A New Era for “The Pride of West Virginia”: Mountaineer Marching Band Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Practice Facility
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Beneath the crisp Appalachian sky and the steady beat of progress, a long-awaited dream is becoming reality for West Virginia University’s famed Mountaineer Marching Band, affectionately known across the country as “The Pride of West Virginia.” Bulldozers roared to life last week as Phase 1 of construction began on a state-of-the-art practice facility—marking a historic milestone for the university, its musical ambassadors, and the community that rallies behind them.
The centerpiece of this first phase is a full-sized artificial turf field equipped with stadium-grade lighting, giving the 375-member band a weather-resistant, night-capable rehearsal space for the first time in its 120+ year history. The field, located on the Evansdale campus near the WVU Coliseum, is scheduled for completion by late fall, in time for the latter portion of the 2025 football season.
“This project is long overdue and incredibly well-deserved,” said WVU President Dr. E. Gordon Gee during the ceremonial groundbreaking. “Our marching band brings spirit, pageantry, and pride to every corner of this state and every game day at Milan Puskar Stadium. Now they’ll have a world-class facility to match their world-class talent.”
The new practice field will mirror the exact dimensions of the Mountaineers’ home stadium, allowing the band to simulate halftime performances with pinpoint precision. Lighting installation is a crucial addition, offering flexible evening rehearsal schedules, especially in the fall months when daylight is limited and practice time is at a premium.
“It’s a game-changer,” said band director Scott Tobias. “No more fighting over field space or canceling rehearsals due to muddy conditions. This gives us consistency, safety, and the ability to train at the highest level.”
The project, which has been in the planning stages since 2022, was made possible through a mix of private donations, university support, and a major contribution from the Pride Alumni Band Association. Alumni from decades past have rallied behind the campaign, many noting that the band’s legacy of excellence was forged in less-than-ideal conditions—gravel lots, grass fields, and parking decks.
Phase 2 of the project, currently in the design phase, will include a climate-controlled indoor rehearsal space, instrument storage facilities, changing rooms, and a soundproof recording suite. WVU officials expect to launch fundraising for this next phase by early 2026.
Until then, band members are already celebrating what this progress means for them and future generations. Drum major Kayla Monroe, a senior music education major, summed it up best: “We’ve always had the passion and the pride. Now we’re finally getting the place that reflects who we are.”
As construction continues and the Pride’s familiar drumline echoes across Morgantown this fall, one thing is clear: the heart of West Virginia beats louder than ever—and now, it has a field to call home.
