Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium | Morgantown

Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium is the heart of West Virginia University’s athletic spirit and one of the most iconic landmarks in Morgantown. Situated on the Evansdale Campus, surrounded by the university’s Health Sciences Center and rolling Appalachian hills, the stadium stands as both a modern sports arena and a symbol of Mountaineer pride. It serves as the home of the WVU Mountaineers football team and can accommodate around 60,000 fans, making it one of the largest stadiums in the region.

Origins and Construction

Before the current stadium was built, West Virginia University played at the original Mountaineer Field, located downtown near the main campus. As the team’s popularity grew and seating became limited, a new site was chosen in the late 1970s on the former Evansdale golf course. Construction began in 1979, and the new stadium opened in 1980. The first game held there was a defining moment-fans packed the stands, John Denver arrived by helicopter, and performed “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” cementing the song as a timeless anthem for West Virginia.

The original capacity was about 50,000, but growing demand led to several expansions in the mid-1980s, extending the upper decks and enclosing both end zones. In 2004, the stadium was renamed Milan Puskar Stadium, honoring a generous donor and supporter of WVU athletics, while the playing field retained its traditional name-Mountaineer Field.

Architecture and Design

The stadium’s design reflects both functionality and regional character. The seating bowl forms a broad horseshoe, opening toward the northeast and offering sweeping views of Morgantown’s hills. Its concrete structure rises in tiers, giving the venue a steep, intimate feel that keeps the crowd close to the action. A massive scoreboard and LED ribbon boards wrap the upper rim, adding light and color during night games.

Luxury suites and the “Touchdown Terrace” dominate the north end zone, offering climate-controlled boxes, glass fronts, and comfortable seating for corporate groups and long-time season ticket holders. Concession areas and concourses were gradually modernized to improve flow, and a wide range of regional foods-barbecue, pepperoni rolls, kettle corn, and local brews-adds a distinctly Appalachian flavor to the game-day experience.

Field and Facilities

The playing surface is a high-grade synthetic turf designed for durability and consistent performance in all weather. Earlier versions of the field used AstroTurf and AstroPlay before transitioning to modern FieldTurf, which better replicates the feel of natural grass. In 2016, major field renovations leveled out the old crown that once ran down the center to improve drainage and player safety. Beneath the turf lies a complex substructure of sand and perforated piping that channels rainwater efficiently, a necessity given West Virginia’s variable weather.

The stadium also features advanced lighting systems, modern locker rooms, updated training facilities, and state-of-the-art media areas for broadcasting national games.

Game-Day Atmosphere

On autumn Saturdays, Morgantown transforms into a sea of gold and blue. Hours before kickoff, the parking lots and grassy areas around the stadium fill with fans setting up grills, coolers, and tents for tailgates. The air carries the scent of charcoal, smoked ribs, and coffee brewing in thermoses. Music echoes from car speakers, laughter mingles with chants of “Let’s Go, Mountaineers,” and the energy builds steadily until the team arrives for the pregame ritual known as “The Mantrip.”

During this tradition, players walk through the crowd toward the stadium, touching a block of coal placed near the entrance in tribute to the state’s mining heritage. Inside, the marching band performs, and as kickoff approaches, the sound of the Mountaineer mascot’s musket firing signals the start of the game. The stands tremble with cheers, and the crowd often sings “Country Roads” together after each victory-a ritual that unites generations of fans.

Renovations and Modern Enhancements

Over the decades, the stadium has evolved while preserving its old-school character. Additions such as upgraded video boards, LED ribbons, and digital sound systems have brought it into the modern era. The concourses were widened, restrooms expanded, and elevators added for accessibility. The creation of “Legends Park” outside the stadium added monuments honoring past players and coaches, providing fans with a sense of history before they even enter.

Night games bring an especially electric atmosphere. The lights cast a glow that can be seen across Morgantown, and the rhythmic chants roll through the valley. On clear evenings, a thin mist sometimes settles over the field, reflecting the light in a way that gives the whole place a cinematic feel.

Community and Legacy

Beyond football, Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium represents a deep connection between the university, the city, and the people of West Virginia. It is a gathering ground for alumni reunions, local families, and fans from every corner of the state. Each home game is as much a social event as a sporting one, blending tradition, pride, and the unmistakable hospitality of the Mountain State.

Decade after decade, the stadium remains more than just a sports venue-it is a living symbol of resilience and unity. From the thunder of 60,000 fans to the echo of “Country Roads” fading into the night, Mountaineer Field stands as a powerful emblem of West Virginia’s enduring spirit.