Appalachian State Mountaineers Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Dustin Kerns

Team Mascot: Yosef

Year Opened: 2000

Capacity: 8325

City / State: Boone / North Carolina

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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Appalachian State Mountaineers vs Davidson Wildcats

Rival Team: Davidson Wildcats

The Davidson Wildcats are the Mountaineers biggest rivals. The rivalry stems from the proximity of the two schools, which are separated by less than 100 miles. The two schools have met over 70 times on the hardwood, so don’t miss your chance to see the Mountaineers take on the Wildcats.

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Appalachian State Mountaineers vs Western Carolina Catamounts

Rival Team: Western Carolina Catamounts

The Mountaineers and Catamounts met almost every year from 1928 to 2014. However, the rivalry remained dormant following the Mountaineers move to the Sun Belt. You’ll be in for a treat whenever these two former conference rivals clash, so make sure to get tickets when Western Carolina comes to Boone.

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Appalachian State Mountaineers vs Georgia Southern Eagles

Rival Team: Georgia Southern Eagles

Georgia Southern is Appalachian State’s biggest rival on the gridiron, and there is no love lost between these two on the hardwood either. The Mountaineers and Eagles flat out don't like each other meaning you’ll be in for a good matchup whenever Appalachian State and Georgia Southern square off.

Appalachian State Mountaineers Stadium Guide

In Game

Appalachian State may be a football school first and foremost, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find lots of dedicated fans at an App State basketball game. Mountaineers basketball fans are every bit as loyal and knowledgeable as the school’s football fans, even if there aren’t quite as many of them. The fans are a big part of what makes attending a Mountaineers basketball game such a great experience, so don’t be afraid to start up a conversation with them to learn more about the team.

In addition to great fans, Appalachian State basketball games also feature an incredible mascot. Yosef is one of the best mascots in the Sun Belt, and a can’t miss for anyone attending a Mountaineers sporting event. Keep an eye out for Yosef as you never know what Yosef will do next.

Finally, Boone offers the quintessential college town making it the perfect road trip destination. In Boone, you’ll find a good selection of bars and restaurants along King Street to check out, and each one has its own flair, so don’t be afraid to stop by as many as you can. That said if you’re a beer lover you’ll want to check out Lost Province Brewing Co. during your visit.

A trip to Boone is a fun time for any college hoops fan in the North Carolina area and offers plenty to see, so don’t hesitate to start planning your trip today.

Things to check out

Banners

You’ll find several banners hanging above the court at the Holmes Center. The banners celebrate all of the Mountaineers conference championships and their two NCAA Tournament appearances, so take them all in when attending an App State basketball game.

Yosef

Yosef is the Appalachian State mascot who originally appeared in the school’s yearbook as a freshman in 1942. The name Yosef comes from the mountain speak word for “yourself.” He is a unique mix of scruffy and cuddly as he was created more in the vain of an Appalachian farmer than that of a pioneer like Daniel Boone. Keep an eye out for Yosef as you wouldn’t want to miss him during your trip to Boone.

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Pep Band

The App State pep band keeps the energy high inside the Holmes Center with their tunes and is a big part of any Mountaineers basketball game. The band plays a variety of schools songs including “Hi Hi Yikas,” so enjoy their performance throughout the game.

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Student Section

Unlike some schools that stick the student section at one end of the court, Appalachian State puts the loudest fans in attendance right at midcourt. The location of the student section makes them impossible to ignore, so enjoy the cheers and chants coming from the student section when attending a game at the Holmes Center.

Cheerleaders

The App State cheerleaders get the crowd pumped up with their routines. If you’re an App State or neutral fan, then join in the cheers to get the most out of your visit to Boone.

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Fight Songs

  1. Hi Hi Yikas

    Hi-Hi-y-ike-us
    Nobody like us,
    We are the
    mountaineers,
    mountaineers,
    mountaineers,
    Always a-winning
    Always a-grinning
    Always a-feeling fine
    You bet, hey
    Go Apps!
    Fight Apps!
    Go, fight, win Apps!

  2. Cherished Vision

    Alma Mater

    Cherished vision of the Southland,
    Alma Mater in the hills:
    Thou dost point our minds to wisdom,
    Till the truth our spirit thrills.
    Appalachian, Alma Mater of our hearts the
    joy and pride;
    Lead us ever, lead us onward,
    Vanguard of the Hero’s side.

Appalachian State Mountaineers Bars & Restaurants

  1. River Street Ale House

    River Street Ale House

    Best place to watch sports and with the largest selection of draft beers in Boone.

    957 Rivers St, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-264-8100

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  2. Lost Province Brewing Co.

    Lost Province Brewing Co pizza beer

    We brew authentic and innovative craft beer and serve savory wood-fired fare.

    130 N Depot St, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-265-3506

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  3. Blowing Rock Brewery and Ale House

    BlowingRock fries burger

    Blowing Rock Brewing Company produces craft quality artisanal ales and lagers for distribution throughout North Carolina. 100% brewed in North Carolina.

