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Virginia Tech’s storied history as a land-grant university involves many quirky legends and lore – the mascot, for one, a large turkey that pulled a cart during gobbler games, and the university’s colors of maroon and orange, a beloved combo ever-present in the New River Valley. However, it was more than two decades after Tech welcomed its first student that the famed color couple made its debut. The vibrant energy they bring have had its maroon and orange effect on the hearts of Hokies ever since.
In the Beginning
In 1896, 24 years after Virginia Tech’s founding, a committee was formed to discuss new university colors. Black and gray, it seemed, didn’t have the most attractive appearance for students and fans – prison garb was more like it. Maroon and orange were selected, and the colors were off to a good start, brightening the field as Virginia Tech secured a 12-0 win against Roanoke College on October 20, 1896.
One reason that the dynamic duo of maroon and orange was selected? As is true to this day, no other university in the nation uses these two colors. The uniqueness of the pair was an allure to the still fledgling institution. The official names of the colors are Chicago Maroon and Burnt Orange, with “Hokie Stone” and “Yardline White” as official supporting neutrals.
Team Spirit
University colors do more than provide an eye-catching look to official merchandise (merch). They’re an easily recognizable, cohesive element of team spirit. Merch is the leading representative of the colors, but another much beloved symbol is, of course, the Hokie bird with its vibrant plumage.
A few popular theories lead up to the catchy nickname that the future Hokies earned, but irrespective of origin, the Virginia Polytechnic Institute “Gobblers” were first coined circa 1908. “In 1913, [a Blacksburg youth] began taking to games a huge turkey gobbler that he trained to pull a 2-wheel cart and to flap its wings and gobble when prompted.” [hokiesports.com]
Despite the VPI president censuring this activity, the turkey’s irresistible charm lasted, enduring some obstacles, and leading to the enigmatic “Hokie Bird.” The official mascot in its present day look first appeared at a Tech football game against Clemson in 1987.
Vast Assortment of Merch
From “Saturdays are for The Sandman” onesies to maroon and orange color-blocked umbrellas and items more off the beaten path, Virginia Tech merchandise, like the merch of any adoring team, can be found in a wide variety of clothing and accessories.
Of course, a Saturday in Lane Stadium requires its own set of accessories – tee shirts, striped overalls, hats, lanyards, bandanas and earrings. Shirts offer humorous or catchy sayings fit to the personality of the fan, as well as a plethora of Metallica references.
Tailgating in style opens up a whole new world of possibilities. A quick Google search for “Virginia Tech party supplies” brings up eye-catching napkins, pennants, paper plates, balloons, cornhole, flags and folding chairs. Cups and thermoses keep beverages hot during chilly fall football tailgate parties. Speaking of fall, what better colors than matching with Blacksburg’s bedecked leaves come autumn?
Getting into the food realm, adorable Tech-themed cupcake toppers, cutting boards, oven mitts, charcuterie boards, aprons, salt and pepper shakers, grill accessories and more make even a home-based watch party a festive and spirited event.
That, of course, barely scratches the iceberg of possibilities for the dedicated fan. Have a man cave that needs decorating? A neon-lighted silhouette of an approving Hokie bird can grace an interior wall. Metal signs, panoramas of Lane Stadium and framed pictures of the legends of the field round out the interior decorating collection.
Hitch covers and license plate frames help you ride in style. And for the dedicated fan looking for even more, an embroidered Tech steering wheel cover is just under $30. Logo floor mats and car seat covers complete the vehicular collection.
Courtney Bremner, a local Hokies fan since her undergrad degree, comments on her favorite maroon and orange item. “I bought a maroon Toyota Corolla in broad daylight in Annapolis, Md.” It wasn’t until after dark, though, that she realized the car’s secret. “Driving down Interstate 81, I realized that the lights on the dashboard glow orange.” Bremner was thrilled to have her own maroon and orange car, and she completed it with a Hokie-themed “Gobbler” plate.
From black-and-gray “prison garb” uniforms to the bright, popular colors of today’s Hokie events, it seems that the maroon and orange pair will be sticking around for more of Virginia Tech’s longevity. Most modern fans couldn’t imagine Blacksburg without its team colors and its offbeat team-spirited merch, found in a variety of snazzy accoutrements for every type of fan. Maroon effect, indeed! Go Hokies.
Text by Caitlyn Koser
Photos courtesy of Jon Fleming
Photos courtesy of Jon Fleming
