Hokies Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Brent Pry

Team Mascot: Hokie Bird, Gobbler

Year Opened: 1965

Capacity: 65632

City / State: Blacksburg / Virginia

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Commonwealth Cup

Rival Team: Virginia Cavaliers

The Commonwealth Cup is awarded each year to the winner of the Virginia Tech vs. Virginia football game. The teams first met in 1895 when the Cavaliers shutout the Hokies 38-0. However, since then the Hokies have made up for that defeat taking a 54-37-5 advantage in the rivalry, while also winning the last 11 meetings. The Hokies hope to keep this trend going in the coming seasons.

Virginia Tech vs Miami

Rival Team: Miami Hurricanes

The Hokies and Hurricanes rivalry is unique in that these conference rivals have met in a bowl game not once but twice having faced each other in the 1966 Liberty Bowl as well as the 1980 Peach Bowl. The rivalry was one-sided up until 1995 when the Hokies beat the Hurricanes for the first time. Since then the Hokies have gotten the better of their rivals winning 13 of the last 20 meetings.

Virginia Tech vs Boston College

Rival Team: Boston College Eagles

The rivalry between VT and BC began in the Big East in 1993 and had carried over to the ACC. The two schools met twice in both 2007 and 2008 with the Hokies claiming the conference championship both times.

Virginia Tech vs Georgia Tech

Rival Team: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

The two teams first met in 1990 when Georgia Tech edged out Virginia Tech 6-3. However, the rivalry did not become a regular thing until the Hokies joined the ACC in 2004. The Hokies and Yellow Jackets have traded off winning the ACC Coastal Division since then further fueling this budding rivalry.

Hokies Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

There is  lots of pride and passion on display whenever the Hokies play as Hokies fans are very loyal to their team. Everywhere you look at a Virginia Tech tailgate, you’ll see fans adorn in the traditional colors of maroon and orange. Often there will be a Maroon Effect or Orange Effect going on for the game, so make sure to wear the right color so you’ll fit in at the tailgate.

A Virginia Tech tailgate has a lot to offer as people come from far and wide to root on their Hokies to victory. Here you’ll find a wide variety of both breakfast and lunch/dinner foods that are sure to leave you feeling full. You can start off the tailgate with a breakfast consisting of pancakes and biscuits before later filling up on some Hokie fan favorites like sweet potato fries, bacon wrapped corn and pulled pork sandwiches.

You’ll find lots of Virginia Tech pride and great food at a Hokies tailgate, so arrive early and take full advantage of everything the tailgate has to offer.

Traditions

Team Walk

Before every game the Highty-Tighties marching band leads the Hokies football team from the Athletic Center to Lane stadium. Stop by and cheer on the Hokies as they make their way to the stadium.

play Watch video

Turkey Legs

Turkey legs are a popular food at Virginia Tech. If you want to make friends quickly and fit in at a Hokies tailgate, then make sure to serve turkey legs as they’ll be a huge hit.

play Watch video

Where to tailgate

Hokies Stadium Guide

In Game

The fans at Virginia Tech are some of the loudest in the nation making Lane Stadium one of the best college football venues in the country. The fans here are so loud that in 2007, an ESPN poll named Lane Stadium as the toughest place to play in the nation. 

Before every game, HokieBird leads the charge out onto the field while the PA system blares Metallica’s “Enter the Sandman.” Thousands of Hokies fans cheer and applaud as their favorite team gets ready to take down the opposition. The most famous pregame cheer is one where half of the stadium chants “LET’S GO” while the other half yells “HOKIES.” The entrance sets the tone for the electric atmosphere of a Virginia Tech game.

Come prepared to experience one of the best atmospheres in college football when attending a Virginia Tech game. The atmosphere at Virginia Tech is incredible and creates an unforgettable college football experience that any football fan will love.

