East Tennessee State Buccaneers Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Division I FCS

Head Coach: George Quarles

Team Mascot: Bucky

Year Opened: 2010

Capacity: 7694

City / State: Johnson City / Tennessee

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs Chattanooga Mocs

Rival Team: Chattanooga Mocs

East Tennessee State’s re-establishment of their football program has brought the rivalry between ETSU and Chattanooga back to life. You won’t want to miss it when the Bucs take on in-state rivals Chattanooga, so make sure to be in attendance when the Mocs come to town.

East Tennessee State Buccaneers Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating is a huge part of Bucs game, and as a result, you’ll find fans from all over the Johnson City area filling the parking lots outside ETSU’s new stadium on Saturdays. The recent return of the Bucs football team has fans coming out in droves to show their support by tailgating before the game, creating a fun atmosphere at every Bucs tailgate.

You’ll see fans dressed head to toe in navy blue and gold grilling, drinking, and having a good time at ETSU. There is a ton of Bucs spirit on display here and nowhere is it more apparent how much ETSU fans love their team than at the Buc Walk. The sidewalks are packed with fans who line the street an hour and 45 minutes before kickoff to cheer on the team as they make their way to the stadium. If tailgating at an ETSU game, then make sure to attend the Buc Walk as it’s one of the best parts of tailgate here.

Another thing you won’t want to miss is the Food City Zone. The Food City Zone offers tons of entertainment for kids and families making it a great place for families to hang out before the game.

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to tailgate at ETSU, so get here early and enjoy the festivities.

Traditions

Buc Walk

Make sure to take part in the Buc Walk, which takes place an hour and 45 minutes before kickoff. The Buc Walk is your chance to see your favorite players up close, so don’t miss it during your trip to ETSU.

Food City Zone

Take the kids to the Food City Zone and enjoy a variety of kids activities. The Food City Zone opens three hours before the game and is fun for the whole family.

Buc Mobile

If you get the opportunity check out Darren and Kortney Caldwell’s Buc Mobile. The Buc Mobile is a tricked out tailgate vehicle that any ETSU fan would love to see and even features an alumni wall filled with the names of ETSU grads.

Where to tailgate

East Tennessee State Buccaneers Stadium Guide

In Game

East Tennessee State’s football program was disbanded in 2003 but returned with a vengeance in 2015 sparking a lot of buzz around the team. Fans pack the stands on game days dressed head to toe in navy blue and gold to support the Bucs creating a fantastic atmosphere inside the stadium.

Additionally, ETSU’s new stadium is among the best in the SoCon making a trip to Johnson City a must for any FCS football fan. The beautiful new stadium provides you with excellent sight lines no matter where you’re sitting, and the facility offers you with countless amenities to enjoy.

Finally, enjoy the performances of the Marching Bucs and the spirit groups throughout the game. The Marching Bucs put on an excellent show and will keep the tempo high throughout the game with their tunes. You also won’t want to miss ETSU’s mascot Bucky or the cheer squad, both of which do a great job of pumping up the crowd.

An ETSU game is a fun experience for FCS football fans, and if you’re from the Johnson City area, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to come out and support the return of your local team.

Things to check out

Marching Bucs

ETSU”s Marching Bucs are one of the best parts of any ETSU football game. The band puts on an incredible performance, and you won’t want to miss their pregame and halftime show, which will bring you to your feet.

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Bucky

Keep an eye out for Bucky at the game. Fans young and old love Bucky, who gets into all kinds of shenanigans at Bucs games. No matter what the score you can always count on Bucky to bring a smile to your face.

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Cheerleaders

Join the ETSU cheerleader as they pump up the crowd throughout the game. The cheerleaders perform a variety of cheers and chants, so join in and give the Bucs your support.

