September 6, 2011

Earnhardt Jr. #88 National Guard car to be on display at home opener

NASCAR fans will have the opportunity to get an up-close look at a famous race car at Tennessee Tech’s Thursday night home football opener.

Fans invited to view car on west side of Tucker Stadium

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — NASCAR fans will have the opportunity to get an up-close look at a famous race car at Tennessee Tech’s Thursday night home football opener.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s No. 88 National Guard car will be on display outside Tucker Stadium prior to the game between the Golden Eagles and Maryville College at 7 p.m.

Fans are invited to view the vehicle as well as take photographs with the car prior to watching the Golden Eagles open their 2011 home campaign.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our fans,” said Director of Athletics Mark Wilson. “We have a lot of NASCAR fans in this area and we are looking forward to being able to offer them a chance to see the car and pose with it. It is great that we can do this in conjunction with Military and Public Safety Appreciation Night.”

The car will be on display on the west side of Tucker Stadium when gates open at 6 p.m. The event is hosted by the National Guard and Tennessee Tech Army ROTC and is part of Military and Public Safety Appreciation Night.

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.

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. 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.