If you’ve ever been to a game at Bridgeforth, you understand that new head coach Bob Chesney isn’t just speaking in hyperbole when he says some outlandish things regarding the fanbase in Harrisonburg. In fact, if you’ve been to a game in the ‘Burg, you probably are quick to agree with Coach Chesney.
Just how much hype did he give to the fanbase ahead of his first season in town?
Bob Chesney Says JMU Fans Are “Best In the Country”
You don’t get much better than that, if we’re all being honest.
Speaking at Sun Belt Media Days, Chesney took time to thank the passionate JMU fanbase and thank the Dukes around the world in the process. Chesney also gave some bulletin board material for other fanbases in the Sun Belt and around the country with his claim.
“We have the best fans in all of the Group of Five,” Chesney said. “And probably the best in the country.”
This echos the sentiment from ESPN’s College GameDay, who famously ventured to Harrisonburg while the Dukes were still a member of the FCS. Those involved with GameDay that season said their experience in Harrisonburg was like none other and dubbed them as one of the greatest fan experiences in all of their time traveling from campus to campus.
GameDay returned to The Quad in 2023, the Dukes’ first season as a member of the Football Bowl Subdivision, and the crowd reaction was equally as impressive.
And it’s more than just the noise during the games on Saturdays that yield to the claims from GameDay and the Dukes’ new head coach.
The town shuts down on game days. The town bleeds Purple and Gold on game weeks. Hell, the town bleeds Purple and Gold year ’round, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a Group of Five fanbase that travels as well as the Dukes do on a weekly basis.
But home games are a different feel. Whether it’s the streamers or the tailgates, the chants and the garb, the enthusiasm and passion the JMU fanbase exudes is electric. Chesney said he’s felt it not only in person but in ticket sales of home games since he’s been on campus.
“JMU home tickets are sold out for the next three years,” Chesney said during Sun Belt Media Days.
In an era of ever-changing college football, the Dukes have been a model of consistency despite constant change within their program. Yet, the JMU faithful haven’t skipped a beat.
For that reason alone, we have no reason but to believe Chesney and agree that the Dukes’ fans have at least a spot in the discussion of best fans in the country.
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