Broncos Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Lance Taylor

Team Mascot: Buster Bronco

Year Opened: 1939

Capacity: 30200

City / State: Kalamazoo / Michigan

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Victory Cannon

Rival Team: Central Michigan University

The battle for the Victory Cannon takes place each year when the Broncos meet their instate rivals the Central Michigan Chippewas. The atmosphere for this game is always spirited, and you can cut the tension in the stadium with a knife when these two instate rivals get together. The fans step up their cheering and tailgating skills up 5 levels for this game, so if you can only make it to one Broncos game, this is the one to be at.

Michigan MAC Trophy

Rival Team: Eastern Michigan University

In addition to having a healthy rivalry with fellow MAC school Central Michigan, there is also a fierce competition between Western and Eastern Michigan as well. All three Michigan-based MAC schools compete for the Michigan MAC Trophy, which gives yearly bragging rights to whoever performs the best in the matchups between these three instate rivals.

Broncos Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating kicks off bright and early at Western Michigan with the lots surround the stadium opening up four hours before kickoff. There is plenty of space to tailgate here at Western Michigan. You’ll find 16 tailgating lots surrounding Waldo Stadium all packed to the brim with Broncos fans dressed from head to toe in brown and gold.

WMU has some of the loosest tailgating rules in the NCAA which turns the entire campus into one giant party on game day, most notably Lot 105 by Health and Human Services. The rowdy party atmosphere isn’t just confined to the students. The alumni, parents, and locals all come out to party hard before cheering on the Broncos creating one of the craziest game day atmospheres not only in the MAC but the entire Midwest.

To add to the party atmosphere, there are two DJ’s set up playing the latest pop, dance, electronic, hip-hop, and all other kinds of music. Local bands and rap artists will also set up impromptu mini-concerts in the parking lots to pump the crowd up and push their album sales. Najee “Rocky” Hubbard one of the up and coming local rappers has a song called “Brown and Yellow” that he frequently performs on game day at the tailgates; it’s a student favorite and gets a fair amount of local radio play.
Come prepared to party hard when attending a Western Michigan tailgate since you’ll find plenty of room to set up a tailgate and join in on the raucous atmosphere Kalamazoo has to offer.

Traditions

The tailgate DJs do an incredible job of adding to the party atmosphere you’ll find at Western Michigan. The DJs here, much like the fans, love to party so come prepared to get down during your trip to Kalamazoo.

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Lot 105

Lot 105 is the official student tailgate lot at Western Michigan, so if you’re looking to tailgate with fellow students than there is no better place to do so than Lot 105. Come prepared to let loose and join in on the game day fun when tailgating with your fellow students.

Where to tailgate

Broncos Stadium Guide

In Game

The raucous party atmosphere from the Western Michigan tailgate carries over to the game. You’ll find a fun and unique atmosphere inside Waldo Stadium where the stands are packed full of Broncos fans cheering on their team.

When former head coach P.J Fleck took the reigns of the Broncos program, he immediately began instituting new gameday traditions that set the atmosphere inside Waldo Stadium apart from anywhere else in the MAC or all of college football. One of the most notable additions is DJ ILL MIXX. The DJ here at Western Michigan has been outfitted with additional wiring and speaker systems by the athletic department so that he can match the same level of noise as the band. DJ ILL MIXX helps carry over the party atmosphere from the parking lots and puts a unique twist on the game day atmosphere found inside of Waldo Stadium.

Another one of Coach Fleck’s additions to Broncos game day traditions is The Row, which starts off the fourth quarter. When he first arrived at Western Michigan Coach Fleck instituted the “Row the Boat” mantra meaning everyone works together to achieve the team’s goals.  During The Row, fans hop to their feet and the band and the DJ drop what sounds like a pounding rap song, the crowd turns to their right and begins to chant along ROW ROW ROW while performing a rowing motion. Make sure to join in on this one of a kind gameday tradition to truly feel a part of the crowd when attending a Western Michigan game.

To bring all of Coach Fleck’s new traditions to a head at the end of the game the Alma Mater is played, followed by one of the players jumping up into the band to lead them in the fight song. Win or Lose, the player, is lifted by his teammates up into the band pit where he grabs an oar and uses it to act as the conductor of the WMU band.

Come prepared to party hard and cheer loud throughout the game when making the visit to Kalamazoo to watch the Broncos.

Things to check out

Seelye Center

The eight-story tall Seelye Center houses all of the Western Michigan football operations and is also home to the Seelye club seats, which offer an excellent view of the field from the northeast end zone. If not sitting in the Seelye club seats at the very least take a minute to look at the list of All-Americans listed on the Seelye Center to pay tribute to some of the greatest Broncos of all-time including Greg Jennings and John Offerdahl.

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Hills

The hills located on both sides of the main grandstand at Waldo Stadium offer a great place for fans to hang out during the game. Regardless of whether you’re sunbathing during the early fall or making snowballs late in the season the hills always offer a fun place to take in a Broncos game.

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Row the Boat

Under head coach P.J. Fleck the Row the Boat mantra has become a popular part of Broncos game day. Each game fans start off the fourth quarter by chanting ROW ROW ROW and performing a rowing motion.

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Bronco Marching Band

The Bronco Marching Band put on an outstanding show throughout the game keeping the atmosphere electrified throughout the game. Things get kicked off with the pregame show and only get better from there, so make sure to get to your seat early to get the most out of your Broncos game day experience.

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Buster Bronco

Buster Bronco has been the official Western Michigan mascot since 1988 and has been entertaining Broncos fans ever since. You’ll never know what Buster will do next, so keep an eye out for him throughout the game.

