Mountaineer Insider

Everywhere has local sayings, traditions, and oddities, and WV is no different. Want to know a little more about the Mountaineers and their home state to give you an insiders edge? Read on to discover more about Mountaineer Country.

Make a Friend

Here is a quick look at the people, places, and things that stir Mountaineers’ emotions (good and bad).

WVU All-time great, Pat White

Good things:

Mention these topics and you’ll make friends for life: Jerry West, Don Nehlen, John Denver, Don Knotts, Pat White,  Steve Slaton, Major Harris, Bob Huggins, Dana Holgorsen, Red Bull, Beer, Beer Pong, Cornhole, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Pepperoni Roll, Mary Lou Retton, EerRaid, Tavon Austin, Geno Smith, Big 12

Bad things:

Mention these things and people will give you a funny look: Marshall, Virginia Tech, Penn State, Louisville, Michigan, K-State Mask

Rich FRAUDriguez

Really bad things:

Mention these things if you want to make enemies for life, or if you don’t care much for your personal well-being: Rich Rodriguez, Pitt, 13-9

Quotes and Sayings

“It’s a great night to be a Mountaineer, wherever you may be!” –Tony Caridi, WVU play-by-play

“Let’s Go Mountaineers! Let’s Go Drink Some Beers!”

“West by God Virginia” or just “West by God”

“Cheers, Beers, and Mountaineers!”

"Once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer."

“Son, that’s Pitt. You hate Pitt now. You hate Pitt tomorrow. You hate Pitt until the day you die. After that, you will hate Pitt for eternity.” – Mother of Jack Fleming (voice of Mountaineers and Steelers).

“Each It Pitt!” If this one doesn't make sense, sound it out to get the real chant. It’s often heard on ESPN and you will most likely here it even at unrelated games at random times. It just happens.

Local Lingo

EERS

This is what real fans use for a nickname of the Mountaineers. Some other near-acceptable forms are: NEERS, Mounties (mostly cheerleaders). However, the term “Mighty Mounts” should be shot and buried. Believed to have been termed by ESPN, whoever did this should step forward, confess, and rid themselves the guilt of coming up with the worst nickname in sports.

Mo’town

No, not the one in Detroit. It’s the home of the Mountaineers, Morgantown WV. Also referred to as Touchdown City.

North Central West Virginia

Or just, “North Central” refers to the stretch of I-79 that includes Morgantown, Fairmont, and Clarksburg. This is where you will find the best shopping and dining in the area.

Pepperoni Roll

If you read the guide, you're already familiar with this little treat. A West Virginia original and exclusive—a must-try for visiting fans.

Buggy

This is what most of the world calls a shopping cart. For many in WV, it’s a buggy, and we’re really not sure why.

               

Shine

Moonshine.  Yes, it really exists and there is a moderate chance you will encounter it if you wander aimlessly though tailgating parties. Don’t drink any if you want to remember your trip.

Toboggan

Another head scratcher, this is what many West Virginians call a winter cap, known to most people by “beanie” or “knit cap”.

               

Holler

Some locals may refer to a “holler,” which is colloquial for a “hollow”. If you are not familiar, a hollow is valley or basin that lies between hills or mountains. There are plenty of them in WV.

Videos

Sometimes words just aren’t enough. So, here are some videos that will help you get a better picture of WVU and Mountaineer Nation. 

The Office, Country Roads.

John Denver, Country Roads Original recording.

“Gold n Blue”: Local artist 6’6” 240’s original version of his annual song to pump up Mountaineer fans.

“The Morgantown Song”:  Disclaimer…may contain offensive language.

WVU Beer Pong Table: WVU Engineering students build a beer pong table

"Leave No Doubt"

Erin Andrews dons the Coonskin. On College GameDay’s first trip to Morgantown, Erin Andrews sports the Mountaineer headgear. 

Pat White’s final game introduction and whiteout.

