Cowboy Football Game Day
Makena N.
Published September 25, 2025
6 Minute Read
Your Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Wyoming Game Day
If you’ve never spent a Saturday in Laramie for a Wyoming Cowboys football game, you’re in for something unforgettable. Cowboy football isn’t just about the plays on the field, it’s a high altitude celebration of pride, tradition and western grit. From sizzling grills in the parking lot to the roar of the crowd inside War Memorial Stadium, game day is where Laramie comes alive. And with alumni like Josh Allen showing the world the kind of talent that comes out of this program, it’s no wonder the energy here is electric. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or making your first trip to the high plains, here’s your all-in-one guide to doing Cowboy football the right way.
Game Day Starts at the tailgate
No Wyoming Cowboys football experience is complete without a classic pregame tailgate. Wyoming fans know how to turn a parking lot into a party and you’re invited. You can enjoy family friendly fun with hundreds of other Cowboys fans in Tailgate Alley or the IPF (Indoor Practice Facility).
For the classic game day vibe, head to The Ford Stadium Lot, just outside War Memorial Stadium. This is tailgating central, grills smoking, speakers blasting and footballs flying through the air. If you’re looking for something more family friendly, Tailgate Park by the Indoor Practice Facility is where you’ll find live music, food trucks, and plenty of kid-friendly fun.
Pro tip, bring your own food and drinks. While Cowboy fans are some of the friendliest around, most lots are strictly BYO. And don’t forget to dress in layers. At 7,220 feet, Laramie weather can flip from sun to snow in the span of a quarter.
Inside War Memorial Stadium
Fun fact: At 7,220 feet above sea level, War Memorial Stadium is the highest Division I football stadium in the country. The views? Stunning. The home field advantage? Real. And the fans? Unstoppable.
The University of Wyoming wants every Cowboy fan to have a safe, fun and memorable experience inside War Memorial Stadium. Before you head in, here are a few key things to know:
All fans must follow UW’s clear bag policy. Each person may bring one clear plastic bag (no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”) or a one-gallon freezer bag. Small clutch purses (5” x 7” or smaller) are allowed. Exceptions are made for medical items, but they’ll be inspected.
As a full-time UW student, your student fees include admission to every home Wyoming Cowboys football game, no extra cost! Just log into Wyoming Rewards to claim your free ticket, and make sure to download it to your mobile wallet before game day to skip the lines and avoid any Wi-Fi hiccups at the gate.
Once you’re in, join your fellow students in the student seating section, where the energy is unmatched. From high fives to chants and standing room excitement, this is where memories and school spirit are made. Don’t just watch the game, be part of the roar that makes War Memorial Stadium come alive.
When it comes to seating, every spot in War Memorial Stadium offers its own unique experience. The student section on the east stands is the heartbeat of game day loud, proud and unfiltered, it’s the place to be if you want to cheer, chant and feel the marching band’s rhythm pounding in your chest. Over on the west stands, you’ll find stunning views of both the field and the surrounding mountains, along with extra amenities and concessions for a more comfortable experience. And if you’re looking for the ultimate in game day luxury, the Wildcatter Club & Suites deliver heated indoor seats, catered meals and unmatched views of the action.
No matter where you end up, game day at UW is all about fun, memories and showing your Cowboy pride. So, grab your friends, your brown and gold and get ready to be part of something legendary.
Game Day Traditions
Game day in Laramie is built on traditions that make Wyoming football unlike anything else. One of the most iconic is the sound of the Western Thunder Marching Band playing “Ragtime Cowboy Joe.” The whole stadium joins in, and even if you don’t know every word, all you really need to do is shout “GO POKES!” at the right moments to feel part of the energy.
On the sidelines and across the field, two beloved figures keep the crowd fired up, Cowboy Joe, the spirited miniature pony, and Pistol Pete, the tough cowboy mascot. Together they embody the pride and grit of Wyoming, drawing cheers from fans young and old.
Another tradition you won’t want to miss is the Cowboy Walk. A few hours before kickoff, the team makes its way into War Memorial Stadium, joined by cheerleaders and the Western Thunder Marching Band. Fans line the path, cheering them on, creating an atmosphere so electric it feels like the game has already begun.
The excitement doesn’t stop once the game is underway. Halftime is its own event, with the Western Thunder delivering high energy performances that keep fans on their feet. And when Wyoming scores? Brace yourself for the cannons fire, shaking the stands and making every touchdown feel larger than life.
Celebrate like a local
When the final whistle blows, the celebration doesn’t end. Win or lose, downtown Laramie comes alive with fans swapping stories and reliving the best plays. Grab a burger and a pint at The Library Sports Grille & Brewery, join students and locals at Born in a Barn or go for a more elevated meal at Altitude Chophouse & Brewery. Wherever you end up, the atmosphere is as much a part of the experience as the game itself.
make cowboy footbal games a tradition
There’s nothing quite like a Wyoming Cowboys game. It’s the crisp mountain air, the loyal fans, the sea of brown and gold and the fierce pride in the Cowboy State. So, grab your boots, warm up your vocal cords and get ready for a high altitude, high energy football experience you’ll never forget. GO POKES!
