RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University will open its 2018 football season at home on Thursday, August 30, against in-state rival Morehead State University.
 
Kickoff at Roy Kidd Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m.
 
The game will air live on ESPN+, the recently launched multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service.  The live radio broadcast of the game is available in the Richmond area on WCYO 100.7 FM, and can be heard worldwide on EKUSports.com.
 
The Colonel walk will begin at 4:45 p.m. and travel through the Colonel Club section of the Alumni Coliseum lot and through the EKU Student and Greek Life Tailgating Lot, sponsored by Apollo's Pizza, at the Fitness and Wellness Center.
 
INSIDE THE SERIES
-  Eastern Kentucky leads the all-time series 52-16-4.  The Colonels are 28-9-1 against the Eagles in games played in Richmond.
 
-  The Colonels have won 27 of the previous 28 games against Morehead State. 
 
-  The first meeting between the two teams came in 1924.  The most recent match-up was on Sept. 13, 2014.
 
THE COLONELS
-  The Eastern Kentucky University football program has won two national championships, 21 conference titles and has made 21 playoff appearances.  No other FCS team has won at least two FCS national titles and 20 or more conference championships.
 
-  Defensive end Aaron Patrick was chosen as a preseason All-American by STATS and HERO Sports.  He played in three games in 2017 before missing the rest of the season with an injury.  Patrick was a third team pick by both organizations.
 
-  LJ Scott was chosen as a preseason All-American by Phil Steele as a kick returner.  He was a fourth team selection.  He led the OVC and was fourth in the country in 2017 with an average of 30 yards per kickoff return.
 
-  Three Colonels – defensive end Aaron Patrick, tight end Dan Paul and kick returner LJ Scott – were chosen to the Preseason All-OVC Team by league coaches and communications directors.
 
-  Seven starters on offense and seven starters on defense return for the 2018 season.  Of the 65 positions on the season-ending depth chart, 41 are back.
 
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
-  This is the season-opener for Morehead State as well.
 
-  The Eagles were 4-7 last season and finished eighth in the Pioneer Football League with a 3-5 mark.
 
-  Five starters on offense and five starters on defense return for Morehead State in 2018.
 
-  Rob Tenyer is 28-39 in five seasons as the head coach at Morehead State.  He is 0-2 against EKU.
 
-  Redshirt senior quarterback Lawson Page (6-2, 220) started all 11 games last year and threw for 2,682 yards while completing 63 percent of his passes.  He had 21 touchdown tosses and 11 interceptions.  Page was second on the team with 301 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.
 
-  Leading receiver Jarin Higginbotham (6-0, 200) is back for his redshirt senior season after catching 48 passes for 974 yards in 2017.  He had 10 touchdown receptions.
 
-  Safety Kanu Sayyid (5-11, 208) was second on the team with 63 tackles last season, and is Morehead State's top returning tackler.
 

GAME DAY EXPERIENCE
Game Day Timeline
4 hours prior to kickoff – all tailgate lots open, including EKU Student and Greek Life Tailgating Lot,
sponsored by Apollo's Pizza
3 hours prior to kickoff – Family Fun Fan Zone opens
2:15 prior to kickoff – Colonel Walk
1 hour prior to kickoff – Cheer & Dance procession to the stadium
 
Ticket Office
The ticket booths at Roy Kidd Stadium will open at 5:30 p.m.  Tickets are always available online at EKUSports.com.
 
EKU Football Parking Information
Whether you are a proud member of the EKU athletics family or a fan of the opposition, we strive to provide you an enjoyable experience during your visit to Eastern Kentucky University. The following parking and tailgating regulations below are intended to ensure your safety and comfort. Please keep sidewalks and driveways clear of obstructions, respect our campus grounds and please follow the directives of our parking attendants and game day staff.

EKU Football Parking Lot Locations
• There are numerous and convenient parking options for all fans on game day at Roy Kidd Stadium.

• Colonel Club Lot – Located in the Alumni Coliseum Lower and Upper lots across the street from Roy Kidd Stadium, Colonel Club season ticket members have exclusive access to both of these lots with their valid Colonel Club parking pass.

