MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Members of the West Virginia University Mountaineer Marching Band cut the ribbon Friday on the new Pride Practice Field alongside President Michael T. Benson, representatives from the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media, WVU Foundation, WVU Division of Student Life, and other supporters.
“This new, much improved site ensures the award-winning Mountaineer Marching Band will continue to perform at its best, inspiring WVU fans wherever they may be,” President Benson said.
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The facility, located at the Med Fields in the Health Sciences area of campus, features a turf field with markings identical to Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium, along with lighting and convenient access to both the stadium and campus.
“‘The Pride of West Virginia’ isn’t just a band; it’s the heartbeat of the University, serving as an ambassador for the entire Mountain State,” said Cheldon Williams, associate director of bands and director of athletic bands in the School of Music.
“A dedicated, purpose-built space is what an ensemble of this caliber needs to ensure long-term success.”
The relocation of the band tower and completion of the field mark the end of the project’s first phase.
“Members of ‘The Pride’ represent the entire University and have long deserved a practice facility that allows them to perform at their best,” said Keith Jackson, Philip J. Faini/Falbo Family Dean of the College of Creative Arts and Media. “This site is a well-deserved game changer for the Mountaineer Marching Band.”
The project also led to new collaboration between WVU Campus Recreation and the College of Creative Arts and Media. Campus Recreation will maintain the field and oversee lighting while continuing intramural and club sports programming.
“Because of this collaboration, we can continue delivering programming through the intramural and club sports programs to thousands of students each year, but with a more durable playing surface that should have fewer cause for cancellations,” said Andy Darling, director of Campus Recreation.
“We’re excited to welcome the Mountaineer Marching Band to the area we’ve called home for 30 years and look forward to our ongoing partnership in this upgraded field complex.”
Williams called the Mountaineer Marching Band “a pillar of campus spirit.”
“This facility will strengthen ties between ‘The Pride’ and intramural and club sports participants, creating opportunities for relationship building and collaboration,” Williams said.
The $1.6 million project was funded through donations from supporters, alumni and the university community. Donors who contributed more than $50,000 will have yard lines named in their honor.
“The students, faculty and staff of the Mountaineer Marching Band would like to extend our appreciation to everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition,” said Scott Tobias, director of bands. “A very sincere ‘thank you’ to the donors, alumni, administration, development officers, contractors and construction workers.”
The proposed name of the field is “Don Wilcox Field” in honor of the longtime band director who died in May 2024. During his 34-year tenure, Wilcox grew the band from an 88-piece, all-male group into a more than 300-member ensemble.
“The ‘Pride of West Virginia’ would not be what it is today without Don Wilcox,” Jackson said. “It is only right that we honor his legacy as we move into the band’s next chapter.”
Future phases of the Pride Practice Field and Facility Project include a $5 million pavilion and storage facility, with fundraising still underway through the WVU Foundation.
“From energizing Mountaineer fans on game days to representing WVU on national stages, we showcase the talent, grit and passion of our students,” Williams said. “This facility ensures future generations can continue that legacy — with an even greater level of commitment and shared purpose.”