Things to check out

Skipper

Skipper is the name of Virginia Tech’s game cannon and is named to honor John F. Kennedy who skippered a PT boat in WWII. It was built in the early 1960s in response to VMI’s “where’s your cannon chant” and is the world’s largest game cannon. Skipper is fired after the singing of the national anthem as well as after every scoring play. If you’re making your way to Blacksburg for a game make sure to see Skipper while you’re here.

play Watch video

Virginia Tech Athletics Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame , located on the west side of the stadium, features numerous artifacts from famous Hokie athletes and events. Make sure to check out the Virginia Tech Athletics Hall of Fame to learn more about the history of the Hokies during your trip to Blacksburg.

play Watch video

Hokie Stone

As the team runs out onto the field, each player slaps a slab of Hokie Stone for good luck. Hokie Stone is an important part of Virginia Tech University as many university buildings including Lane Stadium are made of this building material. On and off the field Hokie Stone is a unifying feature of Virginia Tech.

play Watch video

Hokie Pokie

The famous dance is a time-honored tradition at Virginia Tech, where you’ll catch the everyone in the crowd putting their right foot in and shaking it all about. Before the end of the third quarter everyone rises to their feet and performs the Hokie Pokie to give their team that lasts little bit of extra motivation.

play Watch video

Turkey Gobble

Every once in awhile a turkey gobble is played over the PA system to pump up the crowd. The tradition started in memory of Floyd “Hard Times” Meade, who was adopted by the Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets and became the school’s first mascot in the 19th century and later brought live turkeys to the game. Listen for the gobble and join in to show your support for the Hokies.

Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets

The freshman cadets perform push-ups on their classmates' shoulders after every Hokies score. Look for the Corps of Cadets during the game to see how many points the Hokies have scored.

play Watch video

HokieBird

HokieBird is the official mascot of Virginia Tech. The concept behind HokieBird dates back to the previous the school’s former nickname, the Fighting Gobblers. Since debuting in 1981 HokieBird has built up quite a reputation and has even been named one of the top mascots in college football. He also plays an active role in the Virginia Tech game day experience as not only does he lead the team onto the field, he also does bench presses after each and every VA Tech score.

play Watch video

Fight Songs

  1. Virginia Tech Alma Mater

    Played after games.

    (Verse)

    Sing praise to Alma Mater dear,

    For V.P.I. we’ll ever cheer;

    Come lift your voices, swell the song,

    Our loyalties to her belong.  

     

    (Chorus)

    So stand and sing, all hail to thee.

    V.P., all hail to thee.  

     

    (Verse)

    The Orange and Maroon you see,

    That’s fighting on to victory;

    Our strife will not be long this day,

    For glory lies within this fray.  

     

    (Verse)

    All loyal sons and daughters, one,

    We raise our banner to the sun;

    Our motto brings a spirit true,

    That we may ever serve you.

  2. Tech Triumph

    Played after the Hokies score.

    Techmen, we’re Techmen, with spirit true and faithful,  

    Backing up our teams with hopes undying;  

    Techmen, Oh, Techmen, we’re out to win today,  

    Showing pep and life with which we’re trying;  

    V.P., old V.P., you know our hearts are with you  

    In our luck which never seems to die;  

    Win or lose, we’ll greet you with a glad returning,  

    You’re the pride of V.P.I.  

     

    Chorus:

    Just watch our men so big and active  

    Support the Orange and Maroon. Let’s go Techs.  

    We know our ends and backs are stronger,  

    With winning hopes, we fear defeat no longer.  

    To see our team plow through the line, boys.  

    Determined now to win or die:  

    So give a Hokie, Hokie, Hokie, Hi,  

    Rae, Ri, old V.P.I.  

     

    Second Verse (seldom used)  

    Fight, men, oh, fight, men, we’re going to be the champions  

    Adding to our list another victory;  

    Football or baseball, the games in which we star,  

    They’re the sports which made old VP famous.  

    Hold’em, just hold’em, you know the Corps’ behind you  

    Watching every movement that you make.  

