Pep Rally’s
- City Fest & Maroon Platoon Pep Rally - This is a tradition with vendors from around Richmond and activities while getting pumped up for the first home game of the football season. The event will be highlighted by the team, the EKU Cheerleaders, Dance Teams, and Pep Band.
- Colonel Corn Roast - This is a homecoming week tradition with treats and activities while getting pumped up for the big game with words from the team, the EKU Cheerleaders, Dance Teams, and Pep Band. You’ll also get to meet the Homecoming Court!
Tailgating
Tailgating prior to EKU home football games is a long time cherished game day tradition that brings our fans together. Parking lots transform into lively gathering spaces filled with team colors, food, music, and friendly conversation. More than just a pregame activity, tailgating creates a sense of community and pride, setting the tone for the energy and camaraderie that carries into the stadium
Colonel Walk
The Colonel Walk takes place 1hour and 15 minutes prior to kick off where fans, friends and family greet the team as they walk into Roy Kidd Stadium. The walk includes a vibrant atmosphere with the EKU Cheer and Dance teams
Pre-game Band Performance
The Marching Colonels also known as the “Pride of Kentucky”, will host a pre-game band performance in Earle Combs Stadium 1 hour prior to kickoff. The event is free and open to the public, with first-come, first-served seating.
Head for the Hill - Team Runout
Prior to kickoff; students are invited to the hill to welcome to the team as they run down.
Fire The Cannon
Firing the cannon after touchdowns became a strong tradition, particularly during the successful years under Coach Roy Kidd (1964-2002). The Cannon is also fired at other various times including 30-minute prior to kickoff, as the team runs down the hill, after wins and more.
Cabin on The Hill
For more than 40 years, EKU Football has celebrated each gridiron victory with its own heart-felt rendition of Cabin on the Hill, a country tune made famous by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. This song was first sung in the Eastern locker room beginning in 1967 by linebacker Paul Hampton who came to EKU from Belfry, Ky. The song has evolved into a more modern, upbeat version and has been led in recent years in the Colonel locker room and, on occasion, on the playing field by team chaplain Howard Miller who played defensive tackle at EKU from 1972-75.
Cabin on the Hill Lyrics
There's a happy childhood home in my memory I can see
Standing out upon the hill 'neath the shadow of the tree
If I only had my way it would give my heart a thrill
Just to simply wander back to the cabin on the hill.
Oh I want to wander back to the cabin on the hill
'Neath the shadow of the tree I would like to linger still
Just to be with those I love joy my heart would over fill
Just to simply wander back to the cabin on the hill
But the saddest of it all I can never more return
To that happy childhood home matters not how much I yearn
If I only had my way it would give my heart a thrill
Just to simply wander back to the cabin on the hill