Southern Miss Dixie Darlings Invited to Perform at New Orleans Saints Halftime Show

 

Southern Miss Dixie Darlings Invited to Perform at New Orleans Saints Halftime Show

The pride of Hattiesburg is heading to the big stage. The Southern Miss Dixie Darlings, the beloved precision dance line from the University of Southern Mississippi, have officially been invited to perform at halftime of a New Orleans Saints game this season.

The news has sparked excitement across campus and throughout the Gulf South, as the Dixie Darlings prepare to bring their high-energy performance to thousands of fans inside the Caesars Superdome.

For more than 60 years, the Dixie Darlings have been known for their dazzling choreography, unmatched precision, and school spirit. Founded in 1954, the group has become one of the most recognizable features of Southern Miss football game days. Their performances, always set to spirited music from the Pride of Mississippi Marching Band, have thrilled generations of Golden Eagle fans.

Now, they’ll get to share their talents with a much larger audience—Saints Nation.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our young women,” said Dr. Colin McKenzie, director of bands at Southern Miss. “The Dixie Darlings represent everything great about our university—tradition, excellence, and spirit. To have them perform on such a stage is a dream come true.”

The Saints are known for putting on some of the NFL’s most entertaining halftime shows, often featuring local talent to highlight the culture and pride of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Inviting the Dixie Darlings fits perfectly into that tradition.

Members of the group say they are both nervous and thrilled about the chance to perform in front of more than 70,000 fans. “We’ve danced in front of big crowds before, but nothing compares to this,” said one senior team member. “We want to make Southern Miss proud and give Saints fans a show they’ll never forget.”

The Dixie Darlings’ upcoming performance is expected to feature their signature style—sharp, synchronized routines, golden sequined uniforms, and plenty of energy. Fans can also expect the performance to celebrate both Southern Miss traditions and the lively spirit of New Orleans.

Social media has already lit up with excitement. Southern Miss alumni, Saints fans, and even rival schools have chimed in with support, praising the invitation as a huge honor for the university and for the dancers who have worked tirelessly to earn their spotlight.

The halftime show will not only be a chance for the Dixie Darlings to shine but also an opportunity for Southern Miss to showcase its pride on a national level. Television broadcasts often highlight halftime entertainment, meaning millions of NFL fans could catch a glimpse of the historic dance team.

For Saints fans, it will be another reason to cheer. As one fan wrote online: “The Saints bring the action on the field, but the Dixie Darlings will bring the magic at halftime.”

The date of the performance will be announced soon, but one thing is already certain: when the Dixie Darlings step onto the turf at Caesars Superdome, it will be a moment of pride not just for Southern Miss, but for the entire Gulf South.