The rivalry between the Hilltoppers and the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders dates back to 1914 making it the oldest rivalry in Hilltoppers history. The Blue Raiders won the first meeting 47-0, but the series has been much closer since then with the Blue Raiders holding a slim 33-29-1 lead. Only 100 miles separate these two universities meaning you’ll see plenty of fans from both schools making the trip to see these two bitter rivals duke it out.
Eastern Kentucky are the Hilltoppers most played opponent having met each other 85 times on the gridiron since 1914. The Colonels won the first meeting 34-6. However Western Kentucky has gotten their revenge having won the majority of the meetings between these two rivals with a 46-35-3 lead in the all-time series. Since moving to the FBS Western Kentucky’s meetings with Eastern Kentucky have been sporadic, so make sure to attend the game when the Colonels are in town as you’ll never know when you’ll be able to see this matchup next.
Western Kentucky’s rivalry with Murray State dates back to when these two teams were both members of the Ohio Valley Conference. Since Western Kentucky departed to join the FBS these two schools have not met on an annual basis, however, they still play for Red Belt whenever they get together.
WKU Hilltoppers Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Tailgating is a big part of gameday culture at Western Kentucky meaning you’ll find a wide variety of different tailgates that all offer something a little bit different. The students love to get wild and party hard before the game, however, never fear if you’re coming with your family to the game Western Kentucky offers plenty of family-friendly pregame activities as well.
Each gameday the students, including the fraternities and sororities, meet on “The Hill” even in the pouring rain, pop off their shirts, break out the coolers and boom boxes, and throw one of the wildest parties the south has ever seen. It looks like a music video, people everywhere, music so loud you can’t hear, and red solo cups as far as the eye can see. If you need something to wet your whistle you can find it here, whatever your taste may be.
While there are plenty of pregame options for those looking to party hard the school has also set up an area that the whole family can enjoy. Topper Town is a kids feature inflatables and sorts of family activities. If you’re bringing the little ones to a Western Kentucky game, then make sure to stop by Topper Town where the kids will have a blast.
Western Kentucky fans also love to show off their Hilltoppers pride and there is no better way to do so then by attending the Topper Walk. The Topper Walk starts two and a half hours before kickoff and allows fans to cheer on the team as they make their way into the stadium. No matter what your tailgating scene you’ll have a blast tailgating at Western Kentucky.
When at Western Kentucky make sure and snap a picture with the Big Red statue. If you can’t get a picture with the real deal then this is the next best option, so stop by and show off your Hilltoppers pride by grabbing a pic with this statue of the iconic mascot.
Before heading onto the field all the players touch the Red Towel sculpture located in front of Diddle Arena. The sculpture is a full-scale replica of Coach Diddle’s towel and is a must see for all Western Kentucky fans.
Come on out and cheer on the entire WKU football team as they enter the stadium two hours and a half hours before kickoff. Topper Walk starts on Avenue of Champions where the team buses will drop off the players and coaches so they can walk into the stadium alongside the WKU cheerleaders, Topperettes, the marching band, and Big Red.
If you’re looking for the wildest tailgating action Western Kentucky has to offer then look no further than The Hill. The Hill is a popular student tailgate spot where you’ll find students drinking and getting rowdy before the game, so make sure to stop by if you’re looking for a wild and fun tailgating experience.
If you’re bringing the entire family to the tailgate then there is no better place to be before the game than Topper Town. Here you’ll find a bunch of fun activities that the entire family can take part in including inflatables and face painting. The fun starts three hours before the game kicks off and is free to enter, so make sure to stop by Topper Town located at the center of the campus on the lawn of Bates Runner Hall off of the Avenue of Champions.
The HillIf you’re looking for the wildest tailgating action Western Kentucky has to offer then look no further than The Hill. The Hill is a popular student tailgate spot where you’ll find students drinking and getting rowdy before the game, so make sure to stop by if you’re looking for a wild and fun tailgating experience.
Topper TownIf you’re bringing the entire family to the tailgate then there is no better place to be before the game than Topper Town. Here you’ll find a bunch of fun activities that the entire family can take part in including inflatables and face painting. The fun starts three hours before the game kicks off and is free to enter, so make sure to stop by Topper Town located at the center of the campus on the lawn of Bates Runner Hall off of the Avenue of Champions.
WKU Hilltoppers Stadium Guide
In Game
Western Kentucky’s Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium seats a little over 22,000 fans and provides a close-knit feeling that you won’t find at a lot of larger venues. The smaller size creates a cozy feeling that is amplified by the fact that Western Kentucky is home to some of the most diehard fans out there.
