What is the capacity of the Virginia Tech Stadium?

Nestled in the picturesque town of Blacksburg, Virginia, Lane Stadium stands tall as an iconic shrine of college football, encapsulating the essence of Virginia Tech's spirited Hokie Nation. This colossal sporting arena, commonly referred to as "Lane Stadium," proudly serves as the home ground for the Virginia Tech Hokies, a renowned football team competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). With its rich history, remarkable construction, and ever-evolving seating capacity, Lane Stadium stands as a symbol of the Hokie pride and the relentless spirit of its supporters.

Virginia Tech Stadium History and Construction Costs

Lane Stadium's journey began in 1963 when Stuart K. Cassell, an esteemed school administrator and namesake of Cassell Coliseum, envisioned a grander stadium to replace the aging Miles Stadium, which had a mere 17,000 seats. Construction commenced on April 1, 1964, and after four years of dedication, the inaugural game was played in 1965, with Virginia Tech defeating William & Mary 9–7. During this initial phase, only the west stands and the center section of the east bleachers were completed. The stadium was fully realized in the summer of 1968, at an official cost of $3.5 million. It could seat 35,050 enthusiastic fans and boasted a press box to accommodate guests, writers, stat crews, scouts, and coaches. The playing field was conventionally oriented along a north-south alignment with the press box on the west sideline.

Lane Stadium owes its name to Edward Hudson Lane, a dedicated alumnus of Virginia Tech, local entrepreneur, and fervent Hokies supporter. Lane's contributions, including a challenge gift of Lane Company stock, played a pivotal role in raising over $3 million for the stadium's original construction. The stadium's initial design featured two bowed sideline grandstands, complemented by free-standing bleachers behind the end zones. This architectural layout bore a resemblance to stadiums like BB&T Field at Wake Forest and Memorial Stadium at Indiana University.

Virginia Tech Stadium Capacity

Lane Stadium's evolution from a modest venue to a grand spectacle included expansions in the 1980s, raising capacity to 52,500. In 1992, the Worshams' $1 million contribution led to the dedication of the playing surface. Further growth occurred in 1999 and 2000, adding 5,100 seats and Hokievision, elevating capacity to 56,272.

During the early 2000s, Lane Stadium underwent significant upgrades, adding 11,120 seats to the south end zone, bringing the total capacity to 65,115. In 2006, the west side received a major facelift, introducing luxury suites, a President's area, club seating, concessions, a ticket office, and an Athletics Hall of Fame. This transformation, including a two-tier grandstand with 11,000 seats, amounted to a remarkable $52.5 million expansion, ultimately elevating Lane Stadium's seating capacity to 65,632. In 2013, a cutting-edge "Hokie Vision" video scoreboard was unveiled, ranking as the third-largest in college football, while subsequent renovations and the Frank Beamer statue installation in 2017 and 2018 further enhanced the stadium's allure.

Virginia Tech Stadium Seating Chart

Lane Stadium's seating arrangement is a testament to its rich history and continuous evolution. With its iconic "Hokie Stone" walls and strategically positioned seating sections, it offers an unforgettable game-day experience for fans. The stadium's seating is divided into various zones, including the newly renovated West Side Outdoor Club seating area, the expanded south end zone, and the north end zone bleachers. These diverse seating options cater to the preferences and comfort of Hokie fans.

What to Bring to Virginia Tech Stadium?

• Hokie Spirit and Enthusiasm: Bring your passionate Hokie spirit and enthusiasm to support the team.

• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather conditions on game day.

• Tickets: Ensure you have your tickets, either in electronic or physical form, as they are essential for entry.

• Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun by bringing sunscreen to apply during the game.

• Hats: Wear a hat to shield yourself from the sun's rays and stay comfortable.

• Sunglasses: Bring sunglasses to keep your eyes protected and enjoy the game without squinting.

• Small Bag or Backpack: Carry a small bag or backpack to conveniently store and carry your essentials throughout the event.

Parking Cost at Virginia Tech Stadium

Parking at Lane Stadium is well-organized to ensure a hassle-free experience for fans. Public parking is available on the gameday and starts from $30 in designated campus lots, including Prices Fork Parking Garage, North End Center Parking Garage, Ag Quad, and Squires. To enhance accessibility, all scheduled BT routes are in service, with additional buses added as needed. ADA service is provided from Oak Lane, starting three hours before kickoff. RV parking is available in Lot 3 or 16 for Hokie Club members, with parking passes for RVs. Public RV parking is also available at the Duck Pond Overflow lot and the student remote lot.

Handicap parking is conveniently located in the Oak Lane lot, situated diagonally across from the Sigma Phi Epsilon (ΣΦΕ) House.