What’s the Biggest Season of the Year at West Virginia University? Football, of Course!

Undoubtedly, the football games each fall season at West Virginia University reign at the top of the list of important events. Everyone—players, coaches, assistants, staff, field operations and maintenance teams, cheerleaders, refreshment crew, press and TV crews…everyone!—will be gearing up this fall to bring university football to cheering crowds of students, alumni, families, and supporters.

West Virginia University has its own approach and traditions to its football season, emphasizing good citizenship, strong moral character, and strong work ethic. Before each home game, the football players—Mountaineers—walk the Mountaineer Mantrip to the stadium, touching a 350-pound block of coal for luck and paying respect to the hardworking, blue-collar people who’ve worked in the state’s famous coal mines. The walk is named for the mantrip shuttle that carries miners underground at the start of their work day.

Mountaineer Field—the pride and joy of West Virginia University—hosts all home games, with a 6,000-person seating capacity in Milan Puskar Stadium. …Sometimes more, if you remember the 1993 game against #4 ranked Miami, when #9 ranked West Virginia won 17-14 and set an astounding attendance record of 70,722!

There is a unique sense of oneness with West Virginia at this university. From the Mountaineer Marching Band labeled “The Pride of West Virginia” to the game itself and all the excitement and ups and downs that come with brilliant onfield plays, there’s an unshakable bond formed between the students, faculty and staff, families and friends, and you can feel it in the air each fall.

Highlights for Visitors

If you’ve never been to a WVU football game, add it to your must-see list! Here are a few ideas for making the most of your visit to Mountaineer Field:

Places to Stay in Morgantown

• Morgantown Marriott: Located just a few minutes’ drive from WVU, this waterfront hotel has an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness center.
• Euro Suites Hotel: Has comfortable, two-room suites and amenities perfect for families.
• Hampton Inn: Right by the WVU campus, it includes a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast.
• Holiday Inn: Located within walking distance of Mountaineer Field.

Be sure to book early because most rooms sell quickly during the West Virginia University home game weekends!

Where to Eat in Morgantown

• Von Blaze: Casual eatery with comfort food and a kid-friendly atmosphere.
• Finger Foods: Exactly how it sounds! Serves comfort food like chicken fingers, dips, and melts.
• Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: Incredible eats like bacon cheeseburgers, chicken pot pies, and hot fudge cake sundaes.

Going Further Afield

If you are in the Morgantown area for more than a weekend, why not catch some of the most brilliant fall days at the ocean by heading to Virginia Beach? You will not only be refreshed and recharged by the beautiful daybreak and sunset waves, but you will also enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this vibrant city during a less-hectic season than summer. Check out the many activities and events through the fall season by asking at your hotel concierge for more information—the vibes are always welcoming in Virginia Beach.

And if you’d like to just stay in Morgantown, we don’t blame you—Mountaineers Go First!

About the Author

Lynnae Bloom loves to travel when she is not behind her computer desk in her day job. Her favorite destinations are hot springs, especially in winter where she can finally find time to read her long list of books. She loves the pause nature gives her and the quiet stillness.

Featured image by Scans 251, John Duffy, Wikimedia Commons.