Your guide to college football game day in West Virginia

West Virginia University or Marshall University? Many West Virginians feel strongly about one or the other, and these two schools can be the subject of many heated debates. However, regardless of your collegiate loyalty, West Virginia is home to two more prominent college football teams in the nation, as well as many other notable teams across the state. Before you make your way to an exciting college football game in the Mountain State, you need to know some of the local spots that fans frequent on Saturdays.

Marshall Thundering Herd (Huntington)

Joan C. Edwards Stadium, referred to by many fans as “The Joan,” is home to the Marshall Thundering Herd! Marshall boasts a record of 140-25 within Joan C. Edwards Stadium (a winning percentage of .848).  On game day, Huntington is electric with anticipation and excitement. One of the local favorites on game day is Fat Patty’s – located just around the corner from the stadium. Tailgates can be found in all directions within several blocks of the stadium, as well as many within the surrounding parking lots. Be sure to participate in one of the best traditions in college football as the crowd erupts in “We Are Marshall” chants! After the game, one of the most popular spots in town is The Union Pub and Grill – the oldest continuously owned and operated bar in the campus area and a favorite among Herd fans in Huntington. Stop by the Union to try famous sandwiches like Chad Pennington’s Chicken Parm or the Cam Henderson! If Marshall isn’t playing in Huntington and you don’t have anywhere to watch the game, The Union Pub and Grill, Davis’ Place, Fat Patty’s and Roosters are all ideal places to go! There are many lodging options throughout Huntington as well. There are hotels near Pullman Square, several on Hal Greer Boulevard near I-64, and a handful of options in Barboursville near the Huntington Mall!

West Virginia Mountaineers (Morgantown)

The West Virginia Mountaineers can be found at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium on Saturdays in the Mountain State! The stadium can seat 60,000 screaming fans, but occasionally it has held even more on game day. During a game in 1993, over 70,000 people were in attendance to watch the Mountaineers beat the University of Miami. Several other games over the years have pushed the capacity of Mountaineer Field, often drawing crowds near 68,000. Game day in Morgantown is a one-of-a-kind experience. A sea of blue and gold disperses across the city and the atmosphere is like no other. Tailgating is most popular in the parking lot of Ruby Memorial Hospital, located directly beside the stadium – at the famous Blue Lot. For both home and away games, fans frequent places like Kegler’s, Mario’s Fishbowl, and Varsity Club! West Virginia is home to another one of college football’s most iconic traditions. After every Mountaineer victory, the players lead the crowd in singing John Denver’s famous hit “Take Me Home Country Roads.” This has become iconic for Mountaineer fans everywhere. There are numerous hotel options all within 10 minutes of the stadium, and many other options on the outskirts of Morgantown or just south near Fairmont.

There are also many smaller collegiate teams throughout the state. The Concord Mountain Lions, Charleston Golden Eagles, Fairmont State Falcons, Shepherd Rams, and Glenville State Pioneers all offer excitement on Saturdays across the Mountain State. Regardless of where you are in the state, you can’t go wrong with any of these West Virginia teams. College football loyalty runs deep in the Mountain State.

Who is your favorite team in Almost Heaven?

This post was last updated on July 31, 2020