History of the Hill: The Heartfelt Tradition Behind WVU Football’s Law School Hill
Every college football team has its own unique traditions — moments, places, and rituals that connect generations of fans and players. For West Virginia University, one of the most cherished traditions doesn’t happen on the field or in the stands, but just above them — on the grassy slope behind the north end zone of Milan Puskar Stadium, better known as Law School Hill.
To outsiders, it might just look like a patch of elevated grass near the WVU College of Law. But for Mountaineer fans, it’s a symbol of passion, pride, and the unmistakable identity of West Virginia football.
Where Tradition Meets Topography
The roots of Law School Hill go back to the early days of Milan Puskar Stadium, when it first opened in 1980. Nestled just behind the stadium’s north end zone, the hill quickly became a favorite spot for fans looking to enjoy the game from a slightly different vantage point — without the price of a ticket.
In the early years, hundreds of students and locals would spread blankets, fire up portable radios, and enjoy a free view of the action. It wasn’t long before Law School Hill became a legendary tailgate spot, complete with coolers, chants, and the occasional couch (though not the flaming kind that Morgantown is infamous for).
A Scene Unlike Any Other
Law School Hill isn’t just about the view — it’s about the atmosphere. You can hear the Mountaineer Marching Band echo up the slope. You can feel the tension of a 4th-and-goal play even from 50 yards away. And when the stadium erupts after a big touchdown, the hill joins in — a rolling wave of cheers, airhorns, and Appalachian spirit.
For many alumni, memories of sitting on that hill — sometimes in the sunshine, often in the cold — are as vivid as the games themselves. It’s where friendships were made, traditions were born, and where future students first fell in love with WVU football.
The Law Looks On
Of course, the name “Law School Hill” comes from the fact that it sits directly beneath the WVU College of Law. On game days, it’s not uncommon to see professors, law students, and even families with picnic baskets enjoying the spectacle from that perch. It’s a place where the university’s academic core and athletic pride collide — in the best way.
Modern Times, Same Soul
While stadium security and ticket policies have changed over the years, Law School Hill remains part of the WVU football experience. Today, it’s less of a free-for-all and more of a tailgate haven, but the spirit remains. Fans still gather, kids still roll down the hill, and the view is still one of the best in Morgantown.
More Than a Hill
For Mountaineer fans, Law School Hill is a reminder that football is more than a game. It’s community, memory, and a connection to something bigger than yourself. In a world of giant jumbotrons and billion-dollar stadiums, WVU’s little hill remains a symbol of what makes college football — and West Virginia — special.
It’s not just a hill. It’s home.