National TV spot: "Without challenge, there can be no Mountaineers"

A look at WVU’s 3 BCS bowl wins:

Sugar Bowl: 12:40 sets up game winning play

Fiesta Bowl: Gives insight into everyone who doubted the Mountaineers could win.

Orange Bowl:  4:00 is the play of the game and 6:30 is the bowl record

WVU Billboard

Back to the guide.

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.  

WV Entertainment

West Virginia’s nickname is the Mountain State for a good reason.  The Appalachian Mountains run through the eastern part of the state, and the rest of it is covered in their rolling foothills.   There are plenty of great sights in West Virginia, some of which are just a short drive from Morgantown. We list some of the better ones below.

Local Recreation

Coopers Rock State Park

Coopers Rock State Forest : Just 15 minutes from Morgantown, this is the best local sightseeing experience offering more than 50 miles of hiking trails that weave along overhanging rocks and beautiful scenery.  Visiting the overlook is a must.

Dorsey’s Knob : If you don’t want to leave Morgantown, head over to Dorsey’s Knob for  a short visit to the park’s “Sky Rock” that overlooks a large portion of Morgantown and the rolling hills that surround it.

Cheat River whitewater rafting : If you want to take a whitewater rafting adventure, then take a short drive to Cheat River.  Be sure to schedule ahead of time.

Whitewater rafting on the Cheat

Pricketts Fort : Great for history buffs or those interested in 1700’s settlers and Native Americans. This park features a fort built by the Prickett family, and has costumed interpreters who demonstrate what daily life was like at the time. Located in Fairmont.

Valley Falls : This local state park is a great way to relax after the wildness of a Mountaineer football game. It features natural waterfalls and whitewater overlooks that are great for picnics. The park also offers hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

WV Recreation

Blackwater Falls

If you are staying for an extra day or two, you may want to consider exploring a little beyond the borders of Morgantown and into West Virginia’s true wilderness. A large number of the following are found in the Monongahelia National Forest, so you may want to plan a trip there and see them all. Note: the Monongahelia National Forest is quite large, so there will be travel time between destinations.

Blackwater Falls : Country roads, take me home. You won’t understand those lyrics until you take a trip into the mountains, and making the trip to Blackwater Falls is the perfect opportunity.  At about 70 miles away, the trip will set you back 1.5 to 2 hours, but the total experience is well worth it.

Canaan Valley : A ski resort about 10 miles from Blackwater Falls.

Seneca Rock

Spruce Knob and Mountains : Not only the highest point in West Virginia, it is also the highest point in all of the Allegheny Mountains. If you are already making the trip to Blackwater Falls, you may want to drive the extra hour to see this as well. In the process, you’ll see more of the mountains that line the Monongahelia National Forest.

Smokehole Caverns and Seneca Rocks : One of the most iconic land formations in WV is Seneca Rock. Hiking and rock climbing activities are available. It’s also very close to Smokehole Caverns, which offers tours of the caves with some record breaking formations.

New River Gorge Bridge

New River Gorge Bridge : Another state icon, this one is featured on the WV State Quarter. Originally the world’s longest arch bridge, it is now the third longest and fifth highest in the world. Combined with the WV Mountains, it is a sight to behold. While this one is a bit further away (about 2.5 hours), it’s a great choice for fans making the road trip up through WV.

Snowshoe : A great skiing resort destination. Because of its location in the mountains, this one will take you about 2.5 to 3 hours from Morgantown.

The Greenbrier Hotel

The Greenbrier : Opened in 1778, this hotel has hosted U.S. presidents, tycoons, and stars as well as having historical significance, serving as a bunker for Congress during the Cold War. Visitors now play golf and enjoy the first-class spa. It is a top rated Forbes and AAA luxury resort. Located at the opposite end of the state, this one is an option for fans traveling up through the state.

