What started with a few band members jumping up and down led to an entire stadium of 66,000 fans jumping, and seismographs have recorded the shaking and noise.
In 2011, against the ACC’s main rival, Miami (Florida), a seismograph detected notable activity centered around the moment the team entered the stadium. Similar situations occurred in 2015 during a game against Ohio State and again in 2021 during the home opener against nationally ranked North Carolina.
Seismograph readings from Blacksburg, VA last night. See if you can watch Enter Sandman. pic.twitter.com/F0baAKGzKU
-RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) September 4, 2021
While the readings weren’t at earthquake level, it’s safe to say Hokie fans made some noise.
‘Enter Sandman’ eventually carried over to the Virginia Tech men’s and women’s basketball teams, and even to some graduations. The enthusiasm behind the move took a turn when the Hokies hosted the first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Cassell Coliseum in 2023.
Because the NCAA Tournament is considered a neutral site game, the NCAA banned playing ‘Enter Sandman’ at the event to keep the game as neutral as possible. However, that didn’t stop the Hokie Nation from singing the lyrics themselves to create a home-field advantage.
After @NCAA banned Enter Sandman from being played at the start, here’s how Hokie Nation responded. pic.twitter.com/uN2wDYdW1I
—Riley Wyant (@rileywyantTV) March 17, 2023
Even Metallica has expressed their support for the iconic tradition. Before the 2011 Miami football game, the band recorded a video that was placed alongside the entrance video and music.
“The stadium was…probably louder than ever,” said legendary former Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer. “I appreciate that part.”
Now in its 25th year of existence, the iconic ‘Enter Sandman’ has become synonymous with Virginia Tech football and Hokie pride. The publicity-filled strike energizes the Hokies crowd, intimidates opponents and helps create a game day experience like no other.
“It all starts with ‘Enter Sandman,'” current head coach Brent Pry said. “There’s no better entrance to college football.”
Do you want to be part of the unforgettable atmosphere at Lane Stadium during the long-awaited 2024 season? Experience Lane Stadium for yourself and start making memories!
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