The current students at Western Kentucky take Hilltoppers football seriously and are very devoted to their team. There is a lot of pride among the students, and they are very determined to show that they can match the same level of fan support found at other larger in state universities like Kentucky and Louisville. They have become devoted to showing that they can party just as hard and cheer just as loud. Their dedication shows as all throughout the game you’ll hear the loud roar of the crowd regardless of the score.
It’s not just the current students that are very dedicated to supporting the Hilltoppers, but the alumni as well. The alumni fans at Western Kentucky are very knowledgeable about their team and love to share their stories with anyone who is willing to listen, so don’t be afraid to start a conversation with someone if you want to learn more about the great tradition of Hilltoppers football.
The food inside of the stadium is also top notch. Available on the east side of the stadium you can find; Chaney’s Dairy Barn ice cream, tex-mex options such as fajitas, tacos and super nachos, Cincinnati chili including chili dogs, also a special kids area that holds hot dogs, cotton candy, various sweets, candy and a kids meal special.
On the west side of the stadium, fans can choose from Pizza Hut Wing Street. Here you can pick up personal pan pizzas and boneless wings. You will also find a special grill stand with grilled chicken, chicken tenders, barbecue ribs and grilled sausage. If you have a pang of hunger that can’t be satisfied by any of the other options than it’s time for you to try and take on the “Man vs. Hilltopper Burger.” The Hilltopper Burger is a one-pound burger and french fries and wash that down with something from the slushy station.
Throughout Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium you’ll find banners commemorating current players as well as all-time greats. You’ll even be able to see banners celebrating the school’s 2002 national championship. These banners do a great job of showing off the pride and tradition of Western Kentucky football, so make sure to check them out during your visit.
When at Western Kentucky make sure and snap a picture with the Big Red statue. If you can’t get a picture with the real deal then this is the next best option, so stop by and show off your Hilltoppers pride by grabbing a pic with this statue of the iconic mascot.
The band at Western Kentucky puts on a great show and keeps everyone pumped up to cheer on the Hilltoppers all throughout the game. Stay in your seats at halftime, as you wouldn’t want to miss the excellent performance of this incredible marching band.
Before heading onto the field all the players touch the Red Towel sculpture located in front of Diddle Arena. The sculpture is a full-scale replica of Coach Diddle’s towel and is a must see for all Western Kentucky fans.
Fight Songs
Stand Up and Cheer
WKU Fight Song
Stand Up And Cheer, Stand Up And Cheer For Dear Old Western For Today We Raise The Red And White Above The Rest Rah! Rah! Rah!
Our Boys Are Fighting, And We Are Bound To Win This Fray We’ve Got The Team We’ve got the Steam For This Is Dear Old Western’s Day!
College Heights
College Heights, on hilltop fair,
With beauty all thine own,
Lovely jewel far more rare
Than graces any throne!
College Heights, we hail thee;
We shall never fail thee
Falter never, live forever,
Hail! Hail! Hail!
College Heights with living soul
And purpose strong and true,
Service ever is thy goal
Thy spirit ever new.
College Heights, we hail thee;
We shall never fail thee
Falter never, live forever,
Hail! Hail! Hail!
College Heights thy noble life,
Shall e’er our pattern be,
Teaching us through joy and strife
To love humanity.
College Heights we hail thee,
We shall never fail thee,
Falter never, live forever,
Hail! Hail! Hail!
My Old Kentucky Home
The sun shines bright in My Old Kentucky Home, ‘Tis summer, the people are gay; The corn-top’s ripe and the meadow’s in the bloom While the birds make music all the day. The young folks roll on the little cabin floor, All merry, all happy and bright; By ‘n’ by hard times comes a knocking at the door, Then My Old Kentucky Home, good night!
(Chorus) Weep no more my lady Oh weep no more today; We will sing one song For My Old Kentucky Home For My Old Kentucky Home, far away.
440 provides the perfect setting for special occasions and corporate events. In additional to a diverse menu that features Steak, Seafood and New Orleans Cuisine, our Chef takes great pride in creating Nightly Specials using fresh ingredients grown in Kentucky.
Established in 1994, our restaurant is one in the same, offering a casual Bar & Grill, as well as an upscale Dining Room. Both menus are offered on either side, and there is no dress code.
The two-story restored 1893 Fletcher House plays host to both first-rate meals and service whether you are enjoying dinner for two in the restaurant, drinks with friends in the bar or a private function in the upstairs meeting space.
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