New Hampshire Wildcats Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Division I FCS

Head Coach: Rick Santos

Team Mascot: Wild E. Cat

Year Opened: 1936

Capacity: 11015

City / State: Durham / New Hampshire

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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Battle for the Brice-Cowell Musket

Rival Team: Maine Black Bears

Each year the New Hampshire Wildcats and Maine Black Bears play for the Brice-Cowell Musket. The rivalry began in 1903, and the rivalry has been going strong ever since. New Hampshire holds a 55-44-8 lead in the all-time series, so come and cheer on the Wildcats as they look to extend their lead.

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Granite Bowl

Rival Team: Dartmouth Big Green

New Hampshire has a fierce rivalry with in-state Dartmouth. The rivalry spans across sports, and there are always a lot of bragging rights on the line when these two New Hampshire-based rivals square off. Don’t miss it when the Big Green come to town as you’ll be in for a good match up.

New Hampshire Wildcats Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

New Hampshire is home to one of the best tailgating scenes in New England meaning you’ll want to arrive in Durham early to make the most out of your trip. Fans, students, and alumni come out bright and early to grill out with friends and throw back a few drinks. Everywhere you look, you’ll find wall to wall tailgaters at Boulder Field creating a fun atmosphere that any tailgate fan will enjoy.

Boulder Field is where you can find the biggest and best tailgates on game days. Despite recent efforts by the university to restrict tailgating, you’ll still find lots of fans going hard at Boulder Field. If partying is your thing, then make sure to park at Boulder Field and enjoy the wild tailgating atmosphere.

Those of you who are taking the family to the game will also enjoy tailgating at New Hampshire. Lot A is alcohol-free, and the university offers a Pre-game Festival at Lewis Field. The Pre-Game Festival will keep everyone in the family entertained as it features music, games, giveaways, and much more.

No matter how mild or wild you like to tailgate, you’ll have a great time tailgating at UNH, which is home to one of the best tailgating scenes in New England and the Colonial Athletic Association.

Traditions

Pre-game Festival at Lewis Field

The Pre-game Festival opens four hours before kickoff and features music, games, giveaways, food, and more. Fans of age are even able to bring alcohol to the Pre-game Festival making it a fun place to hang out before the game.

Where to tailgate

New Hampshire Wildcats Stadium Guide

In Game

UNH is home to one of the best college game days in New England making a trip to Durham a must for college football fans in the Northeast. While UNH may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about college football, it is home to an incredible game day atmosphere that can go toe to toe with larger schools in the area. Fans, alumni, and students come out in full force to support the Wildcats on game days creating a memorable experience for everyone in attendance.

The Wildcats recent success on the field is a big part of why the stands at Wildcat Stadium are packed on game days, meaning you’ll be in for a good game when heading out to Durham, New Hampshire. The Wildcats typically finish near the top of the Colonial Athletic Association and in 2014 finished third in the country.

In addition to great fan support and a good team, UNH also boasts a great band, cheer and dance squads, and mascots. The band puts on an excellent show, and you won’t want to miss any of the spirit groups performances throughout the game.

Finally, the Field House is home to several tributes to past Wildcats teams. The Field House is home to pictures of every varsity team in Wildcats history as well as the UNH Hall of Fame. Make sure to check out both the team pictures and UNH Hall of Fame on your way into the stadium through the Field House.

UNH is home to everything you need for a great college football game day including die hard fans, a good team, and wonderful spirit groups, so start planning your trip to Wildcat Stadium today.

Things to check out

Team Pictures

If you enter Wildcat Stadium through the Field House make sure to take the opportunity to see the team picture for every varsity team in UNH athletics history. It’s interesting to see all of the UNH athletes and teams of the past, so stop by and check it out.

UNH Hall of Fame

The UNH Hall of Fame is located in the Field House and is a must-see for any Wildcats fan. The Hall of Fame celebrates the accomplishments of the best athletes and teams in Wildcats history including Wildcats football and hockey teams.

Wildcat Marching Band

Enjoy the performance of the Wildcat Marching Band throughout the game. The band’s pregame and halftime performances are a can’t miss part of the game, and they also provide an excellent atmosphere during the game as well.

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Cheerleaders

Join in the cheers and chants lead by the cheerleaders to help aid the Wildcats in their quest for victory. The cheerleaders put on a great show and keep the crowd pumped up throughout the game, making them an essential part of any UNH football game.

Wild E. Cat and Gnarlz

UNH’s beloved mascots Wilde E. Cat and Gnarlz will entertain you throughout the game. They get into all kinds of shenanigans, so you never know what you’ll see them do next.

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UNH Dance Team

The UNH Dance team will dazzle you with their routines throughout the game. Don’t leave your seat when the dance team takes the field as you wouldn’t want to miss these talented performers.

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Fight Songs

  1. On to Victory

    On to victory,
    our team will fight and, do or die,
    old New Hampshire’s here,
    we’ll raise our banners high.
    For alma mater dear,
    New Hampshire, fight with all your might!
    On to victory,
    forever blue and white!