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Fight Songs

  1. WMU Fight Song

    Fight on, fight on for Western;
    Take the ball, make a score, win the game. Onward for the Brown and Gold;
    Push ‘em back, push ‘em back, bring us fame.
    Fight on, fight on for Western;
    Over one, over all, we will reign.
    Fight, Broncos fight! Fight with all your might.
    Western win this game!

  2. Brown and Gold

    Western Michigan alma mater

    Western we sing to you,
    Brown and Gold,
    Western we bring to you,
    faith untold.
    You challenge and inspire;
    your hope is our desire.
    We sing to you our Alma Mater,
    Brown and Gold.

Broncos Bars & Restaurants

  1. Rugger’s Up & Under

    Ruggers Up and Under

    A cool place to hang out with friends, play pool, darts, ping-pong, video games while having some really good drinks!

    711 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA

    269-373-1412

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  2. Old Burdick’s Bar & Grill

    Old Burdicks Bar and Grill burger

    From pub fare to gourmet burgers and fresh salads, we have a variety of menu items that will satiate almost every palate and appetite.

    100 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA

    269-343-0032

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Harveys on the Mall

    Harveys on the Mall pizza

    Delivering an exceptional spot for locals to cheer on their favorite team while enjoying craft beer, craft & specialty cocktails, a glass of wine and one-of-a-kind cuisine, Harvey’s on the Mall is quickly becoming the choice place for a great time in Kalamazoo.

    416 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA

    269-492-7506

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  4. Central City Tap House

    Central City Tap House

    We take our food and beer very seriously.

    359 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA

    269-492-0100

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. The Old Goat Tavern

    The Old Goat Tavern

    A place to enjoy a cold Michigan Microbrew, a great Burger and a level of service and quality that will keep you coming back for years to come.

    2731 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, USA

    269-382-6000

    Bar website

    american - $

  6. Kalamazoo Beer Exchange

    Kalamazoo Beer Exchange

    From around the world and just down the street, The Kalamazoo Beer Exchange is populated with 28 incredible draught beers at unbelievable prices.

    211 E Water St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA

    269-532-1188

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Rupert’s Brew House

    Ruperts Brew House

    Kalamazoo's friendliest microbrewery. Low key atmosphere during the day, nice & relaxing to have a few pints at night.

    773 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA

    269-337-9911

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. O’Duffy’s Pub

    ODuffys

    A place to meet friends, both old and new, share stories, all without the distraction of television. O'Duffy's is Kalamazoo's only real pub, family-owned, real food, real beer, and really wonderful people.

    804 W Vine St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA

    269-381-9771

    Bar website

    european - $$

  9. Waldo’s Campus Tavern

    Waldos

    ...a tradition, on the campus of WMU since 1981

    1408 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, USA

    269-349-8674

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  10. Bruno’s Pizza & Restaurant

    Brunos Pizza and Restaurant

    Bruno's Pizza is a family-friendly restaurant with delicious pizzas and subs. A family-owned business and been open for over 50 years.

    1528 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, USA

    269-349-3229

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  11. Cosmos Cucina

    Cosmos Cucina

    Meals are created to order, from scratch in our small kitchen in our beautiful historic building. This assures the best dining experience.

    804 W Vine St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA

    269-344-5666

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  12. The Spirit of Kalamazoo

    The Spirit of Kalamazoo

    We are your downtown Kalamazoo spirit connection.

    154 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA

    269-382-6249

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  13. Comensoli’s Italian Bistro and Bar

    Comensolis Italian Bistro

    A casual dining experience in a Downtown Kalamazoo restaurant with fine dining service and food!

    762 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, USA

    269-345-6755

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  14. Studio Grill

    Studio Grill

    Their breads are delivered daily 6 days a week from Renzemas Bakery out of Parchment, Michigan. Every menu item is made to order with love and delivered to your table with a smile.

    312 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA

    269-341-4100

    Bar website

    american - $

  15. Theo & Stacy’s Restaurant

    Theo and Stacys Restaurant

    Classic Greek and American Cuisine Prepared Fresh Daily.

    234 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA

    269-388-5025

    Bar website

    american - european - $

  16. Bimbo’s Pizza

    Bimbos Pizza

    "A treat in Michigan smuggled out of Italy"

    338 E Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA

    269-349-3134

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  17. Bell’s Eccentric Cafe

    Bells Eccentric Cafe

    We currently brew over 20 beers for distribution as well as many other small batch beers that are served at our pub in Kalamazoo, the Eccentric Cafe.

    355 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA

    269-382-2338

    Bar website

    american - $$

  18. The Henderson Castle Restaurant

    The Henderson Castle Restaurant

    When you’re with us, you’ll have a royal experience.

    100 Monroe St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, USA

    269-344-1827

    Bar website

    european - $$$$

  19. University Roadhouse

    University Roadhouse

    Our low prices and wide variety will bring you in. Our great food, friendly, fun environment and focus on customer service will bring you back.

    1332 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, USA

    269-345-7990

    Bar website

    american - $$

  20. Two Fella’s Grill

    Two Fellas

    We serve hot grilled tortilla wraps filled with great cheeses, sauces, chicken, chicken tenders, and some have tater tots!

    2730 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, USA

    269-492-9727

    Bar website

    american - $

  21. La Pinata

    La Pinata

    A Mexican restaurant with nice decors and great food!

    475 N Drake Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, USA

    269-382-6642

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  22. Saffron

    Saffron

    Saffron’s slowly simmered curry and freshly baked tandoori bread will delight your palate.

    1710 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, USA

    269-381-9898

    Bar website

    asian - $$