The rivalry between the Blue Raiders and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers dates back to 1914 making it the oldest rivalry in Blue Raiders history. The Blue Raiders won the first meeting 47-0, which has set the tone for the rivalry with Middle Tennessee holding the all-time edge 33-29-1. Only 100 miles separate these two universities meaning you’ll see plenty of fans from both schools making the trip to see these two bitter rivals duke it out.
Blue Raiders Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
MTSU may not be the biggest program, but they’re gameday tailgates are one of a kind. The atmosphere has picked up in recent years as they are starting to implement many new traditions. The most notable of these is the Walnut Grove, which offers a similar tailgating experience as The Grove at Ole Miss and even is home to the Raider Walk allowing fans to catch a glimpse of their favorite players before they hit the field.
MTSU fans hit Walnut Grove early in the morning, getting there for a noon kickoff at 7 am to set up early and kick off the party. When the party starts it takes on a life of its own, the students and local fans take the area over with tents, coolers full of beer, and grills creating an excellent tailgate atmosphere that ranks among the best in Conference USA.
You may not be interested in the game itself, but the tailgate is an all day party that is a “can’t miss” for anyone who loves to tailgate. When you head to the Walnut Grove, you’ll see the fans participating in all sorts tailgate activities such as cornhole, tossing the football and even a few drinking games. Don’t be afraid to join in on the fun during your next trip to Murfreesboro to see the Blue Raiders play.
The Raider Walk takes place in the heart of the tailgate action at the Walnut Grove and is a great way for fans to feel a part of the team. The Band of Blue and the cheerleaders lead the Blue Raiders through the crowd as everyone cheers and shows adoration for the team. If you want to show off your Blue Raiders pride, then there is no better place to do so than the Raider Walk.
Walnut GroveSimilar to the Grove at Ole Miss in the SEC, Middle Tennessee State has set up an open area filled with trees near the stadium to host all the tailgate parties. Most of the MTSU fans can be seen out in the Walnut Grove as early as 7:30 when it opens for the day. This is a great place to mingle with locals and students as well as set up your grills and portable TVs.
RV RowRV Row is where you’ll find a lot of the bigger tailgates at Middle Tennessee State filled some of the most diehard Blue Raiders fans out there. You’ll also find a wide variety of tailgate vehicles in RV Row including Hillbilly Hilton. RV Row is a great place to tailgate if you want to hang out with some of the most diehard tailgaters Middle Tennessee State has to offer.
Blue Raiders Stadium Guide
In Game
Middle Tennessee State is a great microcosm of college football, it may not be the biggest program, you may not see them on ESPN every night, but the locals show up to every game and always make the games enjoyable. Despite being a smaller FBS program that doesn’t stop the fans from coming out in strong numbers to support their team, as you’ll find plenty of die-hard fans on your trip to Murfreesboro.
The design of the stadium allows you to feel right on top of the action, and the upper deck is usually known as the nosebleed seats but not at MTSU. The last row of the stadium is about as high as standing on a 3rd story balcony looking down on the game so you won’t have to bring the binoculars to see the ball. The most recent expansion of the upper deck gave the stadium a great balance creating an actual big school sound and big school look to a program on the rise.
During breaks in the action, the MTSU band known as the Band of Blue takes to their instruments and brings the thunder back into the stadium. The band showcases what makes college football so unique compared to the other main sports both collegiate and professional.
The sounds of the brass and skins pounding on the drums bring up the heart rate better than any DJ can. Throughout the game, you will frequently hear “M-T-S-U,” as this has become the number one chant for the fans. You’ll have a great time at a Blue Raiders game, which offers all the pageantry and tradition you could ever want in a college football game as well as a chance to take in a game with some of the most diehard fans around.
During any downtime during the game the MTSU band known as the Band of Blue takes to their instruments and brings the crowd back to a fever pitch. The band showcases what makes college football so unique compared to other major sports both collegiate and professional by providing great in game entertainment that makes every game feel like a special occasion.
Lightning is the Blue Raiders mascot and can be seen entertaining fans all throughout the game. His wild antics get the crowd pumped up to cheer on the Blue Raiders no matter what the score, so keep your eyes peeled for him at your next MTSU game.
Blue Raiders ride on to vic-t’ry Never failing in the fight Upholding honor and tradition Of the name that’s held most high M-T-S-U marching onward This will be our battle cry For the one, true pride of the Blue M-T-S-U Raiders Ride! (Chant) M! T! S! U! M-T-S-U! M-T-S-U! Go! Raiders, Go!
For the one, true pride of the Blue
M-T-S-U Raiders Ride!
Alma Mater
We sing thy praises Faithful guide of youth; Through all the ages Affirmed and strong in truth. Alma Mater, Middle Tennessee, We proudly offer Our hearts in loyalty.
Watch video
