This is the night when you’ll truly learn what it means to be a Mountaineer. You’ll have the opportunity to step foot on Mountaineer Field in Milan Puskar Stadium, sign your “Class of 2028” flag, watch the Pride of West Virginia perform its pregame show, meet new friends and, of course, get your official class photo taken in the state of West Virginia. You’ll receive your official class t-shirt after the event, too.

Time: 6-10 p.m. (The Monday Night Lights Tailgate sponsored by Coca-Cola begins at 6 p.m.; stadium gates open at 7:30 p.m.; formal event program begins at 8 p.m.)

Giveaways: You’ll receive your official class t-shirt after the event, and you’ll also have many chances to win prizes in the on-field activities before the start of the event. Participate in a Tailgate game or a Mountaineer Meetup for a sticker to add to your “Bucket List.”

Food: Dinner will be available at the Monday Night Lights Tailgate from a variety of local food trucks; Coca-Cola products will also be available. Following the event, students will receive a pepperoni roll and frozen treat.

Activities: Activities include “Mountaineer Meetups,” inflatable games, pictures with our “HOME” letters, signing the class flag, cornhole, and more. Students will watch the Pride of West Virginia perform and participate in the Class of 2028 class photo. 

Target audience: Freshman, new transfer students, new commuter students 

Transportation: Students living on the Evansdale area of campus should walk toward the football stadium using Rawley Lane to Law School Drive, at which point they will enter the Tailgate. Students living on the Evansdale area of campus will return to their residence halls via Oakland Avenue with support from University Police. Students living on the Downtown area of campus will travel to and from the football stadium via buses. They should arrive at parking lot 5 (near the Life Sciences Building and Field Hall). Buses will begin leaving lot ST-10 (near the Life Sciences Building on University Avenue) at 6 p.m. After the event, Downtown residents will board buses outside the stadium for the return trip to ST-10. 

Gates to the Monday Night Lights Tailgate open at 6 p.m. Stadium gates open at 7:30 p.m. Students will enter through the west gates of the stadium (press box side). The event will be over before 10 p.m. 

Large crowd support notice: If you traditionally have struggled with big crowds and large group situations, the University is providing an opportunity for students to still participate in our Class of 2028 photo without having to be in such a crowded space. Please share your information with us by noon on Monday, August 19, and we'll provide you with directions on how to take advantage of this opportunity. https://wvu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8pKkSN9N8nxmMLA 

The clear bag policy will be enforced. No firearms are allowed at the event.

Parents and family can watch the Livestream of the event at: 

https://youtube.com/live/O2mvg82HhxQ?feature=share