Minutemen Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Don Brown

Team Mascot: Sam the Minuteman

Year Opened: 1965

Capacity: 17000

City / State: Hadley / Massachusetts

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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UMass vs UConn

Rival Team: UConn Huskies

UConn and UMass having been battling on the gridiron since 1897 when the Minutemen shutout UConn 36-0. The rivalry was played every year from 1952 to 2000 when the Huskies moved up to Division 1-A. However, the rivalry will look to be reignited as the Minutemen moved up to the FBS in 2012. The two bitter rivals are scheduled to play a home and home in 2016 and 2017, so make sure to get your tickets when the Huskies come to town.

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UMass vs Boston College

Rival Team: Boston College Eagles

With UMass’s recent move to the FBS in 2012, UMass will look reignite their rivalry with Boston College that dates back to 1899 when BC shutout UMass 18-0. The rivalry was the fiercest between these two Massachusetts-based schools from 1966 to 1982 when the two schools met every season. You won’t want to miss the clash between these two fierce rivals when UMass Battles BC on the gridiron.

Minutemen Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

The parking lots around McGuirk Alumni Stadium fill up quickly on Saturday morning with the student body, locals, and alumni bringing all the tailgating essentials.  As far as the eye can see grills, tents, coolers and trucks fill up the horizon. There are plenty of impromptu bags tournaments to play in and the members of the “The Zoo” throw the most uproarious tailgate parties around the stadium.

U Mass fans play a unique drinking game in the parking lot known as “The Stump.”  The goal of the game is to pound the spikes into the stump with the least swings of the hammer, almost like winning a round golf.  At the end of the game, the number of strikes it took you to pound in your spike is the number of seconds you have to drink.

If you don’t feel like getting rowdy, then head over to MinuteFan Way for some family-friendly pregame entertainment.  The school sets up a fan zone located along Stadium Drive on the Northeast side of McGuirk Alumni Stadium. The area features a reception area hosted by the Alumni Association, video game trailers, live entertainment, concessions, mini golf, face-painting, bounce houses, and tents hosted by sponsors and other schools and colleges within the University. The team even stops by to say hello to the fans, so make sure to stop by MinuteFan Way before kickoff.

As far as tailgating food is concerned, the UMass tailgaters stay true to their Northeastern roots by cooking a bevy of dishes revolving around seafood. You’ll find a variety of New England favorites around the tailgates here including clam chowder, lobster rolls, and of course lots of Sam Adams.

UMass Minutemen football fans at tailgate spot
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UMass Minutemen tailgating on football gameday
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UMass Minutemen fans tailgating at tailgate lot on football gameday
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UMass Minutemen tailgating
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Mississippi State vs UMass football game
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Traditions

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Minuteman March

Make sure to check out the Minuteman March on MinuteFan Way before the game. Approximately two hours before kickoff the Minutemen march through the tailgate on their way to the stadium, so take the opportunity to highfiveyour favorite players before the game.

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MinuteFan Way

The school sets up a fan zone for the tailgate known as MinuteFan Way along Stadium Drive on the Northeast side of McGuirk Alumni Stadium. The area features a reception area hosted by the Alumni Association, video game trailers, live entertainment, concessions, mini golf, face-painting, bounce houses, and tents hosted by sponsors and other schools and colleges within the University. MinuteFan Way is fun for the whole family, so stop by and bring the kids.

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Where to tailgate

Minutemen Stadium Guide

In Game

UMass recently moved up to the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) in 2012, and the program’s growth has created a lot of buzz around Minutemen football. UMass students and alumni alike are abuzz with the prospects of competing in major bowl games, and as a result, you’ll find a lively atmosphere surrounding Amherst on game days.  

The crowd during the game is one of the wildest you will see in the northeast, and that comes with stiff competition from Boston College and UConn who have more established programs.  UMass fans take it to another level though when it comes to showing their support and creating a raucous atmosphere. The fans load up before and scream just about everything imaginable at the opposing team and the refs, hence their nickname “The Zoo.” They are a passionate fanbase for all sporting events, and no sport is bigger in collegiate sports than football.UMass fans are some of the rowdiest fans in the northeast and won’t hesitate to try and get under the skin of opponents.

In addition to a rowdy crowd, you’ll also find lots of pageantry on display at a UMass football game. The UMass Marching Band puts on a great show that rivals just about any band out there, and you’ll see lots of great routines performed by the cheerleaders and mascot.

A UMass football game is a great time for anyone looking to experience a college football game in Massachusetts, so get your tickets today.

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Things to check out

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Football Performance Center

If you get the chance make sure to check out UMass’s new Football Performance Center. The new facility is where everything behind the scenes goes on and is home to a football hall of fame, so make sure to check it out.

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Banners

Check out the banners celebrating past UMass players hanging around the stadium. The banners honor all of the best players in Minutemen history, so take a minute to remember all of your favorite players of the past including Victor Cruz and Greg Landry.

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The Zoo

UMass students form a rowdy cheering section known as “The Zoo” on game days. The Zoo is the loudest and wildest section at any Minutemen game, so come prepared to get loud if you’re sitting in or near the UMass student section.

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Sam the Minuteman

Sam the Minuteman is the official mascot of the UMass Minutemen and was the runner up in the 2005 Capital One Mascot of the Year competition. All throughout the game you can see Sam entertaining the crowd, so keep your eyes peeled for him when attending a Minutemen football game.