Local Shopping and Entertainment

The nearest mall worth visiting is the Morgantown Mall with a cinema and food court. Take our word and don’t bother visiting the Mountaineer Mall. 
Suncrest Towne Centre is Morgantown's newest shopping development. It offers shopping and dining, and it is very close to the stadium. 

The University Town Center, just off the WVU exit of I-79 also offers shopping options and includes a movie theater.

The Glenmark Center offers some additional shopping options and is located just off of exit #7 on I-68.

Theaters and Music:

Coal Country Mini Golf

Hollywood Theaters

Carmike Cinemas

123 Pleasant Street (Nightlife—features great local music)

Bowling:

Suburban Lanes –close to the stadium and connected to Kegler’s Sports Bar.

Sycamore Lanes: a quieter alternative.

Mini-golf:

Coal Country : If you want to play a little putt-putt while learning about WV’s rich coal history first hand, then visit this oddity right off of I-79. It features obstacles made from actual mining equipment. 

Up next: Game Day, bring on the Mountaineers!

Or back to the guide.  

Home Away From Home

The hotels tend to fill up fast on and around game dates, so make sure you book your rooms as soon as possible. Also remember that staying in Fairmont or Bridgeport is a very good option, as they are easily accessible from I-79 and may save you some money. If all of the hotels fill up, you may have to book a hotel in Washington or Pittsburgh, PA.

The Best

Waterfront Place Hotel

Waterfront Place Hotel : One of the nicer hotels in the area. Make sure to book early if you would like to stay here! Fun fact: Dana Holgorsen is staying here while his home is being built in Morgantown.

Residence Inn : Right next to Mountaineer Field. Considered to be the most convenient hotel for Mountaineer games, with access to tailgating and all of the pregame festivities just across the street. Get a room here and you'll be closer to the action than most of the locals!

Hotel Morgan, downtown Morgantown

Euro-Suites: Not far from stadium and within walking distance of Kegler's sports bar. 

    

Clarion Hotel Morgan: Located downtown. Great if you intend to explore the night life.

Hilton Garden Inn: Near chain restaurants and shopping, just off of I-79.

Other Options

These hotels are great, but they are a little far from campus so you may miss out on the game day atmosphere if you plan on hanging around the hotel room. On the other hand, these may save you some money. And who wants to stay in the hotel all day anyhow? Get out and explore the town!

Marriott Fairfield Inn, Fairmont WV

Marriott SpringHill Suites

Holiday Inn: Near chain restaurants and shopping, just off of I-68.

Comfort Inn: Far from campuses, but close to shuttle site (Mountaineer Mall).

Marriott SpringHill Suites: About a 15 minute drive to the stadium (without traffic).

Clarion Inn (Fairmont): Located just off of I-79 in Fairmont.

Marriott Fairfield Inn (Fairmont):  Another nice hotel, located just off I-79. 

Up next: WV Entertainment, the sights and sounds of WV.

Or back to the guide. 

Taste of WV

If this is your first trip to WV, then you're in for a treat when it comes to unique local foods. While there are plenty of chain restaurants (Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, Chili’s, etc.), we’re providing choices that are unique to the area. There's too much to try if you're only in for the day, but we urge you to try at least one thing from the list and get a taste of West Virginia fare. 

Italian Heritage

Before we jump into the list, here’s a quick note about WV and its great Italian dining.  Many people in North Central West Virginia have Italian lineage, some estimate as much as 20% of the local population. The reason stems from Italian Americans relocating to WV for coal mining opportunities in the 1800s. As a result, many families created their own versions of Italian dishes that have become regional to North Central West Virginia. 

Without further ado, we present our list of the best things to eat and drink in and around Morgantown:

10. Local Upscale Dining

Have a little extra cash to spend? Check out some of Morgantown’ pricier restaurants for great quality and service.

Regatta Bar and Grill

Stefano’s Restaurant

The Vintage Room

Sargasso

Heritage Room at the Ramada

Café Bacchus

Madeline’s

Synergy Chophouse

Maxwell’s (Not as pricey, but interesting menu).

