Legendary heavy metal band Metallica is set to make a historic debut in Blacksburg, Virginia at Lane Stadium on May 7, as part of their M72 World Tour announced by Virginia Tech on Thursday. The iconic track “Enter Sandman” has been synonymous with Virginia Tech football's entrance since 2000, captivating fans and striking fear into opponents across the country. The culmination of this 20+ year tradition will come full circle with Metallica's upcoming performance at the stadium.

For a quarter of a century, “Enter Sandman” has acted as the high-energy anthem welcoming the Hokies onto the field at Lane Stadium. The song's enduring popularity has endured despite Virginia Tech football experiencing fluctuations in performance over the years, giving fans an electrifying experience each time it blares through the stadium speakers. Metallica expressed their excitement about the upcoming show, acknowledging the significant impact their music has had on the Virginia Tech football culture.

Lane Stadium's capacity of 65,632 is expected to be filled during Metallica's performance, creating an unforgettable experience for fans attending the show. The event comes full circle as Metallica's “Enter Sandman” has become deeply intertwined with the Hokies' sporting identity, representing strength, intimidation, and unwavering support for the team. As Metallica prepares to take the stage in Blacksburg for the first time, anticipation is high for what promises to be a historic and memorable event for fans and the community.