Legacies of Lane: Gameday behind the beak

Hokie gamedays are iconic for a reason – tradition.  

The deafening roar of Metallica's "Enter Sandman". Shaking keychains on third downs. Skipper the cannon. The lunch pail.  

And, of course, the HokieBird – a cultural phenom, and a symbol of Hokie Nation's unwavering pride. 

For lifelong Virginia Tech fan Connor Dixon, becoming the beloved mascot meant everything.  

"When I heard that my freshman year resident advisor (RA) was a HokieBird, I was determined to make it happen for myself," Dixon remembered. "So, I reached out to him. He had to keep everything top-secret, of course, but he offered a few tips as I did my research." 

With help from his contact, the class of '17 alum strategically reached out to the right people, navigating a top-secret interview and tryout process. Near the end of Dixon's sophomore year, he received confirmation that he had been awarded the coveted privilege. 

His passion for Virginia Tech, cultivated through years of attending games with his grandfather, ultimately transformed his childhood fantasy into reality. The opportunity meant photos, dancing, high-fives and crowd surfing – all of it helping to make people's days each time he suited up.  

As the HokieBird, Dixon brought magic to game days. Whether posing with an unexpected pet goat or entertaining thousands of fans, the role was pure joy, and also hard work. 

At the 2016 Battle of Bristol vs. Tennessee, Dixon endured an epic test of mascot endurance, wearing the HokieBird suit from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET and losing ten pounds in the sweltering heat.  

Another memorable mascot moment occurred during the 2016 ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament in Washington, D.C. A fan confidently mistook HokieBird for the South Carolina Gamecock, much to the amusement of his fellow mascots and handlers. 

"All of the ACC mascots were getting off of the bus, and this one guy goes, that's the one I've been looking for – the South Carolina Gamecock!" Dixon laughed. "One of the handlers said, no, that's the HokieBird, and the fan had no idea what that was." 

Dixon's most cherished memory, however, was being on the field for former head coach Frank Beamer's final home game against UNC on Nov. 21, 2015.  

"Even though we lost, the energy in that stadium was unreal, and it was so amazing getting to hug Coch Beamer on the field during his sendoff. There were so many emotions when the players carried him off the field. Because of what he has built with Virginia Tech football, the game felt special for every person in that stadium." 

For Dixon, being the HokieBird was a testament to Virginia Tech's unique football culture. Lane Stadium's magic, he says, lies in its passionate fan base, powering Lane's consistent ranking among the loudest stadiums in America despite its relatively modest size. 

Legacies of Lane Campaign

Tech Athletics launched a multi-platform brand campaign celebrating Lane Stadium through the eyes of those who know it best — the fans. Over the course of the summer, Tech will spotlight Hokie fans and their favorite game day memories, capturing the passion, pride, and tradition that define the Virginia Tech experience. Fans can share their stories for a chance to be featured. 

As the memories that define Lane Stadium are honored, there’s no better time to create new ones. Whether it’s a fans' first time in the stands or hundredth, the 2025 season is a chance to be part of the next chapter in Hokie history. Don’t miss a moment — use the virtual ticket assistant to see which ticket package is best for you.