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News from the FCS
August 30th, 2017, 10:30 AM
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Aug. 30, 2017) – Game day traditions are a major part of the pageantry that makes college football such a special experience.
Understanding that some traditions will certainly develop on their own over time, the ETSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics would like to introduce new plans and traditions for game days, as well as remind fans of some of the history and symbolism that will accompany the Bucs’ return to campus on Sept. 2 against Limestone College inside William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium.
These traditions, history and symbolism include:


Foundation Rocks – Two special rocks which were removed from the stadium site during construction have been placed inside the stadium. One is located on the east concourse for fans to see and touch as they enter the stadium, while the second is located under the videoboard in the south end zone and will be touched by the team as they enter the field. This is a symbolic gesture of the rebirth of the program and shows the unified spirit between the team, students and fans.



East Arch – Brick arches once greeted fans of Buccaneer football when they attended games in the original Memorial Stadium, which was located where the MSHA/ETSU Athletic Center now sits. The beautiful East Arch stands in tribute to the original on campus stadium and the history of ETSU Football.



Helmets – The Bucs’ helmets are painted navy blue with gold flakes. The gold is included to harken back to the program’s tradition of gold helmets and a tribute to all former players prior to 2003 who wore the gold helmet.



Buc Walk – Beginning at the MSHA/ETSU Athletic Center two hours and 15 minutes prior to kickoff, the Buc Walk is a tradition that connects everyone in Blue & Gold. The Bucs will move west adjacent to the parking garage and turn south on Jack Vest Drive toward the stadium. Led by the cheer and dance teams and the Marching Bucs, the Buc Walk will move through the fan tailgate areas before concluding as the team enters the stadium through the East Arch. At that time, the Marching Bucs will face east toward the students and play a salute to campus.



Gold Jersey – Being unveiled for the first time on Sept 2, 2017, as they take the field at the grand opening of their new stadium. The Bucs will wear Gold jerseys for uniquely special games.



Golden Globe Gingko Trees – Part of the Embrace Excellence Initiatives, donors to the Family Tree Legacy can put their mark on the stadium by sponsoring these trees, which will turn a beautiful ETSU gold in the fall and will line the entry ways into the stadium.



Running through the "E" – As the Bucs take the field each home game, the Marching Bucs form the powerful E logo at the south end of the field facing west. The Bucs sprint through the state of Tennessee portion of the E toward midfield before turning to the sideline.



Sounds of the Bucs – The ETSU Marching Bucs perform three school songs during games, the traditional “Fight! Fight! Fight!” which has accompanied ETSU athletic events to decades, the new “Buccaneer March” which was introduced for the return of football in 2015, and the institutions alma mater. Lyrics for “Fight! Fight! Fight!” and the re below:


Fight! Fight! Fight!
Fight, fight, fight with all your might,
Vic-tor-y will our slogan be,
Dear alma mater, fairest of all,
Our loyal sons will obey thy call to …
Fight, fight, fight with all your might,
Ever the goal to gain,
Into the game for Ole State’s Fame
Fight on to Victory
ETSU Alma Mater
In the Shadow of the mountains,
Under the Skies of blue,
Stands our dear old Alma Mater,
Glorious to View,
Sounds the chorus, speed it onward;
Thee we'll never fail!
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater -
Hail to thee, all hail!

In thy halls we formed our friendships,
Dear old college home;
And to thee we pledge our hearts,
Wherever we may roam,
Sound the chorus, speed it onward;
Thee we'll never fail!
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater -
Hail to thee, all hail!


Student connection and Stadium Site – The location of the stadium is oriented to directly connect campus to the entry way at the East Arch, which is an axis point that splits the 50-yard line running east directly through the Arch, east roundabout, down the sidewalk by Lucille Clement and directly to the D.P. Culp Student Center. This serves as a literal connection between ETSU students and the football program.




Students First - From sideline seating up to nearly midfield to the closest of all parking available, ETSU students are the focus on game day. Providing the energy and passion that equates to home field advantage, students are at the heart of ETSU Football game day.




Sections E & T – Strategically placed at midfield on both the east and west sides, sections E to the west and T to the east represent East Tennessee by marking the 50-yard line seating areas of the stadium.



More... (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/news/2017-18/14156/traditions-already-taking-shape-at-new-etsu-stadium/)