September 1, 2009

Military and Public Safety Appreciation Night Sept. 8 at Tucker Stadium

In recognition of the men and women who give the gift of Freedom to all Americans and keep us safe every day, Tennessee Tech will host Military and Public Safety Appreciation Night on Thursday, Sept. 8, at the season opener against Maryville.

Free admission to opening game with proper ID;
Free Tailgate by First Tennessee Bank for military personnel;
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Car to be on display

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Freedom. Safety. Nascar. Football. Fireworks. Family Fun. All ingredients that will make up a memorable night at Tucker Stadium.

In recognition of the men and women who give the gift of Freedom to all Americans and keep us safe every day, Tennessee Tech will host a special event in Tucker Stadium when the Golden Eagle football team takes the field Thursday night (Sept. 8) under fifth-year coach Watson Brown.

The Tech Athletics Department will host Military and Public Safety Appreciation Night when the Golden Eagles host Maryville College in a non-conference game beginning at 7 p.m. CDT.

All military personnel, both active and retired, as well as persons working in law enforcement, emergency and first responder fields will be admitted to the game free, along with their immediate family members. The offer is available by showing proper identification, and tickets can be obtained either in advance or at the game.

To receive free tickets to the game, qualified personnel can visit the Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center anytime during regular business hours until 2 p.m. on game day. The same offer will be available at the ticket booths at the game beginning at 6 p.m.

"This is just a small token of our appreciation, in relation to what our servicemen and women and our public safety personnel are providing to all of us,” said Mark Wilson, TTU Director of Athletics. “It's something that Tech athletics does to say ‘thank you' to the military and public safety personnel and their families.”

The coin toss before the game will feature military and public safety personnel alongside of Tech’s game captains.

Magic 98.5 Tailgate Park opens at 4 p.m. The pregame festivities will include music, kids games, and an array of other activities. An added highlight this year will be the No. 88 National Guard Nascar driven by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Fans ar enouraged to bring their cameras and take photos standing next to the vehicle.

The night will culminate with another spectacular fireworks display at the end of the game.

As an added bonus, First Tennessee Bank will host a tailgate event under the TTU tent in the Tailgate Park, with free food for military personnel and their families.

To pick up the free tickets, or for additional information, military and public safety personnel may visit or call the TTU Athletics Ticket office in Eblen Center at (931) 372-3940.