    Winning games was nothing for our teams before you —  

    Keep the “rep” for VP’s sake.

  3. Carry Me Back

    Carry me back to old Virginia,  

    There’s where the cotton and the corn and taters grow,

    There’s where the birds warble sweet in the springtime,

    There’s where this old darkey’s heart am long’d to go,

    There’s where I labored so hard for old massa,

    Day after day in the field of yellow corn,

    No place on earth do I love more sincerely

    Than old Virginia, the state where I was born.  

     

    CHORUS:

    Carry me back to old Virginia,

    There’s where the cotton and the corn and taters grow,

    There’s where the birds warble sweet in the springtime,

    There’s where this old darkey’s heart am long’d to go.

  4. VPI Victory March

    Verse:

    You’ve seen Mountaineers fumble,

    You’ve been in Hurricanes’ eye,

    And you know ‘ol Syracuse

    Has learned the force of Hokie-Hi.

    Worthy teams from all around,

    Like Hoos from UVA,

    Know a winning team awaits them;

    Victory is ours today.  

     

    Break Strain:

    GO, TECH!

    GO, TECH!

    H-O-K-I-E-S, HOKIES!  
    (Repeat Verse)

  5. Let’s Go Hokies Cheer

    The most famous pre-game cheer where half of the stadium chants “LET’S GO” while the other half yells “HOKIES.”

    Let’s Go Hokies!

    Let’s Go Hokies!

    Let’s Go Hokies!

  6. Old Hokie

    One person shouts, “ONE, TWO! ONE, TWO!”
    Hokie Hokie Hokie Hy
    Tech Tech V.P.I!
    Solah-Rex, Solah-Rah
    Polytech Vir-gin-ia
    Ray Rah V.P.I.
    Team! Team! Team!

Hokies Bars & Restaurants

  1. Marco & Luca

    Marco Luca

    Simple yet tasty.

    725 University City Blvd, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA

    540-552-0028

    Bar website

    asian - $

  2. Top of the Stairs

    Uncle Festers

    Hopping student hangout since 1978 known for BBQ, pub grub, signature cocktails & karaoke night.

    217 College Ave, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA

    540-953-2837

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. Champs Sports Bar & Cafe

    Champs Sports

    Chill sports-centric haunt with pool, darts & shuffleboard, plus a downstairs cafe serving pub grub.

    111 N Main St, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA

    540-951-2222

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Hokie House

    Hokie House

    A venerable bi-level spot for beers, burgers & pub grub, as well as sports on TV, billiards & darts.

    322 N Main St, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA

    540-552-0280

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  5. Sharkey’s Wing & Rib Joint

    Sharkeys Swing

    Looking for great craft beer, a spot to watch the big game, or a place to bring the whole family? Look no further!

    1202 E Main St, Radford, VA 24141, USA

    540-267-3434

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  6. The Rivermill

    Rivermill Bar and Grill

    Rustic, wood-paneled hangout popular for its craft beer selection & loaded tater tots.

    212 Draper Rd NW, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA

    540-951-2483

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Lefty’s Main Street Grille

    Leftys

    Family friendly and an emphasis on creating quality dishes has made Lefty’s a local favorite for the residents of Blacksburg, Christiansburg and countless students of Virginia Tech.

    1410 S Main St, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA

    540-552-7000

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Preston’s

    Prestons

    With farm-to-table style menus, a wide wine selection and the New River Valley’s finest Sunday Brunch, a meal at Preston’s is always a treat.

    901 Prices Fork Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA

    540-231-8000

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Bull and Bones Brewhaus and Grill

    Bull and Bones

    House-brewed beers pair with American fare in a dining room or livelier sports bar with billiards.

    1470 S Main St, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA

    540-953-2855

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. The Cellar Restaurant

    Cellar Restaurant

    Casual Greek-American dining with lots of microbrews in a relaxed environment with a lodgelike feel.

    302 N Main St, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA

    540-953-0651

    Bar website

    american - european - $$