This article was originally published in the Welcome Home print issue of The Daily Utah Chronicle, originally in stands on August 25, 2024. It has not been updated and some information may be out of date.
The Mighty Utah Student Section, commonly known as the MUSS, is one of the nation’s most prolific crowds that tremendously impacts University of Utah athletics. By motivating teams through energy, unity, noise and school spirit, the MUSS has stamped its name as one of the best student sections in the country.
Since its creation in 2004, nearly 100,000 students have become members of the prestigious student section. Five thousand and four hundred seated passes are given to students each year on top of the 2,000 standing room only passes, but attendance typically exceeds these totals by a landslide. Part of the fun within the MUSS is joining peers in matching shirts at football games and rooting together for a collective goal.
Traditions have become a strong part of Utah athletics. Drawing in thousands of students to various sporting events helps the success of everyone at the U. Players, coaches, fans and opponents all notice the differences a lively environment can bring to every sport. A strong home field advantage has been a staple of the MUSS throughout the last decade, but this year has been especially impactful for our teams.
Between football, gymnastics, men’s basketball and women’s basketball, the U combined for an astounding home record of 41-6. An 87.2% win rate among these sports solidifies Utah as the No. 1 performing team at home in Division I college athletics. While the student-athletes deserve the bulk of the credit for this accomplishment, the MUSS helps each of these programs perform to the best of their abilities.
Coaches of Utah athletics are often very appreciative of the students in the Mighty Utah Student Section. Singing their praises keeps students motivated to attend events and make a difference in and out of the game. Commentators at games have also been impressed with the magnitude at which Ute fans can impact the flow of a game. Shaking press boxes, reported noise earthquakes and thunderous cheers aren’t things you get from your average student section.
Rowdy fans, loud chants, supportive cheering and flags flying are all things that fans will see in the MUSS at any given game. The Mighty Utah Student Section lives up to its name, and the demand to be a part of it is through the roof. When MUSS pass registration went live on March 29, within a matter of minutes, passes were sold out, and thousands of Utah students had locked in their seats for the upcoming season’s events.
Some special traditions that have become part of the MUSS culture are the third down jump, the MUSS bus, the school song and the moment of loudness. Each of these traditions has a unique aspect that separates Utah from the rest of the college sports world. The passionate “Go Utes!” at the end of the school song and the excitement of a third down jump brings students together and creates the opportunity to make friends for life.
Schools across the country have attempted to recreate some of the traditions at the U, but none compare to the real thing. There’s a reason Utah’s 20-year pick six streak is the longest in the nation and doesn’t look to slow down any time soon. Eighty-three consecutive sold-out football games are just another sign that shows Utah truly has the best fans in the country.
My favorite tradition is the moment of loudness. This one-of-a-kind experience is one that you can only be a part of at the U. I won’t spoil what it’s all about, but I highly encourage every student to enjoy the special energy it brings to each home football game.
Recognition is something that the MUSS isn’t short on. In 2021, the Mighty Utah Student Section was awarded the Taco Bell Live Más Student Section of the Year Award. This is an impressive feat that only a handful of colleges have accomplished since the creation of the award.
Overall, it’s clear that the MUSS is the place to be as a student attending the U. There are many ways to get involved as an incoming freshman or an upperclassman who may have missed out on registration. Follow @themuss on Instagram to receive updates on tickets and giveaways. We’re excited for another great sports season, and as always, go Utes!
