It’s finally that time of year! Time for cooler weather to start rolling in, time for the leaves to start changing, and time for fall to make its appearance. But most importantly, it’s time for West Virginia University football. Now prior to coming to WVU, I will admit that I wasn’t very big into football or any sports for that matter. Sure, I would watch them occasionally when someone else in my family was watching a game, but I’ve never really had a favorite team. WVU changed that. If there is one thing that I know about WVU it’s that the amount of school spirit that’s in the air is almost magical. Everyone bleeds gold and blue, and win or lose (even though, you know we always win), we are proud to be Mountaineers.

Game day is a serious event, whether they are noon or night games, each one is just as special as the last. All Mountaineers pray they get a ticket to the game, look forward to the tailgates, look forward to the traditions that take place in the stand and can’t wait to stand arm in arm with their fellow Mountaineers following a game day win. It’s a completely different atmosphere being in the stands and in the student section during a game. No matter if the person next to you is a stranger or is your best friend, we are a united front against the opponents and we bring all the school spirit we have (and more) to each game. Game day is a ritual and it’s a cherished day here in Morgantown. For those who may have never been to a WVU football game or who may be new to the university, get excited because game day is about to become one of your favorite days, and I’m going to go through seven of the things you need to know for game day.

1. Get your gear ready

Aside from getting your ticket for the game, this is an important component of any sports event that you attend. However, whether it’s a gold rush game or a stripe the stadium game, always show up sporting your gold and blue. Wear as much as you want. Don’t be afraid to show up with your face painted, your outfit being all gold and blue, wearing face stickers or wearing blue and gold overalls. The more the merrier I say, and all Mountaineers will be there sporting their best gear.

2. Go to a tailgate

Tailgates are full of great times, great food and great friends! On game day, different lots in Morgantown hold tailgates that students and fans can partake in. Grab some friends and figure out the most convenient place for you guys to tailgate. Tailgates allow for you to get pumped up before the game while also allowing you to meet new people. If your parents come to town, take advantage of their tailgate if they are having. Not only does it allow for you to spend time with your family, but there is usually great food. Some of the best tailgates I have been to have been my friend’s family tailgate.

3. Get to the game early

I’m not talking early, early, but I would say at least 30 minutes early because the student section fills up really quickly. Plus, it takes a little bit of time to get through the gate, so provide yourself ample time to get there and find a seat before the game starts.

4. Don’t be afraid of getting tossed in the air

My first WVU football game, I got really nervous when I saw boys throwing girls into the air multiple times in a row, and to be completely honest, who wouldn’t be a little nervous about that? However, getting tossed in the air is one of the exciting parts of the game! Girls get tossed into the air following each touchdown, up to the amount of points that we currently have on the board. So you could be getting tossed multiple, and I mean multiple, times in a row. It’s exciting getting tossed in the air and feeling weightless up above the student section (even if it’s only for a second). The first time I got tossed, I had the biggest smile on my face and it just made the game day experience all the better for me.

5. Be "a part" of the student section

Most students who attend WVU chose to sit/stand in the student section, which is full of energy and pride for WVU. Here's the thing though, don't just be a bystander in the crowd. Get involved in the chants and in the traditions that are sacred symbols of football games. All the other students around you will be chanting, doing the first down tradition and jingling their keys in the air during the game. Be a part of the student section and take part in everything.

6. Sing Country Roads After a Win

Winning the football game itself is an amazing feeling, but that feeling extends past the win when you join arm and arm with your fellow Mountaineers to sing Country Roads. If the person next to you is your friend, a stranger or anything in between, in that moment after a win, it doesn't matter. We all link arms in unison and sing along. The sound of all Mountaineers singing along fills the stadium, and we are all proud to be apart of it.

7. When leaving the stadium, don't forget to hit the exit sign

To be quite honest, I don't know why or how this become a thing, but many students as they leave the stadium try to reach up and hit the exit portion sign on the gates. For me, I can never fully reach it because I am way too short, but it's the effort that counts right?

Overall, just don't forget to have fun and just enjoy all that WVU football games have to offer. Go to as many games as you can and be in the moment while at the game. Before you know you'll be a senior and you'll want to relive every single game you've ever been to and you'll cherish each game even more. Let's go Mountaineers!