Mountaineer Marching Band Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Practice Facility at WVU
Morgantown, WV — The rhythmic heartbeat of West Virginia University—the Mountaineer Marching Band, famously known as “The Pride of West Virginia”—is striking a new chord with the launch of a state-of-the-art practice facility. The long-anticipated development is officially underway, with Phase 1 of the project now in full swing. This monumental phase includes the construction of a brand-new artificial turf practice field complete with cutting-edge lighting to allow for evening rehearsals and greater flexibility in scheduling.
The new practice facility, located near the Evansdale Campus, represents a major investment in the future of the WVU Marching Band, which has earned national recognition for its powerful performances, precision, and spirit. The facility promises to provide the band with a dedicated space to rehearse with improved safety, space, and accessibility—something that has long been a challenge given their growing size and rigorous performance calendar.
“This is a game changer for our program,” said Scott Tobias, Director of Bands at WVU. “The new field and lighting will provide our students with the kind of environment they need to perfect their craft and continue representing this university with pride and excellence.”
The new turf field will mimic Milan Puskar Stadium’s surface, ensuring that the band can rehearse with realistic field conditions. The addition of permanent lighting structures will allow for nighttime practices, which is especially valuable during the busy fall season when academic commitments make afternoon rehearsals difficult.
Future phases of the project, pending funding and approval, may include permanent seating, storage facilities for instruments and equipment, and possibly an indoor rehearsal space to shelter practices from inclement weather.
The project has been made possible through a combination of university support and donor contributions, with passionate alumni and Mountaineer fans showing up to ensure “The Pride of West Virginia” continues to thrive.
Construction on Phase 1 is scheduled to be completed by the start of the 2025 fall semester, just in time for the band’s preparations for another thrilling football season.
