Milan Puskar Stadium
Head up to the parking lot of our WVU College of Law for the best bird's eye view of Milan Puskar Stadium!
Welcome to the home of Mountaineer Field and our beloved Mountaineer football team! WVU has played football for 128 seasons, appeared in 38 bowl games, produced over 20 NFL players who’ve competed in the Super Bowl, and had 11 consensus All-Americans. National rankings are part of the Mountaineer Nation. The stadium seats about 60,000 people and radiates with energy and Mountaineer pride on game day!
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Traditions
🌟 Student Life
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💛 Traditions
Since our founding in 1867, West Virginia University has grounded itself as an institution that cares deeply about the preservation of tradition. The heart of WVU truly lies in the people themselves, both within our campus and the communities in which we reside. The pride we share in our state drives us to work harder to best serve our institution, our community, and the greater state of WV.
Homecoming
Every fall during a home football game weekend, alumni are invited back to reminisce and reunite with former classmates. Festivities include a parade on High Street on Friday night and the football game on Saturday. In addition, Greek life, local clubs, and campus organizations show their school spirit by donning banners throughout the city of Morgantown.
Mountaineer Mantrip
The Mountaineer Mantrip is a nod to the state’s proud coal industry and heritage and begins when the team is dropped off approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes before kickoff at the corner of the WVU Medical Center and Don Nehlen Drive.
West Virginia fans are encouraged to line the path, which will take the team and coaching staff, led by head coach Neal Brown, between the blue and light blue lots and to the entrance of the Northeast gate at Milan Puskar Stadium.
The team is escorted by the Mountaineer mascot, the cheerleading squad and members of the Pride of West Virginia, the WVU marching band, on its route. The Mantrip, named after the shuttle that typically transports miners down into an underground mine at the start of their shift, has become an annual tradition during home games at Milan Puskar Stadium.
Take Me Home, Country Roads
The fan favorite theme song of West Virginia University, “Take Me Home Country Roads,” has been performed at every home football pregame show since 1972. The song is also played after every home win and fans are encouraged to stay in the stands and join in singing “Country Roads.”
In 1980, John Denver performed his hit song during pregame festivities to a sold-out crowd of Mountaineer fans. His performance of “Country Roads” marked the dedication of Mountaineer Field and the first game for head coach Don Nehlen.
Mountaineer Mascot
Wearing the heavy custom buckskins and real coonskin cap, the Mountaineer carries not just the weight of the uniform, but the weight of West Virginia on his/her shoulders. The tradition began more than 90 years ago and while the uniform looks nearly the same, the responsibilities of the position have certainly increased.
The Mountaineer attends NCAA football, basketball, and baseball, games, as well as gymnastics, soccer, volleyball and wrestling matches, cheering on the Mountaineers in all venues. He/she also makes appearances at other sporting events, including WVU Club Sports. Today, the Mountaineer attends more than 250 events per year outside the realm of athletic functions, appearing at schools, hospitals, civic organizations and more. A constant objective of this University is to increase the pride of West Virginians in themselves and in our Mountain State. We are constantly reminded of the strength and courage of the people in our state and how the Mountaineer has preserved this tradition for future generations.
The Mountaineer is a WVU student chosen annually by the Mountaineer Selection Committee, which is made up of students, faculty and staff from across the University.
Throughout the rigid selection process, the applicants are asked to complete a written application along with essays, take part in an interview and then participate in the “cheer-off” at a men’s basketball game.
Then, based on these scores, along with outstanding character and enthusiasm, the Mountaineer is announced at the last home men’s basketball game of the season. The Mountaineer officially begins his/her term at the Gold-Blue Spring Football Game held in April.
Pride of West Virginia Mountaineer Marching Band
The 330-plus member "Pride of West Virginia" has performed throughout the United States from nationally televised Bowl games to Presidential inaugurations. The WVU Marching Band is known for its high energy performances, outstanding musical arrangements, and exciting visual presentations. Because of its tradition of excellence, the WVU Band was recognized in 1997 as the country's outstanding collegiate marching band by being named the recipient of the prestigious Sudler Trophy awarded by the John Philip Sousa Foundation.
Any student attending WVU is eligible to join the band; an audition is required for membership. During the fall term, rehearsals are scheduled Tuesday through Friday for two hours in the late afternoon. The band also conducts a band camp the week before the fall semester begins.
Students in the band represent virtually every college and major course of study within the University. The band helps students develop a work ethic which carries over into their studies and eventually their chosen professions.
Let's Go Mountaineers Chant
A rousing cheer at WVU athletic events, the Let's Go...Mountaineers! tradition allows fans to square off in a cheering challenge. Lead by the Mountaineer cheerleaders and mascot, one side of the audience chants “Let’s Go” while the other side responds “Mountaineers.”