Eastern Michigan Athletics
Football Schedule Includes Numerous Fan Promotions
8/18/2009 4:31:00 PM | General
Story by By Ron Podell - EMU Focus
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University football team, under the direction of new head football coach Ron English, opens its season at home Saturday, Sept. 5, with a a 7 p.m. kickoff against Army (Armed Forces Night) at Rynearson Stadium.
And, according to Scott Schultz, director of marketing for EMU athletics, the intent is to make Eagle football not just a game, but an event.
"We are trying to create an atmosphere and an experience. That's the goal of every game," Shultz said. "That when they come, they want to come back. That's our goal more than anything else."
For the home opener against Army, that atmosphere will include the traditional Eagle Landing Fan Zone, a pre-game gathering spot for fans at Oestrike Stadium. But, it also will draw on potential new fans through integrating new student orientation and even a 5K run which starts on the north end of Rynearson.
"It's also move-in day for freshmen orientation. Not only is it part of the orientation program for students to come to the football game, but we're also hosting a freshmen parent tailgate," Schultz said. "The Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce is hosting a 5K run as well, starting at 5 p.m. As part of their registration, runners will receive a ticket to the football game. It's a great collaboration and it speaks to the relationship we are building with the chamber and the community."
The game also will include a nod to philanthropy and be mindful of the tough economy. As part of the Armed Forces Night, veterans and current members of the United States Armed Forces will be able to purchase discounted tickets for $3. A portion of the proceeds ($1 from each ticket) will go toward the EMU ROTC's efforts to build a rifle range.
In addition, season tickets are offered to EMU faculty, staff and alumni for $40, down from the normal $45 cost. Tickets can be purchased at the Convocation Ticket Office, by calling 487-2282 or online at http://www.emueagles.com/index.aspx?path=tickets
The Eagle Landing Fan Zone provides fans with the opportunity to enjoy live music and entertainment, hot-air balloon rides and a number of sponsor giveaways, including a big-screen plasma TV, an Apple iPod, tuition credit hours, a Dell computer, pre-paid gas card, a commuter parking pass and a semester's use of books from Ned's.
Home opener giveaways include EMU dog tags to the first 1,000 fans; Eagle Nation T-shirts to the first 2,000 fans; and EMU football magnets to the first 2,000 fans.
During the season, the Eagles will make four television appearances, including two on the Big Ten Network. The Mid-American Conference has announced that the EMU-Central Michigan game, set for Oct. 10, will be televised on ESPN Plus and GamePlan with a noon kickoff. The Eagles' Nov. 5 date at Northern Illinois has been tentatively scheduled for an ESPNU slot with a 6:30 p.m. Central Standard start time.
In addition to those games, EMU's Sept. 12 game at Northwestern and its Sept. 19 date at Michigan have both been slated for noon kickoffs on the Big Ten Television Network.
The Eagles's homecoming game is a 1 p.m. kickoff against Temple University Oct. 3. Other themes for home games include Band Day, Kick and Dig Pink Day, and Senior Day.
