A new tradition will have Mountaineer fans wearing their school pride on their sleeves this week.

West Virginia University is taking part in the national College Colors Day, an annual celebration dedicated to promote the traditions and spirit that make the college experience memorable.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and other WVU fans are encouraged to show their support for WVU by donning gold and blue attire Friday, Aug. 29.

I am thrilled with the idea of having a national College Colors Day across the nation,said Bill Stewart, WVU head football coach.Its the perfect opportunity for all West Virginians to get behind the Mountaineers. Gold and blue are great colors, and every West Virginia fan should be proud to show them off on Aug. 29.

It is easy to participate. Just reach into your closet, throw on your WVU geargold and blue hats, T-shirts, ties and moreand head to campus or work, Stewart said.

College Colors Day coincides with WVU s annual FanFest pep rally set to kick off at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, on the Mountainlair plaza (rain location: Mountainlair ballrooms). Thousands of Mountaineer faithful, all wearing gold and blue, are expected to attend. (More on the Net: http://fanfest.wvu.edu/ )

College football fans around the nation will also be supporting their schools. For more information, visit http://www.collegecolorsday.com/ .

The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), a division of IMG Worldwide, organizes College Colors Day. CLC represents 13 of the 16 Big East Conference member institutions and all seven Big East Conference schools with football programs.