East Tennessee State’s re-establishment of their football program has brought the rivalry between ETSU and Chattanooga back to life. You won’t want to miss it when the Bucs take on in-state rivals Chattanooga, so make sure to be in attendance when the Mocs come to town.

East Tennessee State Buccaneers Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating is a huge part of Bucs game, and as a result, you’ll find fans from all over the Johnson City area filling the parking lots outside ETSU’s new stadium on Saturdays. The recent return of the Bucs football team has fans coming out in droves to show their support by tailgating before the game, creating a fun atmosphere at every Bucs tailgate.

You’ll see fans dressed head to toe in navy blue and gold grilling, drinking, and having a good time at ETSU. There is a ton of Bucs spirit on display here and nowhere is it more apparent how much ETSU fans love their team than at the Buc Walk. The sidewalks are packed with fans who line the street an hour and 45 minutes before kickoff to cheer on the team as they make their way to the stadium. If tailgating at an ETSU game, then make sure to attend the Buc Walk as it’s one of the best parts of tailgate here.

Another thing you won’t want to miss is the Food City Zone. The Food City Zone offers tons of entertainment for kids and families making it a great place for families to hang out before the game.

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to tailgate at ETSU, so get here early and enjoy the festivities.

Traditions

Buc Walk

Make sure to take part in the Buc Walk, which takes place an hour and 45 minutes before kickoff. The Buc Walk is your chance to see your favorite players up close, so don’t miss it during your trip to ETSU.

Food City Zone

Take the kids to the Food City Zone and enjoy a variety of kids activities. The Food City Zone opens three hours before the game and is fun for the whole family.

Buc Mobile

If you get the opportunity check out Darren and Kortney Caldwell’s Buc Mobile. The Buc Mobile is a tricked out tailgate vehicle that any ETSU fan would love to see and even features an alumni wall filled with the names of ETSU grads.

Where to tailgate

Tailgate Lots

Bucs football returns to campus for the first time in years thanks to the new ETSU Football Stadium, and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to tailgate before the game. Get here early and set up shop in the stadium lots for a full day of Bucs football action.

East Tennessee State Buccaneers Stadium Guide

In Game

East Tennessee State’s football program was disbanded in 2003 but returned with a vengeance in 2015 sparking a lot of buzz around the team. Fans pack the stands on game days dressed head to toe in navy blue and gold to support the Bucs creating a fantastic atmosphere inside the stadium.

Additionally, ETSU’s new stadium is among the best in the SoCon making a trip to Johnson City a must for any FCS football fan. The beautiful new stadium provides you with excellent sight lines no matter where you’re sitting, and the facility offers you with countless amenities to enjoy.

Finally, enjoy the performances of the Marching Bucs and the spirit groups throughout the game. The Marching Bucs put on an excellent show and will keep the tempo high throughout the game with their tunes. You also won’t want to miss ETSU’s mascot Bucky or the cheer squad, both of which do a great job of pumping up the crowd.

An ETSU game is a fun experience for FCS football fans, and if you’re from the Johnson City area, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to come out and support the return of your local team.

Things to check out

Marching Bucs

ETSU”s Marching Bucs are one of the best parts of any ETSU football game. The band puts on an incredible performance, and you won’t want to miss their pregame and halftime show, which will bring you to your feet.

Bucky

Keep an eye out for Bucky at the game. Fans young and old love Bucky, who gets into all kinds of shenanigans at Bucs games. No matter what the score you can always count on Bucky to bring a smile to your face.

Cheerleaders

Join the ETSU cheerleader as they pump up the crowd throughout the game. The cheerleaders perform a variety of cheers and chants, so join in and give the Bucs your support.

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