At Virginia Tech, traditions run deep, and one of the most lighthearted yet cherished moments on game day is the performance of the Hokey Pokey. This beloved dance might seem silly at first glance, but to Hokies, it represents community, spirit, and shared joy. Whether you’re an alumnus, a student, or a fan attending your first football game, seeing tens of thousands of people join in the Hokey Pokey is a unique and unforgettable experience. It’s not just about moving your limbs it’s about putting your whole self into the Hokie spirit. The Virginia Tech Hokey Pokey is more than a dance. It’s a symbol of pride and unity that brings generations of Hokies together.
History of the Hokey Pokey at Virginia Tech
The Hokey Pokey has been part of American culture for decades, but at Virginia Tech, it has become a time-honored tradition tied specifically to sporting events and the school’s vibrant student life. Though the origins of the Hokey Pokey as a dance go back to the mid-20th century, its introduction to Virginia Tech stadium culture appears to have started in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a fun, crowd-pleasing activity during football games.
Adopted as a Game Day Tradition
Over time, the Hokey Pokey became embedded in the spirit of Hokie football. It is typically performed between the third and fourth quarters of home football games at Lane Stadium, right after the energy of ‘Enter Sandman’ has set the tone. The song blares from the speakers, and students, alumni, and fans all jump into the dance with contagious enthusiasm.
How the Hokey Pokey Is Performed at Lane Stadium
The Hokey Pokey at Virginia Tech follows the same basic steps that many people know from childhood. However, what makes it special in Blacksburg is the sheer scale and energy of its performance. Tens of thousands of fans participate simultaneously, creating a sea of movement, laughter, and school pride. Each verse ends with a cheer, and fans yell as they turn themselves around, bringing a roar through the stands.
Steps of the Dance
- Put your right hand in
- Take your right hand out
- Put your right hand in
- And shake it all about
- You do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around
- That’s what it’s all about!
Each verse changes the body part left hand, right foot, head, hips, and so on leading to an increasingly entertaining performance. By the time fans put their whole self in, the stadium is alive with movement and laughter.
Why the Hokey Pokey Matters to Virginia Tech Fans
While it might seem playful or even a bit silly, the Hokey Pokey has deep meaning for many Hokies. It represents unity across generations of students and alumni. No matter how old you are or where you come from, when that familiar tune plays, you’re part of something bigger. It’s an inclusive tradition that everyone can join, regardless of age or familiarity with football.
Shared Identity and Hokie Spirit
Virginia Tech is known for its strong sense of community. Traditions like the Hokey Pokey reinforce the feeling that once you’re a Hokie, you’re always a Hokie. Students look forward to joining the crowd in doing the dance for the first time, and alumni often return just to relive the moment.
Creating Memories
For many students and fans, dancing to the Hokey Pokey becomes a highlight of their college experience. It’s one of those moments that sticks in your memory long after graduation. The combination of school pride, crowd energy, and a sense of fun makes it special every single time.
Other Related Virginia Tech Traditions
Virginia Tech is rich in traditions that bring students and fans together. The Hokey Pokey is just one of many ways Hokies celebrate their shared identity.
Enter Sandman
Before every home game, players enter the field to the Metallica song Enter Sandman, as fans jump and cheer in anticipation. This tradition has become nationally recognized and sets the tone for the entire game.
The Corps of Cadets
As a military-oriented university, Virginia Tech’s Corps of Cadets plays a visible role on game day and in campus culture. Their presence adds to the pride and discipline of Hokie traditions.
Skipper the Cannon
When the Hokies score, the cannon known as Skipper is fired, adding even more excitement and energy to the stadium experience.
The Hokey Pokey fits perfectly among these traditions, offering a moment of pure fun and participation for everyone present.
The Hokey Pokey in Campus Life
Beyond the football stadium, the Hokey Pokey has made appearances at student events, orientations, and alumni gatherings. It serves as a cultural touchpoint that connects Hokies even outside of game day. Orientation leaders sometimes teach it to incoming students as part of introducing them to Virginia Tech spirit. At reunions and celebrations, it becomes a joyful, nostalgic moment that brings people back to their student years.
Why Visitors Love the Hokey Pokey
First-time visitors to Lane Stadium are often surprised and delighted by the Hokey Pokey performance. It’s rare to see a crowd of this size so willing to have fun, let loose, and be silly together. For many, it’s a reminder that college sports are about more than just the game; they’re about community, shared joy, and unforgettable traditions.
A Welcoming Atmosphere
The Hokey Pokey creates an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of background or familiarity with Virginia Tech, feels welcome. Even rival fans often smile or laugh when the Hokey Pokey begins. It’s difficult to resist joining in, and that’s part of its magic.
In Popular Culture and Media
Videos of the Hokey Pokey at Virginia Tech have gone viral on several occasions, showcasing the university’s unique spirit. Sports broadcasters, bloggers, and alumni frequently mention it as one of the most distinctive and entertaining college traditions in the U.S. In a sea of college traditions, this one stands out for its humor, energy, and inclusivity.
Hokey Pokey as a Legacy
As Virginia Tech continues to grow and change, the Hokey Pokey remains a symbol of continuity. Parents who once danced to it in the stadium now watch their children do the same. It’s passed down not just as a song and dance but as a moment of joy that connects past, present, and future Hokies.
A Living Tradition
Unlike more formal traditions, the Hokey Pokey remains light and fun, yet it carries a surprising amount of emotional weight. For many, it’s a way to reconnect with the feelings of being young, free, and part of something larger than themselves.
The Virginia Tech Hokey Pokey is much more than a dance during a football game. It’s a celebration of community, tradition, and shared identity. It unites thousands of voices and movements into a single, joyful expression of school spirit. Whether you’re a student, an alumnus, or a first-time visitor, participating in the Hokey Pokey at Lane Stadium is one of the most memorable experiences you can have at Virginia Tech. In a world that often feels divided, the Hokey Pokey is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, what it’s really all about is coming together and turning yourself around.