Virginia Tech’s “Enter Sandman” entrance is a college football tradition that’s as electric as it gets, and Wednesday night’s Metallica concert at Lane Stadium took it to another level. What started in 2000 as a choice between three songs—“Enter Sandman,” “Welcome to the Jungle,” and “Sirius”—for the new video board has become a cultural phenomenon. The fans, over 60,000 strong, jump in unison as the song’s thunderous intro kicks in, a ritual that’s so intense it’s registered on local seismographs multiple times. It’s a moment that defines Lane Stadium, especially at night, and it’s a tradition that’s transcended generations, with fans who weren’t even born when the song was released in 1991 belting out the lyrics as the Hokies charge onto the field.
Metallica’s visit on Wednesday was a long time coming. Despite years of calls for the band to play live in Blacksburg, the closest they’d gotten was a pre-recorded video before the 2011 game against Miami. But this time, they brought the M72 World Tour to Lane Stadium, and the impact was seismic—literally. The Virginia Tech Seismological Observatory recorded a spike when “Enter Sandman” played, a testament to the energy of the crowd. It’s a rare feat for a concert to set off the Richter scale, but for Metallica and Virginia Tech fans, it was par for the course. The atmosphere, as the video indicates, was incredible, with the band’s presence amplifying the tradition that’s defined the stadium for decades.
Metallica’s choice to play in Blacksburg, a college town far from major metropolitan areas, is unusual but speaks to the draw of Lane Stadium and the “Enter Sandman” phenomenon. The concert sold out quickly, a sign of the hunger for this moment. For Hokie fans, it was more than just a concert; it was a validation of their tradition, a chance to see the band that’s been the soundtrack to their football Saturdays live. For Metallica, it was an opportunity to connect with a fanbase that’s made their song a part of college football lore. Stay tuned, because this story’s got legs, and for Virginia Tech, it’s a moment that’ll be remembered long after the last note fades. The M72 World Tour hit Blacksburg, and the ground shook, but the tradition? That’s unshakable.
