The Holy War is the name given to the rivalry between the BYU Cougars and Utah Utes. The rivalry between the two universities stems from the stark contrast between the cultures of these two Utah-based institutions. BYU is a private religious institution while Utah is a public state school. The two schools have been playing since 1896 and the winner of the annual contests walk away with the Beehive Boot. The Utes lead the all-time series 57-34-4 and will look to expand the gap this season.
The rivalry between Utah and Utah state is the twelfth most played rivalry in college football with the two teams having met 111 times. Utah has won 22 of the last 25 meetings and held a 79-29-4 all-time series lead.
Colorado and Utah played every year from 1903-1962. However, the rivalry remained dormant until conferences realigned in 2011. The rivalry has been reignited since as both teams currently play annually in the Pac-12 South. Colorado leads the all-time series 31-27-3, but the Utes have won 3 of the four meetings since the rivalry was revived.
Utes Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Depending on where you’re from tailgating at Utah may seem a bit subdued compared to what you’re used to, but that doesn’t mean won’t still have a great time. Most importantly though Utah fans will be the first to inform you that their tailgates are way better than BYU tailgates and that’s all that matters to many. Grab a drink and fire up a grill as you’ll surely have a great time tailgating before a Utes game.
For what they may lack in wild drunken escapades, Utes fans make up for it in passion. Utes fans are incredibly passionate in the stadium, so it should be no surprise that the same passion carries over to their tailgates. The tailgates here often start the night before as people camp out to tailgate meaning that if you want to get the most out of your tailgating experience forget about getting to the game five or even six hours early since you can get there eight or even ten hours early. Come on down to a Utah tailgate to experience the best tailgate in the state and to see the outstanding passion Utes fans have for the game.
Every game the team is led by the marching band from 500 South and Guardsman Way to the stadium. During the Ute Walk the team and staff are cheered on by fans, while the spirit team throws t-shirts to the crowd of fans. Get to the game early so you can witness this great tradition.
After every Utes victory the U engraved on the side of the mountain behind the university is lit up in celebration. Witness this fun tradition after watching the Utes take down the opposition.
Not many stadiums can boast that they held the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic games, and RES still has the cauldron to prove it. The large, spiraling structure is at the sound end of the stadium and is a unique feature to view up close.
A large, block letter U is located in the foothills near the stadium and is the official symbol of the University of Utah. Besides being a cool feature to look at during the day, the Block U lights up after a Ute victory. Look for the U to be lit up after attending a Utes game.
Where to tailgate
Tailgate Island and Guardsman LotTailgate Island and the Guardsman Lot, south-east of the stadium at Guardsman Way and 500 South, are the designated tailgating areas and are full of dedicated tailgaters. Make sure to buy a pass online if you want to park in these lots or if you don’t mind the walking park in a general lot and walk over for the tailgate.
Utes Stadium Guide
In Game
Don’t mess with the MUSS (The Mighty Utah Student Section). The MUSS is one of the best student sections around having consistently been rated as one of the top five student sections in the country. The student sections at Utes games is buzzing as they do everything they can to give their team an advantage whether it’s stomping their feet or cheering on a woman as she dances wildly.
The fans outside of the student section are no slouches either as they brim with passion as well. These are not only some of the most passionate fans in the country but also some of the most knowledgeable around. If you’re looking for good football conversation, then you’ve come to the right place as people here will be happy to talk shop as long as you’re friendly. The passion of these fans can easily be seen by the fact that last season alone the Utes broke five attendance records.
It’s not just the fans and atmosphere inside the stadium that make a trip to Utah a must. The scenery around Rice-Eccles Stadium is gorgeous. The mountains surrounding the stadium are majestic and give a great backdrop to the excellent football game you’re witnessing on the field. If you’re looking to take in a great game of football in a beautiful city, look no further than a Utah Utes football game.
The University of Utah’s Army ROTC operates a canon on the sidelines, which fires a 10-gauge shotgun blank when Utah scores. Called Ute Thunder, the cannon was built in 1904 and used during training for World War I. Look and listen for Ute Thunder as the Utah runs up the score on the opposition.
The band plays the Blues Brothers theme song before halftime of each home game, a tradition that started when an elderly fan known as Bubbles danced enthusiastically to the song when the band first played it. It energized the crowd so much that it became a tradition. Crazy Lady (actually named Terri Jackson) took over after Bubbles retired, and the tradition moved from before the fourth quarter to its current time before halftime. Watch as Crazy Lady energizes the crowd with her wild dancing.
While many student sections in college football stand for the duration of the game and cheer loudly, The Muss is truly special in with its traditions. The MUSS gets its name from school’s fight song and has been named one of the top five student sections in all of college football. There is no better place to sit then in the MUSS if you really want to show off your Utes pride.
A spinoff of the MUSS, the FUSS alumni fan group sits in the north end zone and continues to uphold the traditions started by the MUSS like the Third Down Jump. It was formed in 2007 and is comprised mostly of younger alumni who graduated within the past 15 years, although there are some older diehards in the mix.
Fans in the MUSS form a U with their hands and chop to the beat whenever the band plays a specific percussion song
Fight Songs
Utah Man
Utah’s primary fight song
I am a Utah man, sir, and I live across the green.
Our gang, it is the jolliest that you have ever seen.
Our coeds are the fairest and each one’s a shining star.
Our yell, you hear it ringing through the mountains near and far.
Salt Lake City’s premier dining establishment, specializing in modern American cuisine featuring seasonal refined dishes and approachable comfort food enjoyed in a casually elegant setting with impeccable service.
Pizza Napoletana is made with a soft dough and takes about one minute to cook in a wood-burning oven. Because of this, Pizza Napoletana has several distinctive characteristics.
The Tavernacle Social Club has been Downtown Salt Lake City's most wild dueling piano show since 2002 and is still the craziest sing-a-long party in Utah.
Watch video
