For fans of college football, especially those who bleed gold and blue, Saturdays in the fall are sacred. And there’s arguably no better place to spend those Saturdays than at Milan Puskar Stadium, home of the West Virginia University Mountaineers. But for those unfamiliar with this iconic venue, one question often arises: Where Is Milan Puskar Stadium?
Milan Puskar Stadium is located in Morgantown, West Virginia, on the campus of West Virginia University. Nestled within the picturesque hills of Almost Heaven, West Virginia, this stadium isn’t just a location; it’s an experience. It’s a place where traditions are born, legends are made, and the roar of 60,000 fans creates an atmosphere unlike any other.
The game day experience at Milan Puskar Stadium begins well before kickoff. Fans flock to the stadium, their anticipation building as they prepare to cheer on their Mountaineers. One of the most iconic pre-game rituals is the “Mountaineer Mantrip.” As the team arrives, the marching band and cheerleaders lead the players into the stadium, creating an electrifying atmosphere and showing appreciation for the dedicated fans. Before entering the locker room, each player touches a piece of coal, a powerful symbol of respect for the hardworking, blue-collar spirit of West Virginia and its people.
Alt text: WVU Mountaineer football team Mantrip arrival at Milan Puskar Stadium, led by band and cheerleaders.
As the Mountaineers warm up, the stadium fills with a sea of gold and blue. Every seat in Milan Puskar Stadium offers an unobstructed view of the action on the field, ensuring that every fan feels close to the game. The atmosphere crackles with excitement as “The Pride of West Virginia,” the university’s marching band, takes the field. Their performance ignites the crowd, building anticipation to a fever pitch before the game even begins.
Alt text: Wide view of excited West Virginia Mountaineers fans filling Milan Puskar Stadium stands before football game.
From the moment the ball is kicked off, Milan Puskar Stadium becomes a cauldron of sound. The roar of the crowd is relentless, amplifying every play and every score. The stadium truly rocks with each Mountaineer triumph, culminating in the joyous singing of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” after a WVU victory.
Beyond the thrilling on-field action, Milan Puskar Stadium prioritizes fan comfort and experience. The facility boasts ample restrooms, concession stands offering a variety of game-day fare, and souvenir shops to grab your Mountaineer gear. Modern amenities like lights for night games, ADA-compliant seating, and spacious tailgating areas further enhance the stadium’s appeal.
Alt text: Fan purchasing food at a well-equipped concession stand inside Milan Puskar Stadium during a WVU football game.
Adding to the stadium’s rich tapestry is Mountaineer Legends Park, a tribute to the icons who shaped WVU football history. Located at the north end of the complex, this park allows fans to walk through memory lane, learning about the legendary players and coaches who built the program. The legacy of these Mountaineer heroes is further celebrated throughout the stadium concourse, with displays on the pillars showcasing each legend.
Milan Puskar Stadium has undergone significant renovations in recent years, ensuring it remains a top-tier college football venue. Multi-million dollar facelifts on the east and west sides broadened concourses, modernized entrance gates, and upgraded concession and restroom facilities. These improvements were made possible through a combination of facilities bonds, private donations, and multimedia rights contracts, demonstrating the commitment to providing a first-class experience for fans.
Alt text: Modernized entrance gates and widened concourses at Milan Puskar Stadium after renovations, enhancing fan access and flow.
The playing surface itself received a major upgrade with the installation of FieldTurf Revolution 2.5 in 2016. This state-of-the-art surface is renowned for its softness, durability, and safety, making it one of the safest and most comfortable in the country for the Mountaineers to play on.
For media covering the Mountaineers, the West Virginia press box, situated above the west side skyboxes, offers a spacious and well-equipped workspace. Complete with a dining area, private booths, and a camera deck, it provides media professionals with everything they need to cover WVU football effectively.
Below the press box, luxurious stadium suites provide premium seating and amenities for fans. These suites, located under the camera deck and in the north and south end zones, offer reception, dining, kitchen, restroom, and comfortable seating areas. They provide businesses and fans with a first-class game day experience while generating revenue for WVU and increasing ADA accessible seating and restrooms.
Alt text: Interior view of a luxury suite in Milan Puskar Stadium, showing premium seating and amenities with a clear field view.
In terms of technology, Milan Puskar Stadium is cutting-edge. A massive HD video board in the north end zone, along with a substantially larger south end zone LED videoboard installed in 2020, provides fans with live action, replays, statistics, and in-game entertainment in stunning clarity. LED boards along the sidelines and facia further enhance the visual experience, displaying statistics, scores, and sponsor messages. A new state-of-the-art sound system ensures crystal-clear audio throughout the stadium.
Top 20 Football Crowds
No. | Date | Opponent | Attendance | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | 11/20/93 | #4 Miami | 70,222 | W, 17-14 |
2. | 9/30/89 | #10 Pitt | 68,938 | T, 31-31 |
3. | 9/5/98 | #1 Ohio State | 68,409 | L, 17-34 |
4. | 8/31/91 | Pitt | 68,041 | L, 3-34 |
5. | 11/15/03 | #16 Pitt | 67,715 | W, 52-31 |
6. | 10/26/96 | #25 Miami | 66,948 | L, 7-10 |
7. | 10/29/88 | Penn State | 66,811 | W, 51-30 |
8. | 10/24/92 | #14 Penn State | 66,663 | L, 26-40 |
9. | 11/3/90 | #24 Penn State | 66,461 | L, 19-31 |
10. | 9/16/89 | South Carolina | 66,015 | W, 45-21 |
11. | 8/30/97 | Marshall | 65,492 | W, 42-31 |
12. | 11/19/88 | #14 Syracuse | 65,127 | W, 31-9 |
13. | 9/26/87 | Pitt | 65,079 | L, 3-6 |
14. | 10/23/93 | Pitt | 65,041 | W, 42-21 |
15. | 9/8/90 | Maryland | 64,950 | L, 10-14 |
16. | 10/27/84 | #19 Penn State | 64,879 | W, 17-14 |
17. | 10/21/00 | #20 Notre Dame | 64,424 | L, 28-42 |
18. | 10/1/83 | Pitt | 64,076 | W, 24-21 |
19. | 10/22/94 | #7 Miami | 63,760 | L, 6-38 |
20. | 9/23/00 | #12 Miami | 63,735 | L, 10-47 |
In conclusion, Milan Puskar Stadium is more than just a football stadium; it’s a symbol of West Virginia pride and a testament to the passion of Mountaineer fans. Located in Morgantown, WV, it offers an unparalleled college football experience, combining rich tradition with modern amenities. From the electric atmosphere of game day to the historical tributes within its grounds, a visit to Milan Puskar Stadium is a must for any college football enthusiast. Come experience the roar of the crowd and the thrill of Mountaineer football!