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FSU's Mike Norvell wants Marching Chiefs to be a 'strong presence' at Doak Campbell Stadium

peter holland jr., tallahassee democrat
·3 min read

Florida State football coach Mike Norvell wants to hear the Marching Chiefs, too.

In last week's Labor Day home opener against Boston College at Doak Campbell Stadium, FSU fans voiced their displeasure with the game-day experience and specifically wondered why blaring DJ-spun tunes were played on third downs instead of music by the Marching Chiefs.

The university responded that they appreciated the feedback and were always looking for ways to improve the experience.

Norvell explained after Wednesday's practice that he was aware of the situation and praised the school's renowned band for its game performances.

"I want to hear them every second of every moment of the game,” Norvell said. “I mean, I think they're remarkable. It's what makes Florida State special.”

Norvell said last year former FSU linebackers Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune requested to add music on third downs leading into music from the Chiefs. Norvell recalled having multiple meetings with FSU leadership about ways to improve Doak Campbell Stadium's game-day atmosphere.

FSU athletics and the school's College of Music each released statements to the Tallahassee Democrat last week that explained the game-day "script" between athletics administration, the football team and the band.

The music department also said the Marching Chiefs agreed in 2023 with the football team's request to introduce new music during third down, saying, "We believe this was a reasonable request."

Despite the changes, Norvell believes in traditions and wants to continue to work with the Marching Chiefs.

“I think we've honored the tradition,” Norvell said.

"I think we've offered the people what make this university special. We're going to continue to do that. I was told that it was (like that) at every game last year too and I never heard about it last year because we didn't lose any games at home last year. We definitely are going to work to get that part right."

FSU returns to Doak Campbell Stadium Saturday at noon to face the Memphis Tigers. Norvell continued to express his gratitude to the Marching Chiefs and how much they mean to the football program.

"I absolutely want to make sure that the Marching Chiefs are a strong presence in everything we're doing throughout the course of the game, so play on all right," Norvell said.

How can I watch FSU football vs. Memphis

  • Date: Saturday, Sept. 14

  • Time: Noon

  • Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida

  • TV: ESPN

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Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football's Mike Norvell wants more Marching Chiefs at home games