Welcome to the home of Mountaineer Field and the beloved Mountaineer football team! WVU has appeared in 40 bowl games, produced over 200 NFL players, and has the #4 most-engaged fans, according to WalletHub. National rankings are part of the Mountaineer Nation. The stadium seats about 60,000 fans and radiates with energy and Mountaineer pride on game day! You can join fans in singing “Country Roads” after every victory.
Milan Puskar Stadium
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Student Life
Traditions
🌟 Student Life
While the time students spend inside the classroom is extremely important, the time outside the classroom can make all the difference too. Maximize your college experience by exploring ways to get involved, find friends, and most importantly, have fun!
Student Engagement
At WVU, what a student learns outside of the classroom is just as important as what they learn during class. There are 450+ student organizations to join and many ways to give back to your community and make a difference.
💛 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 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 state of West Virginia.
PRT Cram
The PRT Cram
Homecoming
Every fall during a home football game weekend, alumni are invited back to reunite with former classmates and friends. 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 and Homecoming Royalty are elected.
Mountaineer Mantrip
The Mountaineer Mantrip is a nod to West Virginia’s 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.
Fans are encouraged to line the path, which will take the team and coaching staff, 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. 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 WVU, “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.
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.
Mountaineer Mascot
Wearing custom buckskins and real coonskin cap, the Mountaineer tradition began more than 90 years ago.
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. They also make appearances at other sporting events, including WVU club sports. The Mountaineer attends more than 250 events per year, appearing at schools, hospitals, civic organizations, and more.
The Mountaineer is a WVU student chosen annually, and the new Mountaineer is announced at the last home men’s basketball game of the season. Let's Go!
Pride of West Virginia Mountaineer Marching Band
The 330+ member "Pride of West Virginia" has performed across the nation and 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. The Pride was recognized in 1997 as the country's outstanding collegiate marching band by being named the recipient of the prestigious Sudler Trophy. They have appeared twice in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Get ready for goosebumps during pregame and the tradition of the West Virginia outline during the halftime show!
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. Led by the Mountaineer cheerleaders and mascot, one side of the audience chants “Let’s Go!” while the other side responds “Mountaineers!”