West Texas A&M University is rekindling an old tradition at this year’s Homecoming Week activities. The lighting of the Eternal Flame has not happened in the past five years. The WT Student Government Association will light the Eternal Flame after the 46th annual Pigskin Revue. This long-standing Homecoming tradition will move to Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium on WT’s Canyon campus this year.
“We’re excited to bring back this beloved tradition,” said Kyal Browne, student body president. “But relighting the Eternal Flame is more than a tradition. It’s a powerful reawakening of WT’s history and values, reflecting the resilience, unity and spirit that has shaped the University’s journey.”
The lighting ceremony will commence after the Pigskin Revue, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 11 at the white buffalo statue in Citizens Bank Plaza in front of the stadium.
The lighting of the Eternal Flame will be symbolic; the flame itself will be extinguished after the event, but the brazier will be on display on the plaza for the week preceding the Pigskin Revue. Electrical flames are mounted atop stone columns at the Fourth Street entrance to campus, keeping the tradition alive, as keeping a burning physical flame is costly.
The Eternal Flame dates back to 1914 when a fire burned the original Administration Building. President R.B. Cousins declared, “If West Texas State is nothing more than brick and mortar, it ought to die.” Funds were raised from state and local resources, which were used to open a new building—today known as Old Main—two years later.
Browne hopes the revitalized Pigskin Revue will attract alumni, parents and others interested in participating in Homecoming activities.
“We are thrilled to see the exciting changes that WT Student Government Association has planned for this year’s Pigskin Revue,” said Alumni Association executive director Ronnie Hall. “WT is rich in history, and seeing the return of the flame-lighting ceremony is a fantastic way to honor our traditions. This event is an important part of WT Homecoming as it brings together the WT Student body, alums, and fans to celebrate their Buff Spirit. We look forward to celebrating these moments with the entire WT Community.”
The Pigskin Revue will include the announcement of Homecoming court finalists and performances by The Sound of West Texas Buffalo Marching Band, WT Chorale and WT Spirit. Admission to this event is free.
Maintaining strong community ties is an element of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World, fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. One West reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in Sept. 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, One West has raised nearly $160 million.
