Cowboys Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Craig Bohl

Team Mascot: Cowboy Joe

Year Opened: 1950

Capacity: 30181

City / State: Laramie / Wyoming

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Border War

Rival Team: Colorado State Rams

Colorado State and Wyoming have a long-running rivalry that dates back all the way to 1899 when the Rams shutout the Cowboys 12-0. The rivalry saw the addition of the Bronze Boot in 1968, which was started by the ROTC detachments of the two schools. Colorado State is probably Wyoming's biggest rival, so make sure to be in attendance for this game if possible.

Paniolo Trophy

Rival Team: Hawaii Warriors

Hawaii and Wyoming play for the Paniolo Trophy when these to Mountain West rivals clash. The trophy gets its name from the Hawaiian word for cowboy and has been contested since 1978 when these two schools first met. Wyoming has a 13-9 all-time lead and has won six of the last seven meetings.

Bridger's Battle

Rival Team: Utah State Aggies

The rivalry between Utah State and Wyoming dates back to 1903 when Aggies shutout Wyoming 46-0. The rivalry has grown since then, and in 2013 it was named Bridger’s Battle with the winner taking home a .50 caliber Rocky Mountain Hawken rifle. The Aggies lead the all-time series 37-24-4, but the Cowboys will look to narrow the gap when these two rivals meet this season.

Cowboys Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating is not only permitted at all the parking lots around Wyoming’s War Memorial Stadium; it is actually encouraged. There is a great deal of tailgating to be had at Wyoming as the fans come out in strong numbers to party before the game and support their team, so come prepared to let down your hair and join in on the pregame fun.

You’ll find Cowboys fans come from all over the state to see Wyoming football games in Laramie.  Wyoming may be one of the least populated states in the union, but that doesn’t mean that the fans who come to Cowboys football games are any less passionate than those of more populated states like New York. In fact, you’ll find there is a deep level of camaraderie among Cowboys fans as everyone here loves Wyoming.

Wyoming fans aren’t afraid to go big when it comes to tailgating as there are plenty of people who not only have their own large tailgate parties, but they also have their own large smokers. Don’t be afraid to go all out when attending a Wyoming tailgate as you surely won’t be the only one who looks like they’re ready to throw the biggest party of their life.

At Wyoming, you’ll also find a wealth of pregame activities to take part in thanks to the Pepsi Pregame Zone. Inside the Indoor Practice Facility, you’ll find anything you could possible want in a tailgate experience including food, drinks, live music, and plenty of fun pregame activities like football toss and bouncy houses.

Traditions

The Cowboy Walk

Come on out and cheer on the ‘Boys before the game as they make their way from the hotel to the the stadium. Make sure to arrive early as spots fill up quick along the parade route.

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Bar Band

The night before a Cowboys game the band goes out to the bars and plays both the school's fight song and the Beer song, so keep your eyes out for them when partying the night before the game.

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Where to tailgate

Cowboys Stadium Guide

In Game

One of the most unique things about attending a game at War Memorial Stadium is the fact it is the highest Division I college football stadium. Listed officially at 7,220 feet above sea level, War Memorial Stadium is more than a mile above sea level providing Wyoming quite the home field advantage.

The mountainous location of War Memorial Stadium also leads to it providing a fantastic view as the stadium is set right between the Rocky Mountains and the Laramie Range. You’ll find the drive to Laramie and views from the stadium are second to none when it comes to taking in natural beauty at a college football game.

It’s not just the amazing location and views of War Memorial Stadium that make a trip to see the Cowboys highly enjoyable; the fans also provide a rocking atmosphere that is well worth the price of admission. You’ll find a great party atmosphere here in Laramie as everyone no matter what their age loves to get up and get loud when supporting the Cowboys. The music played throughout the game also really plays to the crowd by playing a variety of country music and classic rock, which keeps the energy level high even when things aren’t going the Cowboys way.

Things to check out

The Arch

The Arch was built in 2010 and is a massive free standing video screen that provides fans excellent replays of all the action on the field. The Arch also serves a bit part in the Cowboys pregame entrance as before every game Wyoming runs through the Arch onto the field.

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Cowboy Tough and Fanning a Twister statues

Located right by the Arch Cowboy Tough features a cowboy riding a bucking bronco. Fanning a Twister is located at the main entrance of the athletic complex and portrays the Cowboy spirit just like Cowboy Tough, so stop by both of these statues for the excellent photo op they provide.

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Western Thunder Marching Band

The Wyoming marching band is fun to watch and keeps everyone pumped up and engaged with the action on the field throughout the game. The band also put on a great halftime show, which gauging the reaction from the crowd shows how amped the band gets the fans.

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Pistol Pete

Pistol Pete is the cowboy mascot of the Wyoming Cowboys. Throughout the game, fans can see Pistol Pete entertaining the crowd on the sidelines. Keep your eyes peeled for Pistol Pete and his crazy antics.

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Cowboy Joe

Cowboy Joe is Wyoming’s pony mascot who is primarily seen at football games. Cowboy Joe pumps up the crowd when he takes the field, so be ready to get excited when you see Wyoming’s famous pony take the field.

