Fans Can Expect New Twists, Old Favorites at Lane Stadium This Fall

Tech wants fans to get even more involved in creating electric atmosphere at Lane Stadium

August 23, 2017

BLACKSBURG – Long regarded as boasting one of the most intimidating homefield advantages in all of college football, Virginia Tech is adding a new element to its game day repertoire at Lane Stadium this fall. Beginning with the Delaware game on Sept. 9, an honorary guest will lead the stadium in the “Let’s Go, Hokies!” cheer prior to the start of the fourth quarter of each home game in Blacksburg.

While this list of dignitaries is a closely guarded secret, head coach Justin Fuente is confident Hokie Nation will provide a raucous ovation to this who’s who of Hokies slated to participate.

“Hokie fans don’t come to games just to be entertained,” Fuente said. “They come to Lane Stadium to participate and help us win! I know the Marching Virginians, the Spirit Squads, the Corps of Cadets and our honorary guests and our fans will help electrify Lane Stadium for the start of the fourth quarter.”

Last year, Fuente began a new game day tradition to honor Frank Beamer and Tech’s legacy of excellence on special teams. Every week, a different special teams contributor was selected to wear Beamer’s No. 25 jersey, a move that was quickly embraced by the team and fans alike and will continue again this fall.

“Thanks to Hokie Nation, ‘Enter Sandman’ has become one of the most iconic entrances in college football,” Fuente continued. “I love the fact that we’re trying something new to inject some energy into the stadium to start the fourth quarter.”

Following the conclusion of the third quarter this season, the Marching Virginians will play VPI Victory March followed by a blast from Skipper and an honorary guest leading the “Let’s Go, Hokies!” cheer alternating between the east and west stands. Tech Triumph will then set the stage for the fourth quarter with additional music if time permits.

Also known as The Spirit of Tech, the university marching band continues to play an integral role in creating the atmosphere at Lane Stadium into to a massive and intimidating entertainment spectacle.

“We always look for ways to continue the strong traditions of Virginia Tech football while finding new ways to enhance the entertainment experience that makes game day in Lane Stadium so exciting,” David McKee, Director of the Marching Virginians said. “The Hokie Pokie will continue to be a part of the storied tradition of Virginia Tech, showing up multiple times per season in our halftime performances. We still want the Hokie Nation to know that, truly, the Hokie Pokie is what it's all about!”

According to Head Spirit Coach Perren Young, her units are always conscious of embracing longstanding Tech traditions while finding fresh ways to engage the crowd at home events.

“Virginia Tech fans never fail to amaze me,” Young said. “Whether it’s hours before the game at Hokie Village or as the team arrives for the Hokie Walk, we see infants and toddlers cheering on the Hokies with their parents or grandparents. To me, that’s one of the most rewarding parts of working at Virginia Tech — seeing families coming together at our events and passing on traditions to the next generation of Hokies. This is Home, after all!”

Music and tradition unquestionably remain integral components to the game day football experience at Lane Stadium, beginning with the Highty Tighties – Virginia Tech’s Regimental Band — triumphantly leading the team for the Hokie Walk, as they make the trek up Beamer Way en route to the locker room. The firing of Skipper following the national anthem and after every Hokies’ score is unique to Virginia Tech, while a member of the Corps of Cadets does the same number of push-ups corresponding Tech’s ledger on the scoreboard following every scoring play.

The Hokies will enter their 53rd season playing in Lane Stadium in 2017. Tech owns a 210-80-6 (.720) record since the stadium opened in 1965.

For updates on Virginia Tech football, follow the Hokies on Twitter Follow @VT_Football and on Instagram @HokiesFB