.
Top Spots in Fayetteville: George's Majestic Lounge, Sideways, Vault, Maxine's Tap Room, Dickson Street Pub
12. University of Tennessee - Knoxville, Tennessee (No. 66 Party School)
Rocky Top Raving: The hills of Knoxville are highlighted by the Orange and White faithful that fill the stands in Neyland Stadium every weekend. However, the town also provides opportunities to take the party to another level. Check out more on Campus Life.
Top Spots in Knoxville: Cool Beans Bar and Grill, Half Barrel, Scruffy City Hall, Preservation Pub, Clancy's Tavern & Whiskey House
13. University of Kentucky - Lexington, Kentucky (No. 81 Party School)
Big Blue Partying: Stepping outside of the top 66 party schools are the Wildcats in Lexington. The town provides all the bluegrass bands your hearts could ever desire, while also containing a variety of nice bar spots for drinks and food. Check out more on Campus Life.
Top Spots in Lexington: Two Keys Tavern, Tin Roof, The Paddock Bar and Patio, McCarthy's Irish Bar, The Beer Trappe
14. Auburn University - Auburn, Alabama (No. 91 Party School)
Cheers On The Plains: The toilet paper thrown over the trees at Toomer's Corner following an Auburn victory is more than just a tradition. Better yet, it is a sign of a town with lively energy and a passion for having a good time. Check out more on Campus Life.
Top Spots in Auburn: SkyBar Café, 17-16, Southeastern, The Avondale Bar & Tap Room, The Hound
15. Texas A&M University - College Station, Texas (No. 119 Party School)
Aggies After Hours: With one of the loudest college football stadiums in the country located in the heart of the city, College Station provides a lively atmosphere, including the epicenter of student nightlife at the Northgate District. Check out more on Campus Life.
Top Spots in College Station: Dixie Chicken, Duddley's Draw, The Tap, Rough Draught, The Dry Bean Saloon
16. Mississippi State University - Starkville, Mississippi (No. 195 Party School)
Bulldogs Bells and Bars: Just because MSU is last on this list, does not mean they fail to throw a good party. After ringing loud and proud in Davis Wade Stadium, Bulldog fans hit the Cotton District for a night of bars and nightlife. Check out more on Campus Life.
Top Spots in Starkville: Rick's Café, Dave's Dark Horse Tavern, The Guest Room, Fountain Bar, Hobie's On Main
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