August 15, 2011

Special events announced for Golden Eagle home football games in 2012

It's shaping up to be another special season in Tucker Stadium for the Tennessee Tech football team and its fans, as several events that have become traditions at Golden Eagle home contests are scheduled again to highlight the 2012 season.

Click here to view the 2012 Golden Eagle football schedule

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – It's shaping up to be another special season in Tucker Stadium for the Tennessee Tech football team and its fans, as several events that have become traditions at Golden Eagle home contests are scheduled again to highlight the 2012 season.

The action for OVC Coach of the Year Watson Brown and his team starts Thursday night, Aug. 30, when the Golden Eagles host Hampton University at 7 p.m.

That game will feature two special promotions – Communiversity Night and First Tennessee Bank Poster Night. For the annual Communiversity Night, Golden Eagle Athletics joins forces with businesses, partners and supporters throughout the community. For First Tennessee Bank Poster Night, free schedule posters will be available for fans attending the contest.

The second home game, a visit from North Greenville on Thursday night, Sept. 6, will be specially geared for young fans as Tech hosts Youth Football Night and Take A Kid To The Game Night. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

The University’s annual Family Weekend will be celebrated on campus in early October, featuring the 7 p.m. game on Saturday, Oct. 6, against Jacksonville State. That night will also be Football Legends Night, formerly known as Alumni Night, when past players return to be recognized for their roles in Tech's football legacy. This year's Football Legends Night will feature a special tribute to the 60^th anniversary of the 1952 Golden Eagle OVC champions, and the 40th anniversary of the 1972 title team.

Two weeks later, the Golden Eagles host Eastern Kentukcy in the final home night game of the year, with a 7 p.m. start against the Colonels. The seventh annual game for Recognizing Academic Excellence will feature Honor students from across the region as well as the Tennessee Tech Athletic Director's Honor Roll members in a pregame recognition.

The game with EKU will also give Golden Eagle fans a brand new experience as Tech hosts a blackout, with fans encouraged to wear black to the game.

The game against Eastern Illinois on Saturday, Nov. 3, will be the highlight of Tech's annual Homecoming festivities, with kickoff at 1:30 p.m. following the annual Homecoming Parade. Hall of Fame activities will take place Friday night and Saturday.

Tech’s sixth and final home game, a contest with the UT Martin Skyhawks on Saturday, Nov. 10, will feature three special promotions – Senior Day, Military Appreciation Day and Scout Day. It is also Tech's only home game in the series for the annual Sgt. York Trophy.

The team will recognize 20 Golden Eagle seniors as they play their final regular season home game in Tucker Stadium, and all area Scouts will be admitted to the game free. Military Appreciation Day will bring special recognition to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, both active and retired, as well as personnel who work in all public safety fields.

“This year should be a special Military Appreciation Day,” said TTU Director of Athletics Mark Wilson. “It’s our home game that falls the closest to Veteran's Day. We are all so grateful to our military and our public safety personnel, and this will give Golden Eagle fans a small opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the men and women who serve in those fields.”

Wilson said the schedule of special events should enhance the game experience for Golden Eagle fans as Tech bids to repeat as Ohio Valley Conference champions.

“All of these are events that we feel enhance the atmosphere and provide an exciting framework for the action on the field for coach Brown and his team,” said Wilson.

"Many of these events have become familiar traditions for our fans," he added. "We hope to continue to build upon the excitement and enthusiasm that have been generated over the past few years under coach Brown. Our staff will continue to reach out to include groups, organizations, and every college football fan in the area."

More details for each special event will be announced as each game approaches, or fans can contact the Athletics Ticket office for additional information.

Season tickets for Tech football can be purchased at the TTU Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center, online at TTUsports.com, or by calling (931) 372-3940.

2012 Golden Eagle Football Special Events:

Thursday, Aug. 30	vs. Hampton/7 p.m.	Communiversity Night First Tennessee Bank Poster Night
Thursday, Sept. 6	vs. North Greenville/7 p.m.	Take A Kid To The Game Night Youth Football Night
Saturday, Oct. 6	vs. Jacksonville State/7 p.m.	Family Weekend Football Legends Night
Saturday, Oct. 29	vs. Eastern Kentucky/7 p.m.	Academic Excellence Night Golden Eagle Blackout
Saturday, Nov. 3	vs. Eastern Illinois/1:30 p.m.	Homecoming Hall of Fame Game
Saturday, Nov. 10	vs. UT Martin/1:30 p.m.	Senior Day Military Appreciation Day Scout Day