The Citadel Bulldogs Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Division I FCS

Head Coach: Maurice Drayton

Team Mascot: General, Boo IX (live), Spike

Year Opened: 1948

Capacity: 11332

City / State: Charleston / South Carolina

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Military Classic of the South

Rival Team: VMI Keydets

The Military Classic of the South takes place each year between The Citadel and VMI. The two schools first met in 1920 making it the 13th oldest rivalry in the FCS. Extra bragging rights were added to the rivalry in 1976 when the winner started taking home the Silver Shako. You won’t want to miss The Citadel try to extend their 40-30-2 record against VMI, so make sure to be in attendance for the Military Classic of the South.

The Citadel Bulldogs vs Furman Paladins

Rival Team: Furman Paladins

The rivalry between The Citadel and Furman goes back to 1913 and has been contested every year since 1919, with the exception of 1943 through 1945. The Paladins are one of if not the biggest rival of The Citadel meaning you want to miss it when Furman comes to town.

The Citadel Bulldogs Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating and college football are huge in the south so it should come as no surprise that you’ll find a fun tailgating atmosphere at The Citadel. On game days, you’ll see a sea of blue and white tents outside Johnson Hagood Stadium. Fans from all over the Charleston area come out to root on the Bulldogs and tailgate before the game making a trip to Johnson Hagood Stadium a fun time for college footballs and tailgate aficionados.

The tailgating atmosphere at The Citadel is rather relaxed compared to other larger South Carolina schools. You’ll mainly see people having a few beers, joking around, and playing tailgating games. While you may not find the raucous atmosphere that you’ll see at SEC schools, the fans here are jovial and more than happy to talk ball and share stories.

One of the best traditions surrounding a Bulldogs football game is the Military Dress Parade. The parade typically takes place on Friday, but if you’re attending the homecoming game you’ll be in luck as the parade is held at 11:00 am on Saturday.

The Citadel is a fun tailgating destination, so don’t hesitate to come out and tailgate before a Bulldogs football game.

Traditions

Dress Parade

When attending a game at The Citadel, arrive by Friday night to enjoy the Military Dress Parade. The parade typically takes place on Friday afternoon and is one of the biggest traditions at The Citadel making it a must-see.

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Where to tailgate

The Citadel Bulldogs Stadium Guide

In Game

The Citadel Bulldogs have won the last two Southern Conference titles meaning you’ll be in for a treat when taking in a game at Johnson Hagood Stadium. The Bulldogs recent success means not only will you get to see one of the best teams in the conference play you’ll also experience an energetic crowd. Fans from all over Charleston have been coming out to support the team during their current run of success creating a fun in-game atmosphere any college football fan will enjoy.

The team and fans aren’t the only things that make attending a Bulldogs game a memorable experience. The Citadel is also home to some great traditions. The firing of the cannon after every Bulldogs score is sure to get you out of your seat, and the cadet march before the game is a fun way to kick off the game. You also won’t want to miss The Regimental Band and Pipes or any of the three Bulldogs mascots during your visit to the Citadel.

Finally, The Citadel provides plenty of entertainment for the families in attendance. The Spike’s Kidet Club Kids Zone is the perfect place to take restless kids, and the young ones will enjoy the opportunity to pick up a souvenir at one of the stands as well.

The Citadel provides a fantastic fan experience full of excellent football and even better traditions making a trip to Charleston a must for any FCS football fan.

Things to check out

Spike’s Kidet Club Kids Zone

The Kids Zone is located in the southeast corner and is the perfect place to take the kids before or during the game. It opens 90 minutes before kickoff giving you plenty of time to let the young ones work out their excess energy before the game.

Cannon

Following every Bulldogs score a Civil War replica cannon is fired. The cannon is a fun way to celebrate when the Bulldogs score and works everyone into a frenzy making it one of the most exciting parts of any game.

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Souvenir Stands

Stop by one of the two souvenir stands inside Johnson Hagood Stadium to pick up a keepsake from your trip to The Citadel. The stand feature a variety of Bulldogs gear including t-shirts, caps, and much more.

Cadet March On

No trip to The Citadel is complete without seeing the Cadet March On. The march takes place 20 minutes before kickoff and is one of the biggest and best traditions found at The Citadel. Be in your seat early, so you don’t miss seeing the cadets enter the field.

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The Regimental Band and Pipes

Enjoy The Regimental Band and Pipes during your trip to The Citadel. The band puts on a fantastic show at Bulldogs football games, so arrive at your seat early and catch their pregame performance.

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Spike and the Live Mascots

The Citadel has not one but three mascots you can see on game days. The costumed mascot named Spike is loved by children especially and gets into shenanigans throughout the game, while the two live mascots General II and Boo X are a big part of game days as well.

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Cheerleaders

Show your support for The Citadel and join the cheerleaders as they cheer on the team. The cheerleaders lead a variety of cheers throughout the game, so join in and give the Bulldogs as much of a home field advantage as possible.

Fight Songs

  1. Go Dogs

    Go Dogs, Go down the Field,
    Let’s win this game!
    Fight’em and Bite’em,
    The Corps sings your fame!
    Rah Rah Rah!
    Fight on and never yield,
    It’s plain to see
    That the Corps will take the Dogs
    To Vic to ry!

     

  2. All Hail the Bulldogs

    All Hail to the Bulldogs,
    March to victory
    Long live The Citadel, so proud are we.
    And yield, we will never.
    We’re Blue/White forever.
    We will fight, we will win, we will conquer in the end,
    A Bulldog triumph today.

  3. The Citadel Ramble

    The Citadel has a bulldog
    With short and grizzly hair.
    Carolina has a gamecock–
    Now wouldn’t they make a pair?
    And when they get together
    There’s bound to be a scrap.
    Just watch that Citadel Bulldog
    Wipe that gamecock off the map!

