25 best college football fan atmospheres
By Nick Villano
23. Virginia Tech Hokies
Just two years ago, the Virginia Tech Hokies made it a point to improve the fan experience, and it worked (at least for the first year). They had skydivers for on-field entertainment, light shows that the fans can take part in during the third quarter, military flyovers, new Wifi to help fan connectivity, and new cupholders. Listen, cupholders are important when there aren’t enough of them.
Virginia Tech has been known as a welcoming tailgating experience. That’s what makes most tailgates great. The ability to walk up to any Hokie fan and eat a hot dog and grab a cold drink. There are games, parties, pregame shows, and everything fans traditionally love about tailgates. There’s just a different feel at Virginia Tech where everyone is part of something. Obviously, don’t wear an opposing fan’s colors and expect a pleasant experience, but neutral fans looking for a good experience are always welcome.
Lane Stadium has a certain feel about it. The team coming out to the Metallica song Enter Sandman gets the entire house-rocking before the first snap. It’s really an intimidating experience. How loud these fans get for their team is impressive.
This is also the team that has the yearly game-ball run before the homecoming game. Members of the Ranger Company will run the ball 100 miles around campus on the week before the homecoming game. That may not be a part of the “game-day” experience, but it is something to see in the days coming up to the game, and it shows the commitment these fans and students have to the football program.