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Fight Songs

  1. Ragtime Cowboy Joe

    Cowboys fans stand and clap when the Western Thunder perform this song and at the end everyone spells out Cowboys and chants Cowboys! twice.

    He always sings raggy music
    to his cattle as he swings
    Back and forward in his saddle
    on a horse (pretty good horse!)
    He’s a syncopated gaiter
    And you out to hear the meter
    to the roar of his repeater
    How they run (yes run!)
    When they hear him come,
    because the western folks all know,
    He’s a high fallutin’, rootin’ tootin’
    Son of a gun from old Wyoming
    Ragtime Cowboy, (talk about your cowboy),  Ragtime Cowboy Joe.
    C-O-W-B-O-Y-S!
    COWBOYS!
    COWBOYS!

  2. Fight, Wyoming, Fight

    Wyoming’s primary fight song

    Come on, Cowboys, gold and brown!
    Show them how, boys, hold them down!
    Start right now, boys, don’t’ delay,
    Break away, win today.
    Take that ball, and one, two, three!
    Carry on triumphantly — Come on and fight! Fight! Fight, you Cowboys, fight!
    Come on and fight to victory!

  3. The Beer Song

    In Heaven, there is no beer
    No beer!
    That’s why we drink it here
    Right here!
    And where we’re going from here,
    Our friends will be drinking our beer.

Cowboys Bars & Restaurants

  1. Jacques 3rd Street Bar & Grill

    Highlands Grill The Boathouse

    An awesome bar with great food and drinks!

    216 Grand Ave, Laramie, WY 82070, USA

    307-742-5522

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. Coal Creek Tap

    Coal Creek Tap beer

    We've got something for everyone's palate: a light, fruity and refreshing pilsner; a rich and creamy smoked porter, a variety of pale ales and IPA's, and big, bright and spicy Belgians!

    108 Grand Ave, Laramie, WY 82070, USA

    307-460-9556

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Front Street Tavern

    Front Street Tavern beer

    Awesome place to hang out, fantastic food and drinks!

    213 S 1st St, Laramie, WY 82070, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Lovejoy’s Bar & Grill

    Lovejoys Bar and Grill fries burger

    Where the menu is creative and the beer is cold!

    101 Grand Ave, Laramie, WY 82070, USA

    307-745-0141

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Alibi Pub

    Alibi Pub

    The Alibi Pub is a great place to gather with friends and family! Wood-fired menu, serving lunch dinner and weekend breakfast.

    404 S 4th St, Laramie, WY 82070, USA

    307-745-9738

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  6. The Buckhorn

    The Buckhorn bar

    Whether you're looking for a refreshing drink, a fun night out dancing, or the love of your life, the Buckhorn is the home to it all and much much more.

    114 E Ivinson St, Laramie, WY 82070, USA

    307-742-3554

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  7. Cowboy Bar

    Cowboy Bar pool

    Locally owned and Wyoming proud. The Cowboy Saloon is Laramie's premier country bar.

    108 S 2nd St, Laramie, WY 82070, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Altitude Chophouse & Brewery

    Altitude Chophouse and Brewery

    Altitude Chophouse and brewery focuses on hand crafting a high-quality chophouse fare created through culinary techniques fused with western heritage.

    320 S 2nd St, Laramie, WY 82070, USA

    307-721-4031

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$

  9. Born In A Barn

    Born In A Barn

    They offer 16 wing sauces, 17 burgers, and a wide selection of liquor and beer. Every week brings a new burger special.

    100 E Ivinson St, Laramie, WY 82070, USA

    307-460-3604

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  10. Mingle’s Lounge

    Mingles Lounge

    Its a great place to come have a drink among friends. With a friendly atmosphere, plenty of pool tables and a fun and frolic ambiance.

    3206 Grand Ave, Laramie, WY 82070, USA

    307-721-8120

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  11. Library Sports Grille and Brewery

    Library Sports Grille and Brewery

    We produce grub and pub style cuisine at an affordable price, in a kid-friendly atmosphere.

    201 E Custer St, Laramie, WY 82070, USA

    307-742-0500

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  12. O’Dwyers

    O Dwyers

    Locally owned and operated Irish and American style bar and restaurant offering homestyle meals, quality craft beers, and stellar customer service.

    1622 Grand Ave, Laramie, WY 82070, USA

    307-742-3900

    Bar website

    american - european - $$

  13. Crowbar & Grill

    Crowbar Grill

    Built around the concept of a laid back neighborhood gathering place with fresh approachable food, daily cocktail and draft specials and a knowledgeable and friendly staff.

    202 S 2nd St, Laramie, WY 82070, USA

    307-460-2756

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $$

  14. Bagelmakers

    Bagelmakers

    Home of the best bagels!

    252 N 3rd St, Laramie, WY 82072, USA

    307-721-7000

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  15. Sweet Melissa’s

    Sweet Melissa

    Serving comfort food for the homesick vegetarian since 1999.

    213 S 1st St, Laramie, WY 82070, USA

    307-742-9607

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. J’s Prairie Rose Cafe

    The Camellia Grill fries

    The cafe is your local hole in wall diner. It has amazing regulars and new faces everyday.

    410 S 2nd St, Laramie, WY 82070, USA

    307-745-8140

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $