Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – As the Virginia Tech football team hits the midway point of its 2020 campaign, Tech athletics has released additional virtual fan engagement opportunities to further enhance the gameday experience for Hokie fans cheering from home.
Fans are encouraged to follow both the @HokiesFB and @hokiesports Twitter and Instagram accounts, along with the Virginia Tech Athletics Facebook Page, and use the hashtag #HokiesAtHome when posting to social media.
Fans should also update the HokieSports mobile app to ensure the latest version is installed in order to participate in a number of activities.
NEW -- HokieSports.com Second Screen Show presented by Atlantic Union Bank
Produced by Virginia Tech athletics in conjunction with Learfield IMG College, the HokieSports.com Second Screen Show, presented by Atlantic Union Bank, will feature a robust live coverage presentation, including video directly from the radio booth with Jon Laaser and Mike Burnop along with in-game statistics, on-demand video content and a real-time social media feed.
This experience will be available for free on HokieSports.com and the HokieSports mobile app, and will begin approximately 30 minutes before kickoff of each remaining home game.
NEW -- Hokies Walkthrough presented by Smithfield
Join Jon Laaser on the Virginia Tech athletics Facebook Page for Hokies Walkthrough, a live pregame show presented by Smithfield. Laaser and Wes McIlroy will take questions directly from Hokie fans during this 30-minute production, beginning this Saturday at 8 a.m. ET and continuing for each remaining home game.
NEW -- "Behind the Mic" Fan Messages
While Hokie fans have been able to tune into "Behind the Mic" broadcasts at select games already this season, Tech athletics is adding a twist for the final four home games of 2020 - fan-submitted messages. Fans will be able to submit a shoutout, similar to a videoboard message at Lane Stadium, that will appear live on the "Behind the Mic" digital broadcast for all to see. Birthday wishes, saying hello to Mom or Dad, or shouting out a fellow Hokie fan are all welcome.
To submit a "Behind the Mic" fan message, please click here.
NEW -- Hear Me Cheer
Virginia Tech has partnered with Hear Me Cheer to bring the voices of Hokie Nation into Lane Stadium from anywhere in the world. Participating fans will have their cheers piped into the stadium in real time for this Saturday's game against Liberty, presented by First Command, allowing Hokie football players and coaches to hear the excitement of fans everywhere after touchdowns, turnovers, and more.
To join in, please click here.
Tech athletics had previously announced several virtual fan engagement opportunities back in September. Those activations are as follows:
Hokie Lights presented by Coca-Cola
Fans will be able to virtually participate in Virginia Tech's iconic team entrance like never before through Hokie Lights presented by Coca-Cola. Located within the HokieSports mobile app, fans will receive a push notification as the team prepares to take the field in real time, at which point the phone's flashlight will start blinking to the sounds of the tunnel walk, "Let's Go - Hokies" stadium yell, and "Enter Sandman" while video content plays on the phone's screen.
At the conclusion of the Hokie Lights presentation, fans will have the opportunity to take a selfie with a custom Tech photo filter and share it on social media using the hashtag #HokiesAtHome.
Hokies Interactive presented by CMG Leasing
New this season, fans will be able to play along with the action as part of Hokies Interactive presented by CMG Leasing, the exclusive student housing partner of the Hokies. Housed within the HokieSports app and other digital platforms, fans can answer real-time questions during the game for a chance to win exclusive prizes. The questions are updated during every break in the action and will reflect the status of the game to that point, giving fans the chance to participate throughout the game.
Smithfield Sizzle Sweepstakes
Free bacon is back! Hokie fans can show off their dance moves virtually this season for a chance to win free bacon as part of the Smithfield Sizzle Sweepstakes. To enter, simply record a video of your best dance moves and upload it here or on your Instagram Story – don't forget to tag @hokiesports and use the hashtag #VTSmithfieldSizzle. One (1) lucky winner will be selected to receive free bacon from Smithfield during each home game.
Hokie Home-Gating Sweepstakes presented by Kroger & Coca-Cola
Instead of tailgating in a parking lot outside of Lane Stadium, Hokie fans are encouraged to bring the pregame atmosphere home this fall as part of the Hokie Home-Gating Sweepstakes presented by Kroger and Coca-Cola. To enter, snap a photo of your home-gating set-up and share it on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #HokiesAtHome. One (1) winner will be selected for each game, and will receive supplies from both Kroger and Coca-Cola to outfit their home-gate for the rest of the season.
Virginia Lottery Scratcher
Located within the HokieSports mobile app and on other digital platforms, fans can play a virtual scratch-off lottery ticket presented by Virginia Lottery. Each scratcher will contain a prize, with the grand prize being an exclusive experience at a 2021 Hokie football home game. Fans are encouraged to play weekly as more plays increases the chance of winning the grand prize.
Cutout Cam presented by Carilion Clinic
Hokie fans who have purchased a fan cutout will want to watch for this feature as different cutouts will be highlighted on social media during each home game as part of the Cutout Cam presented by Carilion Clinic.