Getting in formation, members of the West Virginia University Mountaineer Marching Band officially cut the ribbon for the new Pride Practice Field with President Michael T. Benson, representatives from the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media, WVU Foundation and WVU Division of Student Life, and other supporters Friday (Aug. 29).
“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.
The new facility, located at the Med Fields on the Health Sciences area of campus, includes a turf field with markings that match Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. The location also includes lighting while providing easy 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 completion of the new practice field and relocation of the band tower marks the end of the first phase of the project.
“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.”
During the location search, an opportunity arose for cross-campus collaboration.
In 2024, a partnership was established between the College of Creative Arts and Media and WVU Campus Recreation. Previously, the Med Fields have been used by Campus Recreation’s intramural and club sports teams.
Through the new partnership, Campus Recreation is overseeing maintenance and lighting for the field.
“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 project was funded by generous donations from band supporters, alumni and the greater University community totaling upwards of $1.6 million. Several donors who contributed more than $50,000 to the project have been selected to name yard lines on the field as a “thank you” for their support.
“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” for the beloved “Pride of West Virginia” director who died in May 2024. During his 34-year tenure, Wilcox transformed an 88-piece, all-male ensemble into a more than 300-member powerhouse performance group.
After retiring, Wilcox remained an active supporter of the Mountaineer Marching Band, including the new practice facility.
“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.”
The next phases of the Pride Practice Field and Facility Project include a $5 million pavilion and storage facility. Fundraising continues. Financial gifts are currently being accepted by the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.
“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.”