  2. New Hampshire Hymn

    Fair stands she, all glorious,
    New Hampshire, strong and free.
    Hail to thee victorious!
    New Hampshire, dear to me;
    When years bring shadows,
    Dark’ning life’s sea,
    Then, radiant, all glorious,
    New Hampshire, thou shalt be.

  3. New Hampshire Colors

    We’ll take our stand for New Hampshire
    Loyal to colors true
    White from ever lasting hill
    and from the ocean blue
    Wherever college men gather
    long her worth we’ll tell
    All your sons and your daughters stand to
    Sing your praises Alma Mater Hail.

  4. UNH Cheer

    [drums] Go!
    [drums] Go! Go, Cats! Go, Cats! Go, Cats! Go!
    [chords] U!
    [chords] N!
    [chords] H!
    [music…]
    Let’s go Cats!
    [music…]
    U-N-H! [drums]
    U-N-H! [drums]
    U-N-H! [drums]
    U-N-H! [drums]
    [tag]

  5. New Hampshire Alma Mater

    New Hampshire, alma mater,
    all hail, all hail to thee!
    Behind thee tow’r the mountains,
    before thee roars the sea.
    Thy sons and daughters ever
    thy praises loud will sing.
    New Hampshire, alma mater,
    accept our offering.

    We love thee, old New Hampshire,
    and to the white and blue,
    where’er our work shall call us,
    we always will be true.
    We’ll ever guard thy honor,
    bright shall thy mem’ry be.
    New Hampshire, alma mater,
    all hail, all hail to thee!

New Hampshire Wildcats Bars & Restaurants

  1. Thirsty Moose Tap House

    Thirsty Moose Tap House

    The Thirsty Moose Taphouse in Dover is the cure for the common bar. With beer and food to suit your mood. When you visit you’ll find over 70 tap lines and also enjoy American bar and grill style cuisine made from scratch!

    83 Washington St, Dover, NH 03820, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  2. 7th Settlement Brewery

    Settlement Brewery beer

    7th Settlement Brewery is a 7 barrel craft brewery and farm-to-table restaurant.

    47 Washington St, Dover, NH 03820, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Cara Irish Pub

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

    Cara Irish Pub & Restaurant is a beautifully appointed Irish Pub & Restaurant with fine food in a relaxed atmosphere.

    11 4th St, Dover, NH 03820, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  4. Blue Latitudes

    Blue Latitudes

    Highlighting Downeast American sensibilities with a traveler’s sense of adventure the cuisine is handcrafted, beautifully presented, and always flavorful.

    431 Central Ave, Dover, NH 03820, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Sonny’s Tavern

    Sonnys Tavern

    A 70-seat restaurant and bar with a focus on fine-tuned cocktails, inspired "down home" comfort food, and top-notch personal service.

    328 Central Ave, Dover, NH 03820, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. The Stone Church

    The Stone Church

    Live-music venue featuring craft brews & Mexican chow in an 1832 meeting house with a beer garden.

    5 Granite St, Newmarket, NH 03857, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Dover Brick House

    Dover Brick House

    The Dover Brickhouse has 2 Floors with a 250 person capacity. Featuring a simple yet diverse menu along with 26 craft beers on tap.

    2 Orchard St, Dover, NH 03820, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Farm Bar & Grille

    Farm Bar Grille

    The Farm Bar & Grille is more than a restaurant, it's an experience. Enjoy The Farm's delicious homemade fresh food, signature cocktails and lively atmosphere.

    25 Portland Ave, Dover, NH 03820, USA

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  9. Scorpions Bar & Grill

    Owlz Pub Sand Trap Scorpions Bar Grill

    A great place to drink good beers, eat delicious wings, and watch your favorite game on TV.

    45 Main St, Durham, NH 03824, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Wildcat 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

    At Wildcat Pizza, we pride ourselves on preparing a delicious meal for every customer, every time. Our ingredients are fresh, and our staff is friendly and courteous.

    3 Madbury Rd, Durham, NH 03824, USA

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  11. Pauly’s Pockets

    University Broiler Grill

    Mediterranean food eatery known for their falafel pockets.

    49 Main St, Durham, NH 03824, USA

    Bar website

    european - $

  12. Mike Libby’s Bar & Grill

    beer Billy Jacks Wing Draft Shack Roost Great American Pub

    Amazing food menu and a fantastic selection of drinks!

    47 Main St, Durham, NH 03824, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Franz’s Food

    sandwich fries

    "The love of the food and the creative process involved, and the love of my customers who appreciate what I do"

    46 Main St, Durham, NH 03824, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  14. UNH Dairy Bar

    UNH Dairy Bar

    Here at the UNH Dairy Bar, we are focused on healthy foods and sustainability.

    3 Depot Road, Durham, NH 03824, USA

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $

  15. The Works Bakery Cafe

    The Works Baker Cafe

    Taste the difference! No antibiotics, No added hormones, No nitrates or nitrites!

    5 Mill Rd, Durham, NH 03824, USA

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$