Liberty had a fierce rivalry with Coastal Carolina before the Chanticleers move to the FBS in 2016. While the Flames and Chanticleers may not currently play in the same division, Liberty is expected to join the FBS in 2018 renewing this intense rivalry. You won’t want to miss it when the Flames and Chanticleers square off, so make sure to get tickets when Coastal Carolina comes to town.
Liberty Flames Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Liberty University has been working hard to increase the tailgating presence at games and tailgating is quickly becoming a big part of every Flames game. Traditionally tailgating took place in the first row of the Speakman Lot, meaning if you want to tailgate with some of the best tailgaters around, then make sure to stop by that area. While those fans may be the bluebloods, that doesn’t’ mean you won’t’ find plenty of other fans tailgating and having a good time. No matter where on campus you’re tailgating you’ll be surrounded by friendly fans who are happy to talk ball and share some food and drinks making tailgating at a Liberty game an excellent experience.
In addition to enjoying the tailgating scene at Liberty, you’ll also want to check out The Walk. The Walk takes place two and a half hours before the game and is the perfect way to get into the game day spirit. The team, cheerleaders, mascot, and drumline walk to the stadium down University Boulevard, so make sure to arrive early and get a good spot to take part in the festivities.
You’ll have a lot of fun tailgating before a Liberty Flames game as the friendly fans, fun tailgating atmosphere, and team walk create an excellent pre-game experience.
Take part in The Walk two and a half hours before the game to get into the Liberty game day spirit. During The Walk, the Flames mascot Sparky, the cheerleaders, the drumline, and the team make their way down University Boulevard to Williams Stadium. The Walk is the perfect way to show off your Liberty pride, so don’t miss it during your trip to Lynchburg.
Don’t miss the raising of the 71 flag before the game. The 71 flag honors the founder of Liberty University, Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr. and is raised 20 minutes before kickoff.
Where to tailgate
First Row of the Speakman LotTraditionally the majority of the tailgating at Flames games takes place in the first row of the Speakman Lot. These fans here have been tailgating for Liberty football games for years, and this is where you’ll find some of the best tailgates Liberty has to offer.
Other Parking LotsRecently, Liberty University has been trying to expand tailgating all over campus meaning there are plenty of places for you to park and tailgate before the game. If you want to set up a tailgate party and can’t get a spot in the first row of the Speakman Lot, then fear not as there is plenty of space to tailgate at Liberty.
Liberty Flames Stadium Guide
In Game
The Flames have been on an upward trajectory since they joined the FCS in 1989, and in 2018 will become members of the FBS. As a result of the team’s success over the years, Liberty has developed quite the following. Fans come out in large numbers to support their team, and the strong support for the team is evident on game days as you’ll find Williams Stadium packed full of Flames fans.
One thing to keep in mind when attending a Flames game is that the majority of the seating at Williams Stadium is general admission, so you’ll want to arrive early to get a good spot. The games open around two hours before kickoff and if you’re bringing kids to the game make sure to stop by the Flames Fan Zone near Gate 1.
In addition to excellent fan support and a fun team to watch, Liberty games also feature fantastic spirit squads. The marching band always puts on a good show and the Flames mascot Sparky and the cheer team are top-notch as well.
If you’re looking for a fun FCS in-game experience, then look no further than Liberty where you’ll get to watch one of the best teams in the FCS surrounded by a stadium full of diehard fans.
The Flames Kids Zone is located near Gate 1 and is the perfect place to take restless kids. At the Flames Kid Zone, you’ll find games, inflatables, and much more. If you want to stop by the Flames Kids Zone, just make sure to do so early in the game as it closes after the third quarter.
Enjoy the firework show that takes place after every Flames score. The firework show is an excellent way to celebrate each touchdown and field goal and gets everyone pumped up to cheer on the Flames.
Like most NCAA football games, the band is a big part of the pageantry on display at a Flames game. The band puts on an excellent performance before and during the game and is a can’t miss part of any Liberty football game.
Sparky is the official mascot of the Liberty Flames and is a fun part of any Flames game. He gets into a variety of antics throughout the game and is loved by fans young and old, so keep an eye out for Sparky during the game.
Nobody keeps the fans up and cheering quite like the cheerleaders. The Liberty cheerleaders perform a variety of routines throughout the game, so join in the cheers and show your support for the Flames.
Fight Songs
“Fan the Flames”
Fan the Flames! Fan the Flames!
Fan the Flames of Liberty!
Fan the Flames! Fan the Flames!
Fan the Flames of Victory!
Fan the Flames and be true
To the Red, White and Royal Blue
Let the fire in your name set the spirit aflame
Win a vict’ry for ol’ LU!
“Liberty University Alma Mater”
Champions, arise and seek the prize
of Knowledge Aflame!
Stand, tall and proud, and cry aloud
your Savior to proclaim!
Here upon this mountain,
e’er our song shall be:
Where the spirit of the Lord is,
there is Liberty,
Where the spirit of the Lord is,
there is Liberty!
Go Flames Go!
Go Flames Go!
First Down Chant
Join in the first down chant after every Flames first down. The PA announcer will say, “That’s another Liberty…” and the crowd will respond, “First down! Ohhh, move those chains, move those chains, move those chains, haaaaah!
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