9. Varsity Club

The Varsity Club is a sports bar located close to the stadium that has a large menu and an even larger selection of beer. Deemed "The Home of the MountainBeers”.

Dairy Cream Corner, Fairmont WV

8. Dairy Cream Corner

Dairy Cream Corner, just down I-79 in Fairmont, is a little dive that has not only excellent value desserts, but also some very tasty grub (including most of the items on this list that are unique to WV). Stop by and ask for a large ice cream if you dare. Disclaimer: it will likely melt before you finish it—yes, it’s that large.

7. The CID-wich

You'll find this monstrosity at Colasante’s Ristorante. Not for the faint of heart, this ridiculous “sandwich” is a choice of sirloin steak, grilled chicken, or ham stuffed between two slices of pizza bread with lettuce, tomato, and mayo served with fries, all for $6.49. Very unique and very delicious!

6. Colasessano's Pizza

Colasessano's Pizza

Think you’ve had thick pizza? Not if you haven’t tried Colasessano’s. We’ve had a lot of pizza, but never any like this. In fact, their boxes say “The secret is in the dough”. We don’t know the secret, but we know that this is one unique place you won’t want to pass over. They have locations in Morgantown and Fairmont. And, there’s another delectable menu item at Colasessano’s that shows up later on the list…(hint, it starts with "pepper")

5. Black Bear

Black Bear is a very unique local restaurant that serves fresh, affordable food with a wonderful atmosphere in downtown Morgantown.  They also have microbrews.  When possible, they use ingredients grown in WV. From the website:

“We are an innovative small business providing a wide range of ethnic cuisines prepared using the freshest ingredients served in a unique Appalachian atmosphere that embraces the cultures, arts and music of West Virginia as well as Morgantown.”

4. Hot dogs with "sauce"

Yann's hot dogs

It’s not chili; it’s hot dog sauce. It is native to Fairmont, and the best is at Yann’s—a small shack in downtown Fairmont that seats about half a dozen people. If you’ve ever been to Geno’s in Philly to order an original cheese steak, then you know there are rules to ordering. Well, there are rules here too, but it’s not that complicated. Just don’t ask for ketchup, slaw, sauerkraut, or cheese--the owner has been compared to the Soup Nazi, and will kick you out! Southern West Virginians can't believe the absence of coleslaw (a classic WV topping), but this is the way it's done locally in Mountaineer country.
The hotdogs are 85 cents and come with mustard, onions, and sauce. Warning: the sauce is HOT.  The sauce is what makes North Central WV hot dogs unique. Other places have chili, but nowhere else has sauce like this. If you can’t make it to Yann’s, there are several other places (like Dairy Cream Corner) that have sauce as well. Wherever you go, make sure to order two hot dogs with chocolate milk to drink—that’s how the locals do it.

3. Beer and drinks.

Morgantown is known for its beer brewing and drinking. If you want to find a great local brew, have a cold one and wings, or drink a cocktail or two, check out some of the places below:

Mario's Fish Bowl

Morgantown Brewing Company

Morgantown Brewing Company. Local beer brewery with a food menu too. This beer is also served in the stadium.

Mario’s Fishbowl: Beer the size of a fishbowl. ‘Nuff said.  People usually leave notes on the wall when they first visit, including some local legends…Holgorsen, ahem.

Kegler’s Sports Bar & Lounge : Good beer and wings. Connected to a bowling alley.
Vintner Valley : Is wine more of your thing? Head over here for some wine and apps.

Get a beer at the stadium. Why? Because you can!

Morgantown Bars. There are plenty of bars and clubs offering nightlife, beer, and drinks.

