Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Division I FCS

Head Coach: Chris Ball

Team Mascot: Louie the Lumberjack

Year Opened: 1977

Capacity: 10500

City / State: Flagstaff / Arizona

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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Grand Canyon Rivalry

Rival Team: Southern Utah Thunderbirds

The winner of the annual rivalry matchup between Northern Arizona and Southern Utah takes home the Grand Canyon Trophy. The two Big Sky Conference rivals first met in 1982, and they have played every year since 2008. Don’t miss it when the Lumberjacks square off with the Thunderbirds as there is always a lot on the line.

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating is a great way to spend some time before a Lumberjacks game and is especially popular among students at NAU. Whether you’re a student, alumni, or just a fan, you’ll want to get to the Walkup Skydome early to take part in the pregame festivities.

The students at NAU like to party hard, and it’s no different when it comes to tailgating. If you’re a student, you’ll want to come prepared to let loose as everyone treats tailgating like one big party where everyone is invited.

NAU tailgates also feature a lot of alumni and other older fans grilling out and drinking a few beers, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed tailgate atmosphere, you’ll find that here at NAU as well. Everywhere you look, you’ll see Lumberjacks fans tailgating and having fun creating a festive atmosphere outside the Walkup Skydome.

Finally, make sure to enjoy the spirit group performances that take place throughout the tailgate. These performances are the perfect way to get into the game day spirit and are a must-see for any college football fan.

A Lumberjacks tailgate offers something for everyone and is a great way to get into the game day spirit, so arrive early and take part in the pregame action.

Traditions

Pregame Spirit Group Performances

Be on alert for the spirit group performances that take place during the tailgate. The spirit group performances will get you in the Lumberjacks game day spirit making them a fun part of tailgating at NAU.

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Where to tailgate

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Stadium Guide

In Game

The Walkup Skydome is one of only a handful of domed stadiums in the FCS giving an NAU football game a unique atmosphere. The dome traps in all the noise made by the crowd creating an intense atmosphere that is among the best in the FCS.

The crowd at NAU creates a lot of noise, although no group creates more noise than the NAU Lumberyard. The NAU Lumberyard is located near midfield and is lead by the Chain Gang, who go all out to rile up the crowd and create an intense atmosphere. If you want to be at the heart of the action, then make sure to get a seat near the NAU Lumberyard in the west stand.

In addition to a noisy crowd, NAU is also home to several excellent spirit groups. The Lumberjack Marching Band puts on a great show and keeps the tempo high throughout the game with their in-game music. The NAU mascot Louie the Lumberjack and the cheer and dance teams are also a big part of the pageantry at the game as well. Keep an eye out for all three of these groups as you wouldn’t want to miss their performances throughout the game.

An NAU football game is a great road trip destination for any FCS football fan, so plan your trip to Flagstaff today.

Things to check out

Chain Gang Pregame Ax

Before each game, one member of the Chain Gang puts an ax into a stump at midfield. The act signifies the start of the game and starts the pregame intros. Everyone gets worked up into a frenzy during the ceremony, so get loud when you see a member of the Chain Gang take the field.

Lumberjack Marching Band

The Lumberjack Marching Band puts on quite the show at NAU football games, so don’t leave your seat when you see them take the field. Both the pregame and halftime shows are must-sees making them some of the best parts of any NAU game.

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Louie the Lumberjack

Louie the Lumberjacks energizes the crowd with his antics throughout the game. No routine of his is more popular than the pushups he performs after every Lumberjacks score, so help Louie count his pushups after every NAU score.

NAU Lumberyard

The NAU Lumberyard creates a lot of the atmosphere inside the Walkup Skydome and is home to the loudest and wildest fans on game days. The student section here is located near midfield giving the Lumberjacks an incredible home field advantage.

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Cheer and Dance Teams

The cheer and dance teams at NAU are both significant parts of the pageantry on display at Lumberjacks football games. Both groups perform incredible routines you won’t want to miss, and there is no better way to pump up the Lumberjacks than by joining in the cheerleaders' cheers and chants.

Fight Songs

  1. Lumberjack Fight Song

    Fight, Fight, Fight for NAU,
    Take the ball and follow through,
    Lead the Blue and Gold to fame,
    As we win another game.
    Cheer, Cheer, Cheer for NAU,
    We want a victory,
    So fight, fight, fight,
    With all your might,
    For we want a victory tonight.

