Fans of the ETSU football team have an exciting opportunity to join the team and band in Neyland Stadium.
The ETSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is offering a convenient chance for fans to attend the game against the University of Tennessee on Sept. 8. The opportunity extends to not only students, faculty and staff but any interested Buccaneer fans. For $50, fans can ride the official ETSU fan bus to Knoxville or purchase a package that includes the bus ride and a ticket to the game for $105.
“We have a base of fans made up of alumni, friends, family and students,” said Robert Plummer, Executive Director of the ETSU National Alumni Association. “It’s pretty special that we can provide this bus excursion for those that don’t want to make the drive or just want a more convenient way of getting in and out of Knoxville. The beauty of us playing a game in Knoxville is all of the different relationships that intersect. There are fan relationships, corporate relationships and more, so it’s a unique situation.”
Aside from watching the game, fans have the opportunity to tailgate. Before the matchup against the Volunteers, fans are invited to purchase tickets to a tailgate hosted by the Alumni Association with food provided by Calhoun’s at McClung Tower. The cost is $30 per person.
Space is limited, and fans are encouraged to promptly purchase their tickets. According to an informational email distributed by the Intercollegiate Athletics department, ticket holders will board the bus at noon on Sept. 8 in campus Lot 22 beside Bojangles on State of Franklin Road. Fans will unload in Knoxville near Thompson Boling Arena, and the return pickup will take place at the same location at the conclusion of the game.
“It’s a memorable experience to have a game that consists of college-level versus bowl-level,” said Plummer. “You always look for those enticing moments, like a David and Goliath moment. Hope is eternal, and maybe we can surprise the volunteers. Those moments may be far and few between, but there’s always a great hope. It will absolutely make a difference to have our regional fan base there to support the players, and I hope to have a great crowd across the stadium.”
Attendees should be aware of the rules and procedures of Tennessee Athletics. Similarly to ETSU, only clear bags and small clutches are allowed into the stadium. Weapons, smoking, outside food and noise-makers are prohibited. For more information about rules and procedures, visit https://utsports.com/sports/2017/6/27/gameday-football.aspx. For more information about the fan bus and ticketing, visit etsubucs.com. For more information about the alumni tailgate, visit etsualumni.org.
