Legends Unite for an Unforgettable Night—Metallica and the Hokies Rock the World Together! A Night That Shook the Stadium and Stirred the Soul!
Blacksburg, VA – In a night where roaring guitars met roaring fans, history was made at Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium as legendary heavy metal band Metallica performed their iconic hit “Enter Sandman” live—right where it has echoed for a quarter of a century. The performance marked the 25th anniversary of the song becoming a cherished tradition for the Hokies, and it was nothing short of electrifying.
Since 2000, “Enter Sandman” has been the unofficial anthem of Virginia Tech football, blasting through the stadium speakers as the Hokies charge onto the field. The song has become synonymous with Hokie pride, igniting a surge of energy in fans, players, and alumni alike. But on this night, the tradition went to another level as Metallica themselves stood center stage, delivering the anthem in person before a sold-out crowd of over 65,000.
As the opening riff tore through the air, the stadium erupted. Fans leaped in unison, the stands literally trembling under the weight of decades of emotion. The HokieBird danced on the sidelines, fireworks lit the sky, and even the most seasoned fans had tears in their eyes. For many, it was a moment that blended memory, pride, and raw power.
Frontman James Hetfield shouted, “Let’s go Hokies!” before launching into the first verse. The crowd, a sea of maroon and orange, sang every word back. It wasn’t just a concert—it was a homecoming, a tribute, a celebration of spirit that transcended music and sport.
As the final chord rang out, the moment was cemented in Hokie lore. Metallica and Virginia Tech had created more than an event—they had created a legend. For fans in Lane Stadium and around the world, this was a night that truly shook the stadium and stirred the soul.
