MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown and the downtown West Virginia University will be at ground zero for the opening of the 2024 NCAA college football season.
Sabrina Cave, Executive Director in the WVU Office of Student Enrichment, said the day includes the on-air staff of the Fox Sports “Big Noon Kickoff” show, “The Pat McAfee Show,” and a student staple, “Mountaineer Friday.”
“Downtown campus is going to be buzzing on Friday,” Cave said. “The Pat McAfee Show” is from noon to 3 p.m.; it’s his live show, and certainly students, our community members, and our alumni are most excited to welcome him back to campus.”
Staff from “The Big Noon Kickoff” will be at the Mountainlair Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with pizza, drinks, and sign-making materials for students. Staff from the show will return again Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with more opportunities to make signs for Saturday.
“The Big Noon Kick Off” is actually providing pizza and drinks for our students on Friday; there will be a large inflatable with opportunities to get pictures taken,” Cave said. “So, we’re really excited to have that addition.”
The signs are a very important part of every “Big Noon Kickoff” broadcast. The signs promote their favorite teams and poke fun at the personalities, and the best sign in the crowd will win a $500 prize.
“They will have sign-making supplies so students can make signs to hold up Saturday morning when they are live on the show,” Cave said.
This is all happening while the traditional Mountaineer Friday activities will be underway from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in and around the Mountainlair. Cave said the combination of activities will provide something for all ages in the community.
“There will be music provided by our campus radio station U-92, there will be food, the Mountaineer Maniacs will be there, and the Barnes & Noble Bookstore will have some special merchandise available for our fans.”
Vehicle and foot traffic is expected to be heavy throughout the city from Thursday through the weekend, and residents should plan for extra travel time. Cave said these three major events are expected to draw large crowds over extended periods of time, especially during the midday.
“People will probably want to park and walk and bring their patience to enjoy all the festivities that are going to be happening on the downtown campus,” Cave said. “Mounteer Friday, The Big Noon Kick Off, and The Pat McAfee Show.”