Game Day

On game day in Morgantown, the whole city is alive with festivities and there is a tangible excitement in the air as the clock counts down towards kickoff.  And when the game is over, that clock starts ticking again toward the next time the Mountaineers will take the field. It's the ultimate Morgantown experience, and one of the best college football atmospheres in the country.

General Information

Mountaineer Field Rules and Restrictions

Parking and traffic:

PRT Station

Traffic can become an issue if you choose to drive on game day. It’s best to get to the hotel the day before, and use public transportation like the PRT or WVU shuttles to get to the stadium. Of course, if your hotel is close enough, walking is also an option. If you do brave the traffic on game day, keep in mind that parking fees are higher near the stadium. Parking at the Coliseum and riding the shuttle is always an option. If you are using official WVU parking, this map will help.

Another option, if things fill up quickly, is to park at the Mountaineer Mall and ride the shuttle.

Again, don’t discount the PRT. It’s free on game day and has stations in downtown Morgantown (Walnut), downtown campus (Beechurst),  Evansdale campus (Engineering), Towers, and Health Sciences/Mountaineer Field (Medical). Here’s a map of the stations.

Local Information 

Radio Station: 101.9 FM WVAQ

iPhone users: Download the official WVU Mobile app. It provides a vast amount of information including maps, PRT status, the student news papers, emergency alerts, and much more.

Dominion Post: Morgantown’s local newspaper.

The Daily Athenaeum: WVU’s student newspaper (often better than the Post).

Tailgating and Pregame 

Mountaineer Mantrip

Tailgating will go on all over Morgantown, in every parking lot and on every street corner if it’s a big game. But if you want the best experience, head over to the Blue Lot between the stadium and the hospital. It’s a huge stretch of parking lot filled with tents and all sorts of pregame parties. There’s plenty of food and beer, most of which will be given out freely if you are friendly enough. Show up early and enjoy the atmosphere.

If you want to experience everything, you need to show up about two and a half hours before kickoff. The Mountaineer Mantrip starts about two hours and fifteen minutes before the game, which features the team, coaches, band, and cheerleaders walking though the Blue Lot and into the stadium.

The Pride of WV, State Outline

Also, the gates to the stadium open two hours before kickoff.  You’ll want to make sure you get in your seats early so you don’t miss out on the pregame show. The Pride of West Virginia, the acclaimed marching band of WVU, puts on a very entertaining show to get the stadium rocking. Not only is the band good (it’s a Sudler Trophy winner), it’s also large with nearly 400 members.  The band often gets rave reviews from visiting fans, so don’t miss it!

Kickoff

Mountaineer field is a great venue to watch a college football game. It’s loud, has beer vendors, and there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. Be prepared for a few fans to have had a little too much to drink from the day spent in the Blue Lot, but don’t let them get to you. Most fans are very hospitable and want you to have a good time.

The student section is called the “Mountaineer Maniacs” and they always wear Mountaineer Gold. You’ll hear different Mountaineer chants throughout the game, including the “Let’s Go…Mountaineers!” chant that alternates sides of the stadium, as well as a cheer for every first down WVU gets. And just clear this up…the first down chant is “W.V.U…first down”, not “who, who, who…first down”. Don’t be startled when the Mountaineer fires the rifle after the team scores.  Just grab some friends and a cold one, and enjoy a great game.

After the Game

After the game is over, stay in the stands and sing Country Roads. It's one of the top things to see in all of college football. Following the post-game traditions at the stadium, most of the fun shifts downtown regardless of the outcome (Mountaineers drink win or lose).  If it’s a particularly big win for WVU, things can get a bit wild. And while burning couches are mainly a thing of the past thanks to local legislature making it a felony, it still happens occasionally.  Win or lose there will be fans on both sides who go a little too far. It’s best just to ignore them and remember they are the exception.  Have fun and know that true West Virginia fans want you to have a great time.

Up next: Mountaineer Insider, additional information about local lingo and traditions.

Or back to the guide.