2. Italian

You’re not going to find restaurants as expensive as those in the Little Italy sections of larger cities, but what you will find is a unique blend of Italian cuisine created by the Italian population in North Central WV over the past century. Everyone has their favorite when it comes to Italian, but here is our list of the best:

Muriale’s Italian Restaurant and Catering, Fairmont, WV. Only about 20 minutes south of Morgantown, this restaurant is the best of the pack and well worth the drive. Everything from authenticity to atmosphere and service to value is top notch. The owner, Rocco Muriale, is almost always on hand. As a total WV Italian dining experience, it can’t be beat. While everything is great, you’ll be surprised by just how good the basics are: spaghetti and meatballs, salad with house dressing, Italian bread made in-house. 

Oliverio’s Ristorante, Morgantown and Bridgeport, WV

Puglioni’s Pasta & Pizza, Morgantown, WV

Minard’s Spaghetti Inn, Clarksburg, WV

1. Pepperoni Rolls

The number one, absolute must-try dish for visiting fans is the Fairmont, WV original pepperoni roll.  There’s no food that is more uniquely West Virginian, and you can’t say you’ve experience a trip to WVU without one. And before you say "been there, done that", many people erroneously mistake a pepperoni roll for a calzone or stromboli. This is a huge mistake! Pepperoni rolls never contain pizza sauce, and they never contain any Italian meat other than pepperoni. 

So, what is it then? Well, it’s essentially pepperoni baked into homemade bread dough with optional toppings including cheese, sauces, and Italian peppers. Its sounds simple, and it is. But it packs huge flavor and is great for a practically any type of meal: snack, lunch, or casual dinner. If you opt for the original with no toppings, it’s a great portable snack that can be carried with you throughout the day (which by the way is how they got their start—coal miners needed an easy, long-lasting lunch food). But as simple as it sounds, the pepperoni roll can vary in so many ways from the type of pepperoni (stick, slice, ground) to the toppings and level of spiciness. A little change can make a big difference, and each variation creates a multitude of combinations. Remember the hot dog sauce? Several local restaurants put that on as well.

The original

With so many varieties and places that serve these delights, it’s hard to say which is the best. Try any you want (this is all you need to know), but here’s our suggestion:

Birthplace of the pepperoni roll

The original. Of course, with anything, you should always try the original. In this case, that’s the Country Club Bakery in Fairmont, WV. You can pick these up in area grocery stores, but if you want to best experience, stop by the bakery and pick up a fresh batch.

Colasessano’s Pepperoni Roll. On the opposite end of the pepperoni roll spectrum, is Colasessano’s variety loaded with everything (meat sauce, provolone, and Italian peppers). This hoagie-sized roll is larger than most, so come hungry.

Colasessano's with everything
(note the chocolate milk)

We feel that if you try the two varieties above, you’ll have a good indication of the kinds of pepperoni rolls that are out there. But don’t stop there! Check out grocery stores and gas stations for different varieties, including some that have pepper jack cheese or sourdough bread.

One last tip: try Oliverio's Italian peppers (made in Clarksburg, WV) on your pepperoni roll to add even more flavor. They are also a very tasty addition to pasta sauce or on a hamburger fresh off the grill. 

Up next: Home Away From Home, where to stay while you're in town.

Or back to the guide. 

West Virginia University

West Virginia University is truly a symbol of the State of West Virginia. After all, the school's mascot is the Mountaineer, and the state's motto is "Montani Semper Liberi" or "Mountaineers are always free".  "Old Gold and Blue" not only describe what the players wear on Saturday, they are also the official colors of the state. And while WVU represents West Virginia in so many ways, it also stands alone as a diverse university with rich tradition and a history of academic and athletic success that reach far beyond the state's borders.

WVU Facts

Established: 1867.
Endowment: approximately $600 million.
Enrollment: nearly 30,000 students.

Colleges: 15

Degree programs: 193

Colors: Old Gold and Blue.

Mascot: The Mountaineer. Every Mountaineer mascot dons buckskins and a coonskin cap tailored to fit them personally. They also sport a rifle that fires blanks, as well as grow a beard. 

Fight Song: “Hail West Virginia!”

Alma Mater: “West Virginia Alma Mater”

Here are some basic facts from the WVU website.

