BLACKSBURG (WSLS10)-- Virginia Tech fans are starting to pour into town, as those on campus and in the Blacksburg community prepare for Saturday's first game of football season. It's Coach Justin Fuente's first game as head coach-- something that many people are looking forward to watching.
Coach Fuente isn't the only new feature for the Hokies this year-- the Merryman Athletic Facility has gotten a facelift as well and the updates are very impressive.
It's the first thing that many of the players' families, athletic prospects and alumni see when they visit Virginia Tech, and now the Merryman Center has a brand new look inside. The lobby features everything from a display of giant championship rings to the trophies, pictures and video from the Hokies' 23-year active streak of continuous bowl games.
There are more subtle nods to the university as well, like the tile floor that's meant to look like the Hokie Stone that covers the buildings on campus.
"When we have prospects on a visit, fans or our own players, this is our main entryway-- so that first impression is important," says Pete Moris, the Associate AD, Strategic Communications. "This makes it feel like 2016, but melds some of that history in. We've got the Hokie Stone tile and all of the videos, but also the trophies and the history and tradition of Virginia Tech. It all comes into one. It's a great entryway into our facility."
The updates also honor former head coach, Frank Beamer. There's an entire display dedicated to his time as head coach of the Hokies.