An historic moment will take place on the Hilltop this Halloween as West Liberty University lights up the football field for the first time.
“Light It Up West Lib,” sponsored by Main Street Bank, has been in the works for weeks now as the University gets ready to shine like it never has before, thanks to the generosity of alumnus Gary E. West ’58. WLU-TV14 even created a Light It Up West Lib! promotional video featuring the Hilltoppers Football Team to get fans psyched-up for the big moment.
The Hilltoppers will host the University of Charleston Golden Eagles under the lights with kickoff set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31 at historic Russek Field.
West Liberty is one of six Mountain East Conference members with a lighted football stadium. The others are Charleston, Fairmont State, Glenville State, UVA-Wise and Concord.
“These lights are bright enough to meet regional NCAA television standards and we are thrilled to have them. We invite everyone in the community to join us for this special night game,” said Athletic Director Jim Watson.
The leading edge lighting system is the result of a $500,000 gift from alumnus and donor Gary E. West and his wife, Flip. It complements the MondoTurf playing surface, also a West gift.
“We are so grateful to Gary and Flip and in a very special way, we thank them yet again for this tremendous gift of field lights,” said Vice President of Institutional Advancement Jason Koegler.
Designed by Musco Lighting, Canonsburg, Pa., the lighting system includes a highly technical timing system.
The 2013 season marks the 88th year of intercollegiate football and the Hilltoppers’ first season of competition as a charter member of the NCAA’s newest Division II all-sports league, the Mountain East Conference.
For more information or to follow Hilltopper athletics, visit hilltoppersports.com.