    CHORUS

    Oh! they rambled, they rambled.
    They rambled all around.
    In and out of town,
    Oh! they rambled, they rambled.
    They rambled ’till the Bulldogs cut `em down.

  4. The Fighting Light Brigade

    We’re here cheering loudly, as the Brigadiers parade.
    Bucks, we claim you proudly as THE FIGHTING LIGHT BRIGADE!
    March on, ye valiant warriors; your courage shall not fade;
    As we yell, we yell like hell for you, THE FIGHTING LIGHT BRIGADE!

  5. The Citadel Forever

    While now we pass in review, marching along,
    We praise thee, O Citadel, in our lusty song,
    As bearing the colors proud, we pledge anew,
    To thee, our Alma Mater dear,
    Allegiance proud and true.

    With brave, loyal hearts aflame, we march away,
    To train for the victories that we must win some day;
    When passing in life’s review, Mem’ries of thee,
    O Citadel, shall our inspiration be.

  6. The Citadel Alma Mater

    Oh Citadel, we sing thy fame
    For all the world to hear.
    And in the Paths our fathers showed us
    Follow without fear.
    Peace and Honor, God and Country,
    We will fight for thee.
    Oh Citadel, we praise thee now
    And in Eternity.

    Oh Citadel, though strife surrounds us,
    We will ever be
    Full conscious of the benefits
    That we derive from thee.
    Stand forever, yielding never
    To the tyrant’s Hell
    We’ll never cease our struggles for
    Our mighty Citadel.

The Citadel Bulldogs Bars & Restaurants

  1. Upper Deck Tavern

    beer

    A great place to hang out with friends, has a good selection of drinks and tasty food.

    353 King St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  2. Warehouse

    Warehouse

    An elevated, neighborhood bar in the heart of Charleston, SC, serving fine fare, house cocktails, + craft beers.

    45 Spring St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Prohibition

    Prohibition

    Experience Charleston's destination for delectable cuisine, live music, dancing, and award winning cocktails, all in one energetic atmosphere.

    547 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Closed for Business

    Closed for Business

    Home of the most eclectic draught beer selection in the Southeast.

    453 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. The Cocktail Club

    The Cocktail Club

    The Cocktail Club is an upscale lounge dedicated to the art of the craft cocktail. An extensive selection of house-made infusions, rare liquors, and farm-to-shaker beverages features fresh-squeezed juices and modern ingredients alongside a menu of light fare.

    479 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Burns Alley

    Mamas Country Showcase Beer 33 West Ale House and Grill Beer Tequila Hoppers Bar & Grill Beer Dee Fords West Beer Sams Hideaway Beer Augis Sports Grill Beer Tipperarys Pub Beer

    "If you can find us, you'll never forget us."

    354 King St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  7. The Brick

    The Brick

    Crowd-pleasing burgers and bar food, cold beers and fresh cocktails.

    24 Ann St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  8. Local 616

    Beer mug Crafty Rooster

    Local 616 provides specialty drinks,brews,soccer, and live music.

    616 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. Elliotborough Mini Bar

    Elliotborough Mini Bar

    Rotating selection of beer, wine & small plates. Environment is artsy, rustic, eclectic, & friendly. Live music frequents the tiny stage.

    18 Percy St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Royal American

    Royal American

    The Royal American has served quality food and drink since 2011, as well as consistently dishing up some of the area’s best original live music.

    970 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. Faculty Lounge

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

    A neighborhood affair.

    391 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Silver Dollar

    Mesquite Mexican Grill Bar Cocktail Bradley's Bar Grill Cocktail Bobby Gs

    The Dollar continues to entertain our patrons with nightly live music, innovative and delicious cocktails, and a great and friendly staff!

    478 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  13. King Street Public House

    King Street Public House

    The King Street Public House is a gathering place for friends and family to enjoy quality pub fare, great cocktails and a wide array of draft beers that consist of craft, local and domestic options.

    549 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  14. Moe’s Crosstown Tavern

    Moes Crosstown Tavern

    The local destination for excellent food, great drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.

    714 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  15. Coast Bar and Grill

    Coast Bar and Grill

    With a laid back, Lowcountry style, COAST BAR & GRILL serves up Charleston’s freshest SEAFOOD.

    39 John St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. R. Kitchen

    R Kitchen

    Something new every time. Our five course menu is tailored towards our guests nightly.

    212 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  17. The Ordinary

    The Ordinary

    The Ordinary is a Southern seafood hall and oyster bar located in an old bank in Charleston, SC.

    544 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  18. Butcher & Bee

    Butcher Bee

    Serving honest-to-goodness sandwiches made with flavor combinations and food quality usually reserved for fine dining.

    1085 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  19. Stars Restaurant

    Stars Restaurant

    Stars upscale bar and grill serves signature Carolina Cuisine in a stunning 1930’s style Grill Room with a gorgeous Walnut Bar.

    495 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  20. Hank’s Seafood Restaurant

    Hanks Seafood Restaurant

    A deep appreciation for fresh, local ingredients, is what makes Hank’s Seafood the ultimate place to taste authentic Charleston flavors and beloved Lowcountry recipes, including She Crab soup, fried shrimp, Charleston Oyster Stew, roasted grouper, shrimp & grits, Hank’s signature pan fried crab cakes, and towers of fresh seafood!

    10 Hayne St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  21. Queology BBQ

    Queology BBQ

    When you walk in the door at Queology, your senses are enticed with the smell of smoked ribs, pork & wings. Enjoy a cold beer or cocktail on our outdoor patio overlooking the historic city market.

    6 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

    Bar website

    bbq - $$