Get ready for Lane Stadium under the lights
The wait is over – Hokie Football is back in Blacksburg! Virginia Tech kicks off its 2025 home opener under the lights at Lane Stadium on Saturday night as the Hokies take on Vanderbilt at 7:30 p.m. ET, with stadium gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Expect the full energy of Hokie Nation for this primetime matchup.
Still need tickets? Limited seats remain, so be sure to lock in your spot quickly.
Make sure you’re all set to cheer on the Hokies with five things to know:
Can’t make the game? Follow along the action from your TV and make an impact for the Hokies. The game will be televised on ACC Network and streamed online at at ESPN.com and the ESPN mobile app.
For the first time ever, viewership numbers are directly tied to revenue shared by the conference with Virginia Tech so make sure to tune in to the game.
Headed to Blacksburg? Parking lots open at 7 a.m. Gates open at 5:30pm.
This matchup marks the annual Maroon Effect game, so be sure to dress for the part. Fans are encouraged to wear maroon, and the official USS Maroon Effect T-shirt is available to purchase at bookstore locations, including the Hokie Shop’s trailer in Lot 4 on gameday.
Be sure to download your mobile ticket to your wallet before you arrive at the stadium. This eliminates the variable of not having strong Wi-Fi around the stadium and not being able to download it. Click here for more information on downloading mobile tickets.
Fans can download their tickets through the HokieSports mobile app. Click here to download the HokieSports mobile app.
Lane Stadium is a mobile-first and cashless venue when it comes to ticketing and concessions. Once inside, only a credit or debit card will be accepted at the concession stands for those wanting to purchase food and drink. New this year, the Hokie Shop is also cashless.
Have tickets and can't make the game? Mobile tickets can be easily transferred to peers or listed with peace of mind on SeatGeek.
Football parking (click to view info/map) and tailgating on gameday is a valued commodity, and it becomes extremely significant as we welcome the entire Virginia Tech community to campus. Therefore, to ensure that each gameday guest has a positive and safe tailgating experience, fans should adhere to these parking rules.
Please ensure your vehicle is parked within the designated spaces and be mindful of not lingering in the roadways, as this can lead to congestion and safety risks for both vehicles and pedestrians. Your cooperation is key to maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all fans. Click here to learn more about postgame traffic patterns.
There is a lot happening in Blacksburg on Saturday, and we want you to be equipped to take part in it all.
Hokie Village
Located on the turf field off Beamer Way, the complimentary fan fest area opens at 4:00 p.m. and closes at 6:45 p.m. Fans can enjoy food trucks and drinks available for purchase. Free activities include inflatables, a balloon artist, face painting, live music from Carrie Brockwell and autograph signings from the Hokies softball and women’s soccer programs. In addition, fans may build their own custom stuffed animals for as low as $15, and the first 100 fans receive a free Virginia Tech t-shirt for their animals.
Hokie Walk
Hokie Nation will be able to welcome the Hokies as they arrive at Lane Stadium. The buses will arrive on Beamer Way outside of Lane Stadium at approximately 5:15 p.m.
March to Victory
The Marching Virginians lead the March to Victory from the Marching Virginians Center to Lane Stadium at approximately 6:00 p.m. Joined by members of the Spirit Squads, Corps of Cadets and Skipper, the march leaves the Marching Virginians Center at the top of Chicken Hill, winds through Lot 5 on to Sterrett Drive between Lots 2 and 3 and finishes along the sidewalk outside of South End Zone into Lane.
Don’t Miss An Enhanced Flyover Show
Fans are encouraged to file into Lane Stadium early for the better-than-ever pregame show that starts approximately 30 minutes prior to game time. The show starts off with the announcement of starting lineups, followed by the fan-favorite "Hokie Pokie," performed by the Marching Virginians. Then, enjoy the entertainment of the Highty-Tighties' pregame show during which fans can officially welcome the newest Commandant of the Corps of Cadets, Maj. Gen. William H. Seely III. Then, of course, stay in your seats for the electrifying team entrance with a fully reimagined fireworks show.