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University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band (UMMB)

The Minuteman Marching Band puts on an incredible show at Minutemen football games and is a big part of what makes a UMass football game such a spectacular event. The band’s pregame, halftime, and postgame shows are out of this world, so don’t miss them when attending a UMass game.

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Fight Songs

  1. Fight Mass

    Fight, Fight Massachusetts
    Fight, Fight every play Fight, Fight for a touchdown
    Fight all your might today
    Rah, Rah, Rah
    Fight down the field Massachusetts
    The Stars and the Stripes will gleam
    Fight, Fight for Ol’ Bay State
    Fight for the Team, Team, Team  (CHANT)
    Go
    Go U
    Go U Mass
    Go UMass
    Go
    Go U
    Go U Mass
    Go UMass
    Go
    Go U
    Go U Mass
    Go UMass
    Fight down the field Massachusetts
    The Stars and the Stripes will gleam Fight, Fight for Ol’ Bay State
    Fight for the Team, Team, Team

  2. Twilight Shadows

    When twilight shadows deepen
    and the study hour draws nigh,
    When shades of night are falling
    and the evening breezes sigh,
    ‘Tis then we love to gather
    ‘Neath the pale moon’s sil’very spell. And lift our hearts and voices,
    in the songs we love so well.
    Chorus:
    Sons of old Massachusetts, Devoted daughters true:
    Baystate, ol’ Baystate, We’ll give our best to you.
    Thee, our Alma Mater, We’ll cherish for all time.
    Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
    Massachusetts, yours and mine.  

  3. My Way

    And now the end is near
    And so I face the final curtain
    My friends I’ll say it clear
    I’ll state my case of which I’m certain
    I’ve lived a life that’s full
    I traveled each and every highway
    And more, much more than this
    I did it my way

  4. Cheer For UMass/Roll Down the Field

    (Chant)
    Here we go, Here we go, Go UMass
    Go ———– Go U Fight ——- UMass Go, Go, Fight, Fight, Win, Win – Go UMass  Verse 1
    Cheer for UMass Show your Strength Show your Power and Class
    Lets Cheer for the Past Minutemen had pride, guts and glory
    So Cheer Massachusetts
    Show them how to FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT
    With fierce Loyalty, Massachusetts we cheer for thee
    Verse 2
    Roll Down the Field Take that ball, give your all, never yield. Let’s Roll up the score Let the foe, really know, what we’re here for
    Let’s crash through that line and,
    Show them how to FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT
    And until victory’s sealed
    Massachusetts roll down the field.

Minutemen Bars & Restaurants

  1. Stackers Pub

    Stackers Pub

    All new pub menu featuring hand crafted Angus beef burgers and daily specials.

    57 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002, USA

    413-253-5141

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  2. The Green Room

    The Green Room

    If you're looking for a masterfully-done cocktail, then go to this place!

    28 Center St, Northampton, MA 01060, USA

    413-584-7336

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Moan & Dove

    Moan and Dove

    We take beer seriously. There are a lot of imitators but no duplicators.

    460 West St, Amherst, MA 01002, USA

    413-256-1710

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. High Horse

    High Horse

    As a gastropub we take "regular" food VERY seriously. It also means we don't just serve the usual suspects. Amherst is surrounded by wonderful farms so our menu changes with what is growing and what tastes good.

    24 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002, USA

    413-230-3034

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Hangar

    Hangar Pub and Grill

    The Hangar Pub and Grill is a restaurant in Amherst, MA that specialized in Wings and Beer.

    10 University Dr, Amherst, MA 01002, USA

    413-549-9461

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. McMurphy

    McMurphy

    McMurphy's is your classic college town bar with a no frills style. Here you will find great prices on just about everything.

    37 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002, USA

    413-253-0170

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. The Spoke

    The Spoke beer bottles

    Great drinks, cool bartenders- definitely not your typical dive bar!

    35 E Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002, USA

    413-549-7140

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. Johnny’s Roadside Diner

    Johnnys Roadside Diner

    Our warm and inviting atmosphere will fill you with nostalgia while the menu fills you with comfort food above and beyond anything you'd expect of a diner.

    458 Russell St, Hadley, MA 01035, USA

    413-256-8000

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Glazed Doughnut Shop

    Glazed Doughnut Shop

    Glazed doughnut shop is a gourmet shop that makes delicious doughnuts with a variety of glazes and unique toppings.

    19 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002, USA

    413-230-6811

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  10. 30Boltwood

    Boltwood

    Simply prepared meals crafted by Chef Kevin Doubleday and inspired by the abundance of locally-sourced ingredients.

    30 Boltwood Ave, Amherst, MA 01002, USA

    413-835-2011

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  11. White Hut

    White Hut burger

    Serving hamburgs, cheeseburgs, hotdogs, fries, shake soft serve since 1939

    280 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA 01089, USA

    413-736-9390

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. Judie’s

    Judies

    Judie’s concept of food has always been to try something new, be bold, and let food inspire you.

    51 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002, USA

    413-253-3491

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Johnny’s Tavern

    Johnnys Tavern

    We pride ourselves on using organic produce, sustainable seafood, hormone-free meat and poultry where ever possible.

    30 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MA 01002, USA

    413-230-3818

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Antonio’s Pizza

    Antonios Pizza

    A great place to grab some slices of scrumptious pizza!

    31 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002, USA

    413-253-0808

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  15. Bistro 63 at the Monkey Bar

    Bistro at the Monkey Bar

    We make regional food with global inspirations using local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Our craft cocktail program will take you back in time and your taste buds to new places.

    63 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002, USA

    413-259-1600

    Bar website

    american - $$