News
November 02, 2025
Virginia Tech sought a pregame home anthem. Metallica's "Enter Sandman" became a 25-year staple
Virginia Tech has spent a quarter-century taking the field at Lane Stadium to Metallica song "Enter Sandman."
**Virginia Tech's "Enter Sandman" Tradition Celebrates 25 Years of Raucous Homecomings**
For a quarter of a century, the ominous opening chords of Metallica's "Enter Sandman" have signaled more than just the start of a Virginia Tech Hokies football game. They've heralded a seismic event, a collective eruption of energy that transforms Lane Stadium into a cauldron of maroon and orange. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the unlikely, yet undeniably iconic, marriage between a heavy metal anthem and a college football tradition.
The story of how "Enter Sandman" became synonymous with Virginia Tech football is a testament to the power of serendipity. Back in the late 1990s, the university was searching for a pregame song, something to electrify the atmosphere and ignite the Hokie faithful. They sought a song that would not only resonate with the student body but also strike fear into the hearts of their opponents.
The selection committee, after sifting through various options, landed on the Metallica classic. Its driving rhythm, powerful guitar riffs, and James Hetfield's menacing vocals proved to be the perfect recipe for pregame pandemonium. The song's gradual build-up, culminating in its explosive chorus, mirrored the escalating anticipation within the stadium.
From the moment the first notes blare through the stadium speakers, the effect is palpable. The stadium lights dim, and a video montage of Hokie highlights flashes across the Jumbotron, building the suspense. As the music intensifies, the entire stadium begins to sway in unison, a sea of bodies moving to the beat. When the chorus hits, the roar is deafening, a wave of sound that washes over the field as the Hokies storm onto the gridiron.
For players, coaches, and fans alike, "Enter Sandman" is more than just a song; it's a symbol of Hokie pride, a rallying cry that unites them in a shared experience. It represents the grit, determination, and unwavering spirit that defines Virginia Tech football. As the tradition enters its second quarter-century, one thing is certain: the sound of "Enter Sandman" will continue to reverberate through Lane Stadium, fueling the passion and excitement of Hokie Nation for years to come. It's a testament to the enduring power of music and its ability to create a lasting legacy.
For a quarter of a century, the ominous opening chords of Metallica's "Enter Sandman" have signaled more than just the start of a Virginia Tech Hokies football game. They've heralded a seismic event, a collective eruption of energy that transforms Lane Stadium into a cauldron of maroon and orange. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the unlikely, yet undeniably iconic, marriage between a heavy metal anthem and a college football tradition.
The story of how "Enter Sandman" became synonymous with Virginia Tech football is a testament to the power of serendipity. Back in the late 1990s, the university was searching for a pregame song, something to electrify the atmosphere and ignite the Hokie faithful. They sought a song that would not only resonate with the student body but also strike fear into the hearts of their opponents.
The selection committee, after sifting through various options, landed on the Metallica classic. Its driving rhythm, powerful guitar riffs, and James Hetfield's menacing vocals proved to be the perfect recipe for pregame pandemonium. The song's gradual build-up, culminating in its explosive chorus, mirrored the escalating anticipation within the stadium.
From the moment the first notes blare through the stadium speakers, the effect is palpable. The stadium lights dim, and a video montage of Hokie highlights flashes across the Jumbotron, building the suspense. As the music intensifies, the entire stadium begins to sway in unison, a sea of bodies moving to the beat. When the chorus hits, the roar is deafening, a wave of sound that washes over the field as the Hokies storm onto the gridiron.
For players, coaches, and fans alike, "Enter Sandman" is more than just a song; it's a symbol of Hokie pride, a rallying cry that unites them in a shared experience. It represents the grit, determination, and unwavering spirit that defines Virginia Tech football. As the tradition enters its second quarter-century, one thing is certain: the sound of "Enter Sandman" will continue to reverberate through Lane Stadium, fueling the passion and excitement of Hokie Nation for years to come. It's a testament to the enduring power of music and its ability to create a lasting legacy.
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Sports