Academic Facts:
WVU has produced 25 Rhodes Scholars, ranking No. 6 among American public institutions. The University also has produced 30 Goldwater Scholars, 19 Truman Scholars, five members of USA Today's All-USA College Academic First Team, and two Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarship winners.
WVU is affiliated with the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, dedicated to the study of Alzheimer's and other diseases that affect the brain. WVU is also a leader in forensic and biometric technology research and recently became the Federal Bureau of Investigation's lead academic partner in biometrics research. The university established the first bachelor of science program in biometric systems in the world. According to a survey by the Wall Street Journal, employers ranked West Virginia University in the top 45 and WVU's Engineering program 23rd nationally for producing graduates best qualified to enter the workforce. Students attend WVU from every county in the state, every state in the country, and over 100 countries around the world.

Campus

WVU features a split campus, generally grouped into the Downtown, Evansdale, and Medical campuses.  The Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) connects these campuses and is free to everyone on game day.  The PRT is definitely a one-of-a-kind mode of transportation and is a must-see while in Morgantown. Also, unlike other campuses, WVU and Morgantown meld together, at times indistinguishable from one another with a mixture of businesses and university buildings.

Here’s a quick overview of what’s on each campus as well as campus maps:

Downtown: Educational and administrative buildings, as well as the WVU student union (Mountainlair) and main library. This is the original campus featuring the iconic Woodburn Hall, and has a more traditional campus feel. There are some newer buildings mixed in, and the campus blends into downtown Morgantown.

Things to do: See the Mountaineer statue, visit downtown Morgantown and nightlife, visit the Mountainlair, tour the campus and Woodburn Circle. View the mast of the USS West Virginia that was sunk at Pearl Harbor.

Evansdale: WVU Coliseum, Soccer Field, Baseball field. Creative arts center, agricultural and engineering facilities. Student recreation center.

Things to do: Attend a basketball, soccer, or baseball game. Tour the Coliseum and visit the Jerry West statue. Visit the WVU Core Arboretum. Tour the engineering campus. Attend a play or concert at the Creative Arts Center.

Medical: Medical school facilities and Mountaineer Field.

Things to do: Attend a football game. Walk up Law School Hill and overlook Mountaineer Field. Tailgate in the Blue Lot.

Morgantown, WV
Morgantown, WV, affectionately referred to as "Mo'town" or Touchdown City, is the "home of every Mountaineer". Fully intertwined with the city, the university features a split campus that sprawls across the rolling hills and along the north-flowing Monongahela river. A better college atmosphere is hard to come by, as literally the entire city is in someway connected to the university. There's a flying WV on every car and a "Let's Go Mountaineers!" chant around every corner. 

Check out the views around Morgantown with this great time lapse video of various aspects of the city titled “Morgantown in Motion”.

Morgantown is known as one of the best small cities in America, as discussed on NBC Nightly News.

Here is a listing of top things to do around Morgantown. Even though this list is for students, it’s worth a look: Top 10 things to do.

Athletics

Official Logo: The flying WV, an interlocked WV symbol.

Football:

In all of college football, WVU has the best record of all teams that have never won a national championship. WVU has two undefeated regular seasons (both under legendary coach Don Nehlen), but lost the 1988 National Championship Game (Fiesta Bowl) to Notre Dame and were not selected to play for the National Championship in 1993 despite their 11-0 record. Currently, WVU is behind only Texas and Oklahoma in the Big 12 for number of wins, with just over 700.
In the last decade, the football team has featured a 3-0 BCS bowl record, ten consecutive bowl game appearances, a #1 ranking in the USA Today Coaches Poll, three consecutive 11-win seasons amassing a 33-5 record, 41 consecutive weeks in the top 25, and 6 conference championships.

Stadium: Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium (Fans just say “Mountaineer Field”).

Capacity: 60,000. Was larger until added suites replaced standing room only sections.