Parking is on a first come, first serve basis. Additional parking spaces cannot be saved.  Parking passes must be displayed in vehicles at all times.  Colonel Club members who wish to tailgate in the Lower AC lot are restricted to the area around their vehicle.  Do not block driveways or impede traffic.  Colonel Club members who wish to tailgate and require more space than allowed in the Lower AC lot are encouraged to access the Upper AC lot.

For the Thursday night season-opener, the upper and lower AC lots will open at 3 p.m. on game day (August 30).   


• RV Zone – The RV Zone is designed to provide EKU football fans a unique and unforgettable tailgating experience.  Located in the Lower AC lot and steps away from Roy Kidd Stadium, the RV Zone is available for both single game and full season passes.  Single game passes start at $50 per game, which include two (2) general admission tickets for the game.  Full season passes are available for $200 and includes two (2) general admission tickets for each home game.  The RV Zone will open at 3 p.m. on game day (August 30) and will close at 3:00 p.m. the Friday following game day.  Reservations for the RV Zone are required at least three (3) days in advance and your space may be reserved by calling (859) 622-2046.


• EKU Student & Greek Life Tailgating Lot, sponsored by Apollo's Pizza – EKU student and Greek life parking will be located at the Fitness and Wellness Center parking lot.  The EKU Student and Greek Life Tailgating Lot, sponsored by Apollo's Pizza will open at 3 p.m. on game day (August 30).  


• General Parking – EKU provides general parking free of charge for the following parking lots located on campus:  Brockton, Hanlon, Dizney, Commonwealth, Alumni Coliseum back lots or in parking lots across the EKU bypass. All general parking lots will open on game day at 3 p.m.


• Media Parking – Credentialed media members should park at the Greg Adams Tennis Center parking lot located across the EKU bypass.

EKU Football Parking Regulations
• Parking is permitted only in designated spaces.  Parking on islands, medians or berms is prohibited.
• Parking spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis and cannot be saved.
• Tailgating is only allowed in areas where the flow of traffic is not obstructed.
• No sale of food, beverages or novelties are permissible without proper permit.
• No open flames other than gas grills. 
• Waste food items and trash must be disposed of in appropriate containers, which are provided throughout the grounds.
• No personal motorized carts are allowed.
• Only small weighted (12'x12' maximum) tents may be used, no staking is allowed.
• Music should be confined to your tailgate area.
• Protect your belongings, EKU will not assume responsibility for lost or stolen items.

Attend The Game – While we encourage the fun and comradery that tailgating produces, please be cognizant that a football game is being played at Roy Kidd Stadium.  Our student-athletes need you in the stands! Please show respect for our EKU student-athletes by attending the game.

For additional information or questions, please call (859) 622-2122. 
 
Student Section
Student seating is located in sections J, K, L.  Students may also sit on the hill in the north end zone.  Students can enter the stadium through Gate 1 or Gate 6.  Students need their official school ID out and ready to be allowed admittance to the game.
 
Touchdown Terrace
EKU's Touchdown Terrace with beer sales will be open for Thursday's game.  Please note the following information:
• Will open at 6 p.m.
• The new location this year is on the east side of the stadium at the 50 yard line
• Open only to fans 21 years and older.
• Beer will only be available for purchase inside the Touchdown Terrace. 
• Fans will be limited to two beverages per transaction and will not be permitted to leave the enclosed area with their purchase.
• Cash and credit cards accepted
• All beer sales will end at the conclusion of the third quarter.
 
ADA Accessible Ticket Information
• The ADA accessible seating area at Roy Kidd Stadium in Section J, N, and R of the east side of the stadium.
• Patrons must purchase a general admission ticket to watch the game from this area.
• Patrons are welcome to have a companion sit with them in the area.  Folding chairs are provided for any guests that need them.
• The ADA accessible restrooms are located on the concourse of the east side of the stadium.  The Moberly building also provides accessible restrooms.
• ADA accessible parking is available in the Moberly Lot past the Stadium off Roy and Sue Kidd Way on the right from the Bypass.

The main accessible gate (Moberly Gate) is between the Moberly building and the Fitness & Wellness Center.