Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Nick McDevitt

Team Mascot: Lightning

Year Opened: 1972

Capacity: 11520

City / State: Murfreesboro / Tennessee

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Middle Tennessee State vs Western Kentucky

Rival Team: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

The Blue Raiders biggest and oldest rivals on the hardwood are Conference USA rivals Western Kentucky. The Blue Raiders and Hilltoppers have been battling it out on the court for years, so don’t miss it when Western Kentucky comes to town.

Middle Tennessee State vs UAB

Rival Team: UAB Blazers

The Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders and UAB Blazers have a budding rivalry. The rivalry has been developing since the Blue Raiders joined Conference USA in 2013. You won’t want to miss the start of this budding rivalry, so get your tickets when the Blue Raiders and Blazers square off.

Middle Tennessee State vs Tennessee Tech

Rival Team: Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles

The rivalry between Middle Tennessee State and Tennessee Tech isn’t played as much as it used to be, but there is still plenty of bad blood between these two Tennessee-based schools. The Golden Eagles were one of the Blue Raiders biggest rivals, and things even came to blows in a benches-clearing brawl, so keep an eye out for when Middle Tennessee State and Tennessee Tech play next.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Stadium Guide

In Game

The Blue Raiders get a good amount of support from the MTSU students making a trip to see the Blue Raiders play in Murfreesboro an exciting proposition for any college hoops fan. The students at MTSU show their team a lot of support and you’ll find an almost full student section at Blue Raiders game, which helps to create a festive in-game atmosphere.

In addition to a rambunctious student section, the atmosphere at the Murphy Center is also aided by the great pep band present at MTSU games. The MTSU Pep Band creates a wonderful atmosphere with their tunes, and the cheer squad and mascot aren’t too shabby either meaning you’ll get the full college hoops experience when attending a Blue Raiders game.

Murfreesboro itself offers a fun college town feel and is home to lots of bars and restaurants. If you’re looking for a sports bar then you won’t be able to beat Boulevard Bar and Grill, which has lots of big screen TVs and beers on tap. Those of you looking to make a weekend out of the trip will also find lots to see with Murfreesboro being home to a historic downtown and lots of Civil War history.

A trip to Murfreesboro is a good time for everyone involved, and the support of the student section and pep band help make an MTSU game a memorable experience.

Things to check out

Horseshoe

Stop by the Blue Horseshoe on campus to give the Blue Raiders some extra luck before the game. It’s believed that its good luck to touch the statue before a big event, so do your part and give the Blue Raiders as much luck as possible.

Natural Lighting

One of the unique things about attending an MTSU basketball is the large amount of natural light the Murphy Center gets. The arena’s exterior is almost entirely glass, which has led to the Murphy Center being nicknamed “The Glass House,” so enjoy the natural light when attending an MTSU game.

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Lightning

Lightning the winged horse has been MTSU’s mascot since 1998, and you can see him entertaining the crowd throughout the game. No matter how old you are, Lightning will bring a smile to your face, so keep an eye out for him at the game.

play Watch video

Cheer Team

The MTSU Cheer Team pumps up the crowd throughout the game with their cheer routines. Join along with the cheerleaders and help spur on the Blue Raiders to victory.

play Watch video

Pep Band

The pep band is an active part of any MTSU basketball game. They provide a great deal of the atmosphere at a Blue Raiders game and do an excellent job of keeping spirits high, so enjoy the pep band’s music when attending an MTSU game.

play Watch video

Fight Songs

  1. Fight Song

    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!

  2. 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. 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!

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Bars & Restaurants

  1. Campus Pub

    Campus Pub

    Located just across the street from MTSU, it's a cool fun place to grab some drinks!

    903 Gunnerson Ave, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, USA

    615-867-9893

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  2. The Boulevard Bar and Grill

    The Boulevard Bar and Grill

    A great place to watch your favorite sports team! Right by the MTSU campus.

    2154 Middle Tennessee Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, USA

    615-624-8002

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  3. The Boro Bar and Grill

    The Boro Bar and Grill

    Beer, Burgers, Music and Wine since 1985

    1211 Greenland Dr, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, USA

    615-895-4800

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  4. Gentleman Jim’s Bar & Grill 1

    The Pub at the Strathcona Hotel Beer

    Amazingly great food and drinks and a fun place to be.

    1325 Greenland Dr, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, USA

    615-893-9933

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Slick Pig BBQ

    Slick Pig BBQ

    The best BBQ in Murfreesboro!

    1920 E Main St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, USA

    615-890-3583

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $

  6. Nacho’s Mexican Restaurant

    Nachos Mexican Restaurant

    Everything is made from the freshest ingredients and prepared fresh each day, then served up hot by the friendliest staff in town.

    2962 S Rutherford Blvd a, Murfreesboro, TN 37127, USA

    615-907-2700

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  7. La Siesta Mexican Restaurant

    mexicans

    Better than most Mexican foods!

    1111 Greenland Dr, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, USA

    615-890-0773

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  8. Kleer-Vu Lunchroom

    fried chicken

    Good Southern food at good prices.

    226 S Highland Ave, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, USA

    615-896-0520

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. City Cafe

    City Cafe

    We're serving up good eats for the whole family.

    113 E Main St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, USA

    615-893-1303

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  10. Toots

    Toots

    Since 1985, Toot's Restaurants have been serving up good food and fun to millions of hungry customers.

    860 NW Broad St, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, USA

    615-898-1301

    Bar website

    - $$

  11. Jefferson’s

    Jeffersons

    Huge juicy burgers, fresh gulf oysters and world famous delicious wings

    1916 E Main St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, USA

    615-907-3339

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. Logans Roadhouse

    Logans Roadhouse

    We grill up sizzling Southern-inspired flavor using time-honored recipes we’ve collected and perfected over time.

    600 Sam Ridley Pkwy W, Smyrna, TN 37167, USA

    844-6Logans

    Bar website

    american - bbq - steakhouse - $$

  13. Demos’ Restaurant

    Demos Restaurant

    Exceptional food with authentic ingredients at quality prices.

    1115 NW Broad St, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Chuy’s

    Chuys

    Chuy's serves authentic Tex-Mex food in an eclectic atmosphere full of color and personality.

    801 NW Broad St, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, USA

    615-494-1660

    Bar website

    american - mexican - $$

  15. Sir Pizza

    Sir Pizza

    Our dough is made from a special formula, our sauces are home made, and our cheese comes right from the dairy farms of Wisconsin.

    1902 E Main St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, USA

    615-896-9660

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  16. Alley on Main (Steakhouse)

    Aley on Main Steakhouse

    The Alley was born from a love of food and family. Every meal is fresh made in house from recipes passed down over steaming pots of perfection.

    223 W Main St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, USA

    615-203-3498

    Bar website

    italian - $$