From easily recognizable tunes to 1,000 pound animals, Saturday gamedays create dramatic crowds in college towns across the country. College football has captivated the attention of its supporters and students for over 155 years. To some, these three and a half hour games may seem like a trifling, superficial activity. However, there is a rich and vibrant culture embedded beneath the surface.
Big schools such as the University of Michigan and Pennsylvania State University are known for their stadiums that draw over 100,000 fans each fall Saturday. But, football isn’t the only reason these huge crowds flock together. Energetic and spirited traditions riddle the audience during all of these games. Here are the top 10 college football traditions since its initial introduction in 1869.
Number 10: Checker Neyland, University of Tennessee
Beginning in 2014, the University of Tennessee has held nine Checker Neyland games. Checker Neyland showcases Tennessee’s checkerboard pattern across the stadium by utilizing the sections in a strategic manner. Fans are assigned either orange or white based on their seat location. While this tradition is relatively new, it has become a fan favorite in Knoxville.
Number 9: Ralphie’s Run, University of Colorado
Before games, Colorado’s live bison mascot Ralphie makes a horseshoe-shaped run as she leads the football team onto the field in a thrilling display. Dating back to 1967, Ralphie’s Run is considered one of the most entertaining and oldest traditions in college football. Often, visiting teams and their fans come out to witness this unique and iconic site.
Number 8: The Hawkeye Wave, University of Iowa
This heartwarming tradition began in 2017 when fan Krista Young suggested all 70,000 people in Kinnick Stadium turned to wave at the young patients at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital after the first quarter. It now takes place at every Iowa home game and has become a magical tradition fans look forward to.
Number 7: “Jump Around,” University of Wisconsin-Madison
“Jump Around” by House of Pain has become a fan favorite at UW-Madison. At the end of the third quarter, the song electrifies the red and white crowd as the jump around in unison. Started in 1998, this iconic song has become famous in Camp Randall Stadium.
Number 6: “Mr. Brightside,” University of Michigan
Another thrilling song that takes place in Ann Arbor is “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. Cornering the end of the third quarter, this enthusiastic, fan driven sing along breaks out during home games. Beginning around 2016, this unifying tradition has become beloved at “The Big House” stadium.
Number 5: “I Won’t Back Down,” University of Florida
Continuing with music attractions, Florida fans have grown to love their iconic and nostalgic song. Following the death of Gainesville Native Tom Petty, his song “I won’t back down” is played in between the third and fourth quarter. The song is accompanied by fans putting their arms around each other, swaying and waving their flashlights. The song signifies their community spirit and resilience.
Number 4: “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” Louisiana State University
Saturday Night in Tiger Stadium is the total package and “Callin’ Baton Rouge” by Garth Brooks plays a huge role in the atmosphere. Typically played before every home game, fans clap and sing along to this Iconic LSU song. The song is also used by other teams such as baseball, setting the tone for game day.
Number 3: White out, Pennsylvania State University
Penn State’s white out game represents Big 10’s dramatic energy. In the over 100,000 people stadium, fans are decked out in all white in support of their team. A sea of white covers the Beaver Stadium, creating an incredible ambience.
Number 2: “Dixieland Delight,” University of Alabama
Hit song “Dixieland Delight” by Alabama has become a staple at games, especially during fourth quarter timeouts. It was briefly banned in 2014 for vulgarity, but its popularity brought it back in 2018. The song is a perfect blend of traditional country music and passionate college football.
Number 1: “Enter Sandman,” Virginia Tech
Finally, “Enter Sandman” by Metallica is the classic entrance song for the Hokies. After the creation of a new video board around 2000, “Enter Sandman” has grown into the most charged and electrifying tradition in college football. Because of the synchronized jumping and screaming crowd, the stadium turns into an intimidating environment for opposing teams. This year being its 25 year anniversary, it’s clear that it’ll be around for years to come.