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Fight Songs

  1. ETSU Fight Song

    Fight, fight, fight, with all your might,
    Vic-to-ry will our slogan be;
    Dear Alma Mater, fairest of all
    Thy loyal sons will obey thy call to
    Fight, fight, fight, with all your might,
    Ever the goal to gain,
    Into the game for old State’s fame,
    Fight on to Vic-to-ry!

  2. ETSU Alma Mater

    In the Shadow of the mountains,
    Under the Skies of blue,
    Stands our dear old Alma Mater,
    Glorious to View,
    Sounds the chorus, speed it onward;
    Thee we’ll never fail!
    Hail to thee, our Alma Mater –
    Hail to thee, all hail!

    In thy halls we formed our friendships,
    Dear old college home;
    And to thee we pledge our hearts,
    Wherever we may roam,
    Sound the chorus, speed it onward;
    Thee we’ll never fail!
    Hail to thee, our Alma Mater –
    Hail to thee, all hail!

East Tennessee State Buccaneers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Everette’s Saloon

    Owlz Pub Sand Trap Scorpions Bar Grill

    Great atmosphere, awesome selection of drinks and excellent service.

    1210 N Roan St #5, Johnson City, TN 37601, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Numan’s Cafe & Sports Bar

    Criterion beer Mazzys Brewballs Cogans Deli Sports Pub Kamikazes Libbys Bar Grill Knot Pub Cara Irish Mess Hall

    An entertainment Center where you can get Good Food and Drinks, visit with friends and be entertained.

    225 E Main St, Johnson City, TN 37604, USA

    Bar website

    american - mexican - sportsbar - $

  3. Tipton Street Pub

    Phase Dining Entertainment beer

    Featuring over 50 beers, imported and domestic, draft and bottle, whatever floats your boat, we got it. Throw in a full menu of appetizers, hot wings, salads, sandwiches and burgers, and you’ll be sure to stay a while.

    110 Tipton St, Johnson City, TN 37604, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Hokie Smokie Restaurant

    southern food

    Amazingly delicious Southern food and very friendly service.

    2104 W Mountcastle Dr, Johnson City, TN 37604, USA

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  5. Cootie Browns

    Cootie Browns

    Cootie Brown’s is a locally owned restaurant offering an eclectic menu and fun atmosphere.

    2715 N Roan St, Johnson City, TN 37601, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Wellington’s Restaurant

    Wellingtons Restaurant

    Great food, wonderful service, and awesome selection of drinks.

    1216 W State of Franklin Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

    Cheddar Scratch Kitchen

    Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen serves made-from-scratch goodness: Quality ingredients, prepared fresh in our kitchen. It’s the right way, not the easy way.

    3000 Franklin Terrace, Johnson City, TN 37604, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Tupelo Honey

    Tupelo Honey

    Enjoy restored interiors as well as an outdoor fireplace that’s perfect for enjoying delicious Southern food morning, noon or night.

    300 Buffalo St, Johnson City, TN 37604, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. The Firehouse Restaurant

    Rogers Bar B Q House BBQ

    "We believe that great BBQ comes not just from our process, but from our people."

    627 W Walnut St, Johnson City, TN 37604, USA

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  10. Scratch Brick Oven

    Pizza Palermo Subs Missys Village

    Scratch is a smokehouse, charcuterie and wood-fired pizzeria.

    100 E Unaka Ave, Johnson City, TN 37601, USA

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  11. Peerless Restaurant

    Peerless Restaurant

    Our Premium aged Steaks are hand cut in-house. They are seasoned and cooked to perfection by our Chefs. Our customer favorites are the filet mignon and ribeyes, but we also have other mouth-watering cuts to choose from as well.

    2531 N Roan St, Johnson City, TN 37601, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  12. Label Restaurant

    Label Restaurant

    Label is the Tri-Cities premiere downtown restaurant featuring full sushi bar, fresh ground burgers, and 100% wood grilled entrees selections.

    112 Tipton St, Johnson City, TN 37604, USA

    Bar website

    asian - steakhouse - $$