Record Attendance:  70,222. #9 WVU defeated #4 Miami on Nov 20, 1993.

Basketball:
The basketball team won the national championship in 1942 and lost the 1959 national championship by one point to Cal.  The star of the 1959 game was Jerry West, future 14-time NBA All-Star, Olympic Gold Medalist, and NBA Logo. In the past decade, the men's basketball team won the 2010 Big East championship, and appeared four times in the sweet sixteen, twice in the elite-eight, and once in the final-four of the NCAA tournament.
WVU's current coach and former alum, Bob Huggins has over 700 career victories and is currently fourth on the active coach win list behind Coach K, Jim Booheim, and Jim Calhoun.

Arena: Coliseum

Capacity: 14,000

Record Attendance:  16,704. #6 WVU defeated Pittsburgh on February 24, 1982. 

Here’s a look at the new WVU basketball facility (they’re going to have to change those Big East logos!).

Other Notable Achievements:
The WVU Rifle team accounts for nearly 50% of all rifle national championships with 14 total of the 30 in history.

WVU's Georgeann Wells recorded the first dunk in a Women's College Basketball game in 1984. In history only five women have dunked in college basketball, and only three in the WNBA.

Now that you have your bearings set with some essential WVU info, it’s time to dig in and find out what you should do while you are visiting.

Up next: Taste of WV, our list of the best Mountaineer grub.

Or back to the guide. 

Welcome to West Virginia

West Virginia is unique. It’s refreshing.  It’s “Almost Heaven”.  If you’re looking for big cities, extravagant shopping, and urbanized utopias, you will be sorely disappointed, but if you’d like to experience breathtaking countryside, endless recreation including skiing and whitewater rafting, great Italian dining, and football games with insanely passionate fans, then take a trip down those country roads.

West Virginia, Wild and Wonderful

When you visit WV, you become immersed in different culture—one where the Mountaineers are more than just the home team. They are a representation of the entire State of West Virginia, a place unlike any other when it comes to the importance of college sports. There are no professional teams of any kind—college is everything. And while that may be true of places like Alabama, West Virginia has no Auburn to create a divide in the fan base. Sure, there's Marshall, but it's common to find even those in Huntington rooting for the Mountaineers. Everyone cheers for WVU because it is an extension of the state that we love and are proud to represent. Too often is West Virginia the butt end of crude and unfair stereotypical judgement. Because of that, West Virginians have an "us against the world" mentality, and we always have each other's back. It's the reason we perform best as the underdog. The Mountaineers are a way for the state to showcase who we really are and what we can achieve. Wins and losses are about more than just a game, and that leads to an intense, loyal fan base who share a common bond of being proud West Virginians.
Because the school and state are so intricately intertwined, it is impossible to understand one without exploring the other. This guide provides a glimpse of some of the things that are uniquely West Virginian.  Be sure to watch the video below for great visuals and a short introduction.

West Virginia State Facts

Population:

We’re a small state with about 1.9 million. That means there’s plenty of beautiful, unspoiled wilderness open for exploration. All of the green on the map represents less than 50 people per square mile. 

Largest Cities:

Charleston, WV

West Virginia is one of only a few states that have no large cities. Its population is spread out over rural communities and small to mid-sized cities. Here are a few of the larger ones:

Charleston (51k), Huntington (49k), Parkersburg (30k), Morgantown (30k), Wheeling (29k), Weirton (20k), Fairmont (19k)

Interesting note: the daytime population estimate for Morgantown with students and businesses is 70,000 to 90,000, making it the largest population center in the state while WVU is in session. In addition, Mountaineer Field becomes the largest “city” in the state on game days.

Capital: Charleston

Nickname: The Mountain State

Colors: Old Gold and Blue (also the colors of WVU).

State Flag:

State Seal:

Official Motto: Montani semper liberi (Mountaineers Are Always Free)

Slogans: “Wild and Wonderful”, “Almost Heaven”

Industries: Coal, oil, gas, forestry, manufacturing, steel, glass, chemicals, and tourism. West Virginia is known for it's coal industry that has produced over 13 billion tons of coal since the state's inception.

