MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WV News) — West Virginia University students and Mountaineer fans reacted with a mix of surprise, acceptance and nostalgia after the university announced a 10-year naming rights deal that changes the iconic WVU Coliseum’s name to Hope Coliseum.
The naming partnership was unveiled Sept. 25 in a ceremony at the Clark Mountaineer Club, streamed online, and was described by university officials as a strategic move to stabilize WVU athletics’ finances amid rising costs. Leaders said the deal would generate new revenue to support scholarships, facility upgrades and operating needs.
Reactions among students and fans poured out immediately on social media and fan forums.
Some responses embraced the change as pragmatic. One fan wrote, “There’s no reason for anyone to complain about the WVU Coliseum becoming the Hope Coliseum … if it means an increase in revenue.” Others called the new name “fitting” for the building’s role in the community.
At the same time, many expressed reluctance. “People will still just call it the Coliseum” was a commonly shared comment among students and fans resisting the rebranding. Some users on Reddit and X questioned the timing of the deal or rejected the name outright in favor of preserving tradition.
Other commentary took a lighter tone. One fan joked that the money should be used to “finally fix malfunctioning shot clocks,” while another wondered how much would go toward roster upgrades and recruiting.
Some students and fans said that while they understand the financial motivation behind the renaming, they hope the university will preserve the building’s legacy. Others admitted they would likely keep calling the facility “the Coliseum” out of habit.
The timing of the announcement has added complexity.
In May, Hope Gas filed with the West Virginia Public Service Commission to raise base residential rates for the first time since 2020, with proposed increases ranging from $21 to $34 per month depending on service area. Students from families served by Hope Gas expressed discomfort over the juxtaposition: Cheering the investment in athletics yet wary of the financial burden on households.
No formal student group statements or organized demonstrations were reported on campus the day of the announcement. Much of the dialogue played out in dorms, group chats, message boards and social media comment sections.
University leadership emphasized that the function and identity of the facility remain unchanged. President Michael T. Benson said the university is “honoring the Coliseum’s past while preparing for its future.” Athletic Director Wren Baker described the partnership as essential to diversifying revenue in a shifting college sports landscape.
For now, many expect that in everyday conversation, the facility will still be called simply “the Coliseum.” Over time, as signage and broadcasts adopt “Hope Coliseum,” the new name may become normalized — but the initial reaction shows it will carry emotional weight for fans and students alike.