A longtime tradition at Lane Stadium could be coming to a screeching end. The “Hokie Pokie” will no longer be a part of the on the field activities between the third and fourth quarters of each game.
David McKee, Director of the Marching Virginians said the Hokie Pokie will continue to be a part of the storied tradition of Virginia Tech, but it will now show up during halftime performances. “We still want the Hokie Nation to know that, truly, the Hokie Pokie is what it’s all about,” he said.
The exact start of the tradition at football games is not known but does have its own place on Wikipedia, an online source that describes the activity as it is related to Tech football games.
“The Marching Virginians of Virginia Tech play this song (known as the “Hokie Pokie” at Virginia Tech because of their mascot) between the third and fourth quarters at all Virginia Tech football games. Much of the crowd participates in the dance, as do the tubas during much of the song and the rest of the band during the tuba feature. The song is also generally used as the Marching Virginians’ dance number in the first half-time field show of the year, and an abbreviated version is played as a “Spirit Spot” (short song used between plays during the football game) after a big play,” says Wikipedia.
Most Tech fans are used to hearing: I put my right-hand in. I put my right hand out, in out, in out. shake it all about. As the song continues, the “left hand” is put in, then the “right foot,” then the “left foot,” then “my whole head.” You put your [right leg] in. You put your [right leg] out. You put your [right leg] in, and you shake it all about. You do the hokey pokey, and you turn yourself around. That’s what it’s all about.
In a press release earlier this week, Virginia Tech said they were adding a new element to the game day repertoire at Lane Stadium this fall.
Beginning with the Delaware game on September 9, an honorary guest will lead the stadium in the “Let’s Go, Hokies!” cheer prior to the start of the fourth quarter of each home game in Blacksburg. The list of dignitaries is a closely guarded secret.
Following the conclusion of the third quarter this season, the Marching Virginians will play VPI Victory March followed by a blast from Skipper and an honorary guest leading the “Let’s Go, Hokies!” cheer alternating between the east and west stands. Tech Triumph will then set the stage for the fourth quarter with additional music if time permits.
Also known as The Spirit of Tech, the university marching band continues to play an integral role in creating the atmosphere at Lane Stadium into to a massive and intimidating entertainment spectacle.
“We always look for ways to continue the strong traditions of Virginia Tech football while finding new ways to enhance the entertainment experience that makes game day in Lane Stadium so exciting,” said McKee.
But the change is not setting right with a lot of Hokie alum and football fans. Already an online petition to keep the dance between the third and fourth quarters had garnered close to 2,000 names.
So far, the university has not responded to the critics.
