RICHMOND, Ky. – EKU returns home this weekend after two weeks on the road. The Colonels host Jacksonville State for a 2:00 p.m. kickoff on Saturday for the Opportunity Bowl and the annual Military Appreciation game. The game will feature pieces to honor our military and highlight opportunities surrounding EKU.
The game day experience begins Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. when all parking and tailgate lots open. The Colonel Courtyard will once again be a featured location in the tailgate lot in between the Alumni Coliseum lot and Roy Kidd Stadium. This space opens at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday and will feature live music by Steven Cade and Lexi Lew, band and spirit squad performances, an autograph session with EKU baseball, food trucks, inflatables, face painting and more.
Saturday's game is the 2021 Opportunity Bowl, which returns for a second season. The Opportunity Bowl name was a natural fit for EKU as the institution is known as The School of Opportunity. Access plus affordability equals opportunity at Eastern Kentucky University for students from diverse backgrounds and EKU is committed to making sure all students have access to a quality education, and strives to nurture their abilities and help them meet the challenges they face when returning to their communities to live and work after completing their degrees. The Opportunity Bowl will provide a platform to highlight Madison County, as well as, opportunity-focused initiatives at EKU made possible through strategic partnerships with the Kentucky River Foothills Development Council. The Workforce Pathway at Kit Carson Commons provides education support with access to housing and workforce development support. This project gives priority to single parent military service members and veterans who are pursuing self-sufficiency goals through attending college. For more information regarding Kit Carson Commons, please visit this link.
The game is also EKU's annual Military Appreciation game. Throughout the game there will be multiple highlights and recognitions to honor all those that are and have served our country. The highlight of the day capsulates during halftime with the EKU Band performance dedicated to the day. During this time we would also ask that all current or former service members down to the field to mark out with their respective branches. Also, in honor of the day, all active, retired, or military families can receive up to two free tickets by clicking this link for the game!
While you are inside Roy Kidd Stadium, don't forget to enjoy the variety of concessions offered by EKU Dining Services and Aramark. This weekend's featured item of the game is a brisket walking taco. The special is loaded with chipotle crema, salsa, and fresh cilantro, and will be available at the central concession stand on Saturday. New items for 2021 also include a ribeye steak sandwich and a polish sausage.
Fans can continue their EKU experience following the football game by coming to Alumni Coliseum as the men's basketball teams faces off against Albany at 7:30 p.m. for the first game of the EKU Invitational presented by Geneva Financial. You can purchase a ticket to the men's basketball game for as low as $8 while using this link: bit.ly/3nxdwNu.
In addition to this weekend's specific information additional game day information can be found here.