  2. Timber

    Timber, Timber,
    Everybody’s calling for Timber,
    Swing your ax
    You Lumberjacks
    Timber’s got to go down the river today.
    Timber, Timber,
    Everybody’s waiting on Timber
    Swing your ax
    You Lumberjacks
    Timber’s got to go down the river today.
    Ax man fell that tree,
    Cut out a ship for to sail the sea,
    Cut out a cabin for me and mine,
    Out of the whispering pine.
    Timber, Timber,
    Soon we’ll have a cradle of timber,
    Swing your ax
    You Lumberjacks
    Timber’s got to go down the river today.

  3. Northern Arizona Alma Mater

    Hail Alma Mater,
    Hail NAU
    Thy name forever
    A guiding light so true
    Strong as the pine trees,
    Our love will never fail,
    To Thee, Alma Mater,
    Hail! Hail! Hail!

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Bars & Restaurants

  1. 1899 Bar and Grill

    steak

    Southwest-inspired steakhouse/bistro with a modern, upscale and yet casual feel.

    307 W Dupont Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$

  2. SouthSide Tavern

    bar

    Here you can catch your favorite football game right on time while feasting on their amazing food, pairing it with good drinks!

    117 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Sportsman’s Bar & Grill

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

    Voted Best Sports Bar by the Daily Sun 2011 & 2012!

    1000 N Humphreys St, Flagstaff, AZ 86002, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Uptown Pubhouse

    beer pub

    Share a conversation, the day’s news, talk about an issue, hear a poet, listen to a singer, and enjoy the finest beer and whiskey selection in town.

    114 N Leroux St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Hops On Birch

    beer Billy Jacks Wing Draft Shack Roost Great American Pub

    We have 34 rotating taps, so allow our certified bartenders to serve you something that fits your taste buds just right.

    22 E Birch Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  6. Altitudes Bar & Grill

    bar

    Altitudes Bar and Grill is your locally owned and operated hang out with great ambiance, unforgettable food and a terrific staff that makes you want to come back time and time again.

    2 S Beaver St #200, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Beaver Street Brewery

    steak

    You can watch the chefs create your meal in our open kitchen or view the brewer creating our handcrafted ales and lagers behind the bar.

    11 S Beaver St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Shift Kitchen & Bar

    restaurant

    Shift will be a casual and comfortable dining experience featuring a seasonally driven contemporary American menu, and an interactive chef’s counter.

    107 N San Francisco St #2, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Galaxy Diner

    breakfast

    Transport yourself into the 1950’s at this classic diner on old Route 66 for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner.

    931 W Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $

  10. Downtown Diner

    Chilaquiles

    Amazingly delicious breakfast served all day, great hamburgers and hand-dipped milk shakes!

    7 E Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. Fat Olives

    pizza beer

    A Certified V.P.N. Neopolitan Pizzeria on Historic Route 66 in Flagstaff, AZ. We offer high-end artisan pizzas, pasta, wine, local beer and cocktails.

    2308 Historic East Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  12. Fratelli Pizza

    Bellas Pizza of Bristol Pizza Don Vitos Italian Restaurant Pizza Chiefs Place PIzza Pizza Patriot Pub & Grub Pizza Robertos Pizza Ranias Restaurant Pizza The Prescott Pizza Pleasant City Wood Fired Grille Pauls Deli Restaurant Wildcat Angelas Ristorante Pizzeria

    Oven-fired pizza specialist with hand-tossed dough, TVs tuned to football & specially priced combos.

    119 W Phoenix Ave #1, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  13. Black Barts Steakhouse

    steak

    All steaks are served with your choice of House or Caesar Salad, as well as a side of your choice: Cowboy Beans, Baked Potato, Steak Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Curly Fries, or Mashed Potatoes & Gravy.

    2760 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$

  14. Diablo Burger

    burger

    Burger joint known for using local ingredients & English muffins as buns in a modern, casual space.

    120 N Leroux St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  15. MIX

    MIX Flagstaff

    MIX flagstaff is a fresh, fun, fast-paced restaurant located in the Old Town Shops in the heart of Downtown Flagstaff.

    120 N Leroux St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  16. Brandy’s Cafe

    pumpkin latte pumpkin chocolate chip

    We feature delicious breakfast, espresso items, specializing in Eggs Benedicts, Omelets, Swedish oat pancakes, & Trout and eggs.

    18 S Beaver St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  17. Satchmo’s

    Satchmos

    Gatherings of family, friends, and community around great food.

    2320 N Fourth St, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  18. Brandy’s Restaurant & Bakery

    breakfast

    Brandy's serves made-from-scratch breakfast, lunch, and pastries. We also have a full espresso bar and local art.

    1500 E Cedar Ave #40, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  19. The Northern Pines Restaurant

    appetizer

    Our menu is composed of high quality, mouth-watering meals that are reasonably priced. Or, if you’re not hungry, come enjoy our modern, yet cozy, lounge area.

    2200 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$