Official Songs:

West Virginia has three official state songs, which is quite unusual.

“The West Virginia Hills”. (Alternate rendition with words)

“This is My West Virginia”
“West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home”

Unofficial Songs:

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver

John Denver helped break in Mountaineer Field during its opening ceremonies on September 6, 1980:

“My Home Among the Hills”. This song’s lyrics most closely depict the natural beauty of the state in our opinion.

WV Trivia

Secession:
West Virginia is the only state to separate from another state, and the legality of that move was questioned due to the following statement in the Constitution, Article 4, Section 3: "...no new state shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any other state; nor any state be formed by the junction of two or more states, or parts of states, without the consent of the legislature of the states concerned, as well as of the congress." Because this occurred during the Civil War, President Lincoln declared West Virginia's statehood because of it's desire to rejoin the Union and split with Virginia. You can read more here.

Jerry West, NBA Logo and Lakers Star

Notable Natives:
Jerry West (The NBA Logo)
Mary Lou Retton (Olympic Gold Medalist)
Randy Moss

Mary Lou Retton

Lou Holtz
Nick Saban

Rich Rodriguez
Bob Huggins
Brad Paisley (Country Singer)
Don Knotts (Actor, Andy Griffith Show)
Stonewall Jackson
Chuck Yeager (First to break sound barrier)
Jennifer Garner (Actress)
Johnnie "Johnny B. Goode" Johnson
Pearl S. Buck (first American woman to win Nobel Prize in Literature)
Originated in WV:
Mother's Day
Father's Day
State sales tax
Pepperoni Rolls

Other Facts:
West Virginia was nearly named "Kanawha".

WVU and Pitt played the first football game ever broadcast on the radio (1921, KDKA).

West Virginia and Kentucky are the sites of the most famous American family feud, the Hatfields and McCoys.

After the Cold War was over, the Washington Post revealed that underneath the Greenbrier resort at White Sulphur Springs, WV the U.S. government had kept secret a massive two-story bunker to house the United States Congress for forty days in the event of a nuclear attack.

WV Misconceptions

Western Virginia

West Virginia is a state, and it's not part of Virginia! June 20, 1863. Civil War. 50 states. Do these ring a bell? If not, go back to middle school. Apparently, that includes Brad Nessler. But seriously, how do people overlook such a uniquely shaped state on the map? I guess Miss South Carolina was right...we need more maps. 

WV is Southern, right?

In short, no one really knows. There are groups who conflictingly claim that WV is Southern, Northern, Eastern, and Mid-Western. There are many factors that add to this confusion. While most of the state is to the South, (below the Mason-Dixon Line) WV’s panhandle extends north into Ohio and Pennsylvania. It is also difficult to classify a state as Southern when it seceded from Virginia during the Civil War to to become part of the Union. Here's a famous quote from the late Senator Robert C. Byrd: 

"Its boundaries extend farther north than Pittsburgh, farther south than Richmond -- the capital of the Old Confederacy -- as far east as Buffalo, New York, and as far west as Columbus, Ohio. It is the most southern of the northern and the most northern of the southern; the most eastern of the western and the most western of the eastern. It is where the East says good morning to the West, and where Yankee Doodle and Dixie kiss each other good night!" 

Stereotypes

We don’t need to list them, and you don’t need to use them.  Every state has them, and there’s always someone who will reinforce them.  But we are here to tell you that those people are the exceptions, not just here in West Virginia, but everywhere. Stereotypes, for the most part, are just ignorant and gross generalizations of the worst representatives of a group. Let’s leave them behind.

Now that you’ve discovered what the state of West Virginia is like, it’s time to take a closer look at its flagship university.  Welcome to the Mountain State!

Up next: West Virginia University
Or back to the guide.