Bluefield, WV (WOAY) – Beaver-Graham Week reaches its peak Friday night, when the Bluefield Beavers and the Graham G-Men meet at Mitchell Stadium after a week of celebration across the city.
Tailgating begins earlier in the day, with fans from both towns filling the lot before kickoff. The two schools have met nearly every year since 1911. Friday’s game marks their 100th meeting.
This year’s Battle of the Bluefields is also the Fabulous Football Friday Week One Game of the Week.
Rob Brown, marketing coordinator for Bluefield Parks and Recreation, said there is nothing in the city quite like game day.
“I think people will be shocked to see how Bluefield actually looks. This the one time we actually look like a big city,” said Brown. “If you ever want to see people come together, be communal and just celebrate the moment, you need to be there on Friday.”
Brown said the energy only grows as kickoff approaches, and he had a word of caution for anyone attending their first Beaver-Graham game.
“Man, it’s amazing. All you’re going to hear is noise. You might want to get some ear stoppers. It’s breathtaking,” Brown said. “You’re already ready to be hype in that moment. When you see them run through that tunnel, it’s like, yeah, show time!”
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Mitchell Stadium. Highlights will air on Newswatch during Fabulous Football Friday at 11 p.m.
