Collegiate Times

Five minutes before kickoff in Lane Stadium, the anthem for Hokie Nation slowly begins to echo from the speakers. 

The first few notes of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” create the type of excitement that can only be described as an out-of-body experience. 

Fans are jumping up and down so violently on the bleachers that it’s almost remarkable that Lane stadium doesn’t collapse.

Try to name another place where you can find over 66,000 people jumping up and down, screaming like they’re ready to go to battle. Seriously, I dare you.  Here’s the problem: it can’t be done.  Any experience in Lane Stadium is one of a kind. Heck, a game day experience can vary from game to game. 

On any given game day at Lane Stadium, the crowd basically participates in the world’s largest pep rally.  Where else can you yell “Let’s Go Hokies” with so many other fellow Hokies?  During the initial chant, fans yell so loud that layer upon layer of goose bumps will literally form all over your body. 

When kickoff finally approaches, the energy of the stadium is as electric as a lightning storm in the middle of summer.  Hokie fans passionately aid the kickoff team by stomping their feet and flailing their arms as the ball begins its flight in the air.  The next 60 minutes of football are the most excitement many students will get for the entire week.  Every person lives and dies with each play on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. 

One of the most unique aspects about Lane Stadium is what happens after Tech scores. 

If you are a petite girl, look out.  You very well might be lifted up by a few men around you and thrown up in the air.  The score dictates the number of times you are thrown up in the air.  So smaller girls: consider yourself warned. 

Also after scoring make sure to look over at the north end zone to see Hokie Bird lifting a barbell corresponding the current number of points that are on the scoreboard. 

Another piece of advice to those new to Lane Stadium: If you have sensitive ears, I would suggest bringing earplugs.  The loudest games by far are ACC games, particularly Miami and Virginia.  The noise level is so loud it’s impossible to measure the decibel level.  Your heart will literally be pounding from the vibrations of the screaming fans. 

The most important thing to remember however is to have fun and to soak up the energy for the four years you are here.  After all, the four years will fly and if you return as an alumni, the feeling just won’t be the same.

A version of this article appeared in the Jun 20 issue of the Collegiate Times.