Liberty Flames Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Jamey Chadwell

Team Mascot: Sparky

Year Opened: 1989

Capacity: 25000

City / State: Lynchburg / Virginia

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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Liberty Flames vs Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Rival Team: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

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.

Traditions

The Walk

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.

Raising of the 71 Flag

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

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.

Things to check out

Flames Kids Zone

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.

Fireworks

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.

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Marching Band

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.

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Sparky

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.

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Cheerleaders

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

  1. “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!

  2. “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!

  3. Go Flames Go!

    Go Flames Go!

  4. 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!

  5. Be Early. Be Loud. Wear Red!

Liberty Flames Bars & Restaurants

  1. El Jefe

    El Jefe

    Walk into a restored and repurposed garage, and enjoy a unique dining experience with an open kitchen, friendly bar service, and plenty of deck and patio seating.

    1214 Commerce St, Lynchburg, VA 24504, USA

    Bar website

    american - mexican - $$

  2. Kegney Brothers

    Kegney Brothers

    Enjoy the traditions of hospitality and kinship at Kegney Brothers Pub – a true public house in Downtown Lynchburg!

    1118 Main St, Lynchburg, VA 24504, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  3. Stoney Badger Tavern

    Stoney Badger Tavern

    Clean, comfortable and relaxing setting complete with delicious food.

    3009 Old Forest Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24501, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. The Neighbors Place

    The Neighbors Place

    We are a showcase for true American cuisine. In order to bring you a unique dining experience, our menu is broad and ever changing which allows us to offer you the best product available.

    104 Paulette Cir, Lynchburg, VA 24502, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  5. Clubhouse Sports Bar & Billiards

    Big Shooters Clubhouse Sports Bar Billiards

    Good pool tables and amazing selection of drinks!

    21174 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  6. Shoemakers

    Shoemakers

    Shoemakers American Grille offers fine cuisine in an upscale industrial setting. Its shoe themed rooms and décor reflect Lynchburg’s rich history in the early 1900’s as the mecca for all things shoes and tobacco.

    1312 Commerce St, Lynchburg, VA 24504, USA

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$

  7. Famous Anthony’s

    Famous Anthonys

    Famous Anthony's started in 1986 and quickly became a local watering hole, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

    2104 Wards Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

    Dickeys Barbecue Pit bbq

    Smoked low and slow with real hickory wood at every location, every day.

    4017 Wards Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502, USA

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  9. Shakers Restaurant

    Shakers Restaurant nachos

    Shakers Restaurants, based in beautiful Lynchburg, Virginia, is the area's best place for grilled fare, and top-notch service to bring you back again and again.

    3401 Candlers Mountain Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Wasabi

    Wasabi

    Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar is one place you just can't miss out on when you are in the mood for great food, fun entertainment, and fantastic people.

    Suite #700, 3700 Candlers Mountain Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502, USA

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  11. Macado’s

    Macados

    Popular for its eclectic ambiance of cartoon, antique, and local nostalgic decor, as well as its wide array of hearty yet modestly-priced sandwiches, subs, and entrees.

    3744 Candlers Mountain Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502, USA

    Bar website

    american - $