    152 Sunset Dr, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA

    828-414-9600

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Boone Saloon

    Boone Saloon beer

    A comfortable, clean place where conversation is revered, quality service and food is appreciated, and style is a heavy consideration.

    489 W King St, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-264-1811

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. The Tapp Room

    The Tapp Room bar

    The TApp Room in Boone, NC is a casual place to kick back and enjoy some good food, a great selection of beer on tap, and good times.

    421 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-386-1216

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Macado’s

    Macados burger fries

    Known for its large variety of overstuffed sandwiches, vast bar, and delightfully eccentric decor, Macado's has become a staple in college towns, quaint downtowns, and rural communities alike.

    539 W King St, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    540-345-8034

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. Appalachian Mountain Brewery

    Appalachian Mountain Brewery

    As The Appalachian Mountain Brewery, our mission is to sustainably brew quality beer.

    163 Boone Creek Dr, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-263-1111

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  8. The Rock Sports Bar and Grill

    The Rock Sports Bar and Grill

    Welcome to The Rock Sports Bar & Grill, located in Boone, North Carolina. Our menu is stacked with delicious appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, dogs and more.

    276 Village Dr, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-386-1723

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  9. Proper

    Proper

    Proper is an homage to a Southern upbringing. It is preserving a way of life that includes an honest living, being polite, and eating good food.

    142 Water St, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-865-5000

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Mellow Mushroom

    Mellow Mushroom

    Serving Stone Baked Pizza, Calzones, Hoagies, Salads, Vegan & Gluten-Free options with a wide selection of beer since 1974.

    805 W King St, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-865-1515

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  11. Vidalia Restaurant and Wine Bar

    Vidalia Restaurant and Wine Bar

    Upscale Casual Restaurant located in historic downtown Boone, just across from the Watauga county courthouse, serving creative American cuisine..think comfort foods with a twist!

    831 W King St, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-263-9176

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Melanie’s Food Fantasy

    Melanies Food Fantasy

    Since 1991, Melanie's Food Fantasy has operated as a meeting place where great food, conversation, and atmosphere come together.

    664 W King St, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-263-0300

    Bar website

    american - $

  13. Our Daily Bread

    OurDailyBread

    Our Daily Bread was founded in 1984 with the intention of ingredient-focused sandwiches and light fare, plus wine & beer, in a casual, warm-hued place.

    627 W King St, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-264-0173

    Bar website

    american - $

  14. Black Cat Burrito

    Black Cat Burrito

    Offers the best damn Burritos, Tacos, and Quesadillas in town. Our nachos, chilis, soups and specials will knock your socks off!

    127 Depot St, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-263-9511

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  15. King Street Creamery & Coffee

    King Street Creamery and Coffee

    We proudly serve 36 delicious flavors of Hershey’s ice cream. From classics like vanilla and chocolate to more decadent types like Cappuccino Crunch and Salty Caramel Truffle. We also serve tasty frozen yogurt.

    595 W King St, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-262-4622

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  16. Woodlands BBQ

    Woodlands Bbq

    Woodlands Barbeque Restaurant specializes in North Carolina Barbeque Pork and Ribs, great food, nightly entertainment, and catering.

    8304 Valley Blvd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA

    828-295-3651

    Bar website

    bbq - mexican - $$

  17. Foggy Rock Pub and Eatery

    Foggy Rock Puband Eatery

    A twist on the ordinary.

    8180 Valley Blvd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA

    828-295-7262

    Bar website

    american - $$

  18. Dan’l Boone Inn

    Danl Boone Inn

    For over 50 years, Dan'l Boone Inn has been serving Boone and the high country delicious homecooked meals, just like you remember at grandma's house.

    130 Hardin St, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-264-8657

    Bar website

    american - $$

  19. Come Back Shack

    ComeBackShack burger fries

    We're a local burger joint that's all about fresh, delicious, handmade, homemade food at an amazing value.

    1521 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-264-2797

    Bar website

    american - $

  20. Wild Craft Eatery

    Wild Craft Eatery

    Hob Nob Farm Cafe had a new name and a new game. We have your old favorites, and new ones too, all made much faster, just for you!

    506 W King St, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-262-5000

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$

  21. Cafe Portofino

    Cafe Portofino

    A favorite of Boone locals, Café Portofino is located in a 100-year- old building on Rivers Street, once the original maintenance station for the historic, Tweetsie Railroad.

    970 Rivers St, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-264-7772

    Bar website

    american - $$

  22. Stick Boy Bread Co

    Stick Boy Bread Co

    "Bread is the paper of the food industry. You write your sandwich on it." -- Dwight Schrute, The Office

    345 Hardin St, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-268-9900

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  23. The Local

    The Local

    The Local offers lunch, dinner and late-night selections, highlighting unique dishes created from fresh ingredients grown across the high country.

    179 Howard St, Boone, NC 28607, USA

    828-266-2179

    Bar website

    american - $$