BYU Cougars Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Mark Pope

Team Mascot: Cosmo the Cougar

Year Opened: 1971

Capacity: 17978

City / State: Provo / Utah

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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Holy War

Rival Team: Utah Utes

The rivalry between BYU and Utah is known as the Holy War, so you better believe there is a lot animosity between these two schools. The players have come to blows in recent years, and Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak even went so far as to cancel the 2016-17 matchup as a result. If you want to see a rivalry where emotions run high, then there are few better than BYU-Utah.

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Old Oquirrh Bucket

Rival Team: Utah schools

From 1974 to 2010 Utah schools played for the Old Oquirrh Bucket. The trophy was awarded to the team with the best record against in-state opponents creating an intense rivalry between all of the Utah schools. Utah schools may no longer play for the Old Oquirrh Bucket, but there are still a lot of bragging rights on the line, so don’t miss it when a Utah-based school comes to the Marriott Center.

BYU Cougars Stadium Guide

In Game

Despite the fact BYU plays in the West Coast Conference, the atmosphere inside the Marriott Center can rival that of any power conference school. The Marriott Center was the largest basketball arena in the country when it opened in 1971, and even today you’ll find that the venue is one of the biggest and loudest in the country. The atmosphere at a BYU game is incredible and goes a long way in making attending a Cougars basketball game an unforgettable experience.

A big part of what makes the atmosphere at BYU so great is the diehard fans. Cougars fans live and die with their team, and no group is more diehard than the students. The student section is among the best in the country, so if you really want to get into the game day spirit then make sure to get tickets in the student section.

The fans aren’t the only ones who help create a fantastic atmosphere at Cougars games. The spirit groups and pep bands at BYU are also top-notch. Cosmo the Cougar is one of the best mascots in college sports, and the Cougarettes dance team has won seven national titles meaning you’ll be in for quite the show during your trip to BYU.

Before or after the game take some time to see Provo and grab a bite to eat at some of the favorite burger or pizza joints around town. The Creamery and the CONE are home to some excellent burgers, and if you’re in the mood for pizza, then Pizza Pie Cafe has got you covered.

BYU is home to one of the best in-game atmosphere in not only the West Coast Conference, but all of college hoops so get your tickets to a BYU basketball game today.

Things to check out

Marriott Center Annex

Not only is the Marriott Center Annex where the BYU men’s and women’s basketball team practice it’s also home to tons of cool BYU basketball memorabilia. The front of the annex features a wide variety of memorabilia as well as a wall of fame, so stop by and check it out before tipoff.

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Banners

Hanging above the court are banners honoring the Cougars men’s and women's’ basketball teams’ many accomplishments from over the years. The banners celebrate all of the Cougars NCAA Tournament appearances, conference championships, and even the team’s three trips to the Elite Eight.

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The ABYSS

The BYU student section is known as the ABYSS, the Almighty Brigham Young Student Section, is the most vocal section at BYU games. If you want to sit with the most vocal fans at a BYU, then sink into the ABYSS.

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BYU Pep Band

BYU has not one but two pep bands. The BYU pep bands known as the Blue and White Bands put on incredible performances at games that get everyone pumped up to cheer on the Cougars. Enjoy the atmosphere created during by the Blue and White Bands during your trip to BYU.

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Cosmo the Cougar

Keep an eye out for the BYU mascot Cosmo the Cougar. Cosmo gets into all kinds of antics, and you never know what he’ll do next, so don’t miss him when attending a Cougars basketball game.

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Cougarettes

The Cougarettes are one of the best dance teams in the nation as well as a can’t miss part of any BYU Basketball game. The Cougarettes have received tons of national recognition over the years claiming the National Collegiate Dance Team title on seven occasions.

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Fight Songs

  1. Rise & Shout, the Cougars are Out

    Rise all loyal Cougars and hurl your challenge to the foe.
    You will fight, day or night, rain or snow.
    Loyal, strong, and true
    Wear the white and blue.
    While we sing, get set to spring.
    Come on Cougars it’s up to you. Oh!

    Chorus:
    Rise and shout, the Cougars are out
    along the trail to fame and glory.
    Rise and shout, our cheers will ring out
    As you unfold your victr’y story.

    On you go to vanquish the foe for Alma Mater’s sons and daughters.
    As we join in song, in praise of you, our faith is strong.
    We’ll raise our colors high in the blue
    And cheer our Cougars of BYU.

  2. B-Y-U COUGARS Chant

    B-Y-U COUGARS

    B-Y-U COUGARSB-Y-U COUGARS

  3. Whoosh! Cecil!

    After every free throw made by BYU

BYU Cougars Bars & Restaurants

  1. Waffle Love – Provo

    Waffle Love Provo

    At Waffle Lovem they create an authentic Belgian liege waffle that is unlike anythign you've ever tasted.

    1831 N State St, Provo, UT 84604, USA

    801-WAFFLUV

    Bar website

    european - $

  2. Molly’s

    Mollys

    Marvellous food for a marvellous occasion!

    753 W Columbia Ln, Provo, UT 84604, USA

    801-374-3256

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. J Dawgs

    J Dawgs

    Takes their dawgs seriously. That means all natural meat, a homemace sauce and locally milled buns made fresh everyday.

    858 700 East-, Provo, UT 84606, USA

    801-373-DAWG (3294)

    Bar website

    european - $

  4. The Cannon Commons

    The Cannon Commons

    University dining center offers themed cuisine stations, from Italian standards to custom salads.

    Helaman Halls and Cannon Center, 9998 Helaman Halls, Provo, UT 84602, USA

    801-422-4031

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Communal

    Communal

    Locally sourced seasonal American menus star at this comfy kitchen with shared farm-table seating.

    102 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84601, USA

    801-373-8000

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$

  6. BYU Creamery

    BYU Creamery

    Taste of heaven with every scoop.

    1209 900 E, Provo, UT 84604, USA

    801-422-2663

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  7. Pizza Pie Cafe

    Pizza Pie Cafe

    Lives and breathe good pizza. From the fresh ingredients on the salad bar until your last bite of dessert.

    2235 N University Pkwy, Provo, UT 84604, USA

    801-373-5561

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  8. Los Hermanos

    Los Hermanos

    Colorful, long-standing cantina serving casual Mexican favorites & nonalcoholic frozen drinks.

    575 E University Pkwy, Orem, UT 84097, USA

    801-375-5732

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  9. DP Cheesesteaks

    DP Cheesesteaks

    Local counter-serve chain offering a variety of cheesesteaks in a contemporary space.

    4801 N University Ave Suite 680, Provo, UT 84604, USA

    801-709-2996

    Bar website

    american - $

  10. Brick Oven Provo

    Brick Oven Provo

    Flagship of a pizzeria chain serving all-you-can-eat pasta, soup & salad, plus signature root beer.

    111 E 800 N, Provo, UT 84606, USA

    801-374-8800

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  11. Burgers Supreme

    Burgers Supreme

    Established, modest restaurant offering a large menu of burgers & sandwiches, plus fried fare.

    1796 N University Pkwy, Provo, UT 84604, USA

    801- 373-5713

    Bar website

    american - $