RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky Athletics announced Friday its "21 for 21" gameday enhancements for fans coming to Roy Kidd Stadium during the 2021 football season.
 
Here is a full breakdown of the enhancements:
 
1. LED Lighting
LED lights were installed at Roy Kidd Stadium over the summer, featuring white, maroon, and multi-colored dynamic scenes. The lights will be controlled from a touchscreen in the press box. 
 
2. New Turf
The artificial surface on Hanger Field at Roy Kidd Stadium, which was originally installed in 2008, was replaced by Vescio's Sports Fields. The synthetic turf surface includes a slit-film UV resistant polyethylene yarn structure with a sand/crumb rubber infill mixture to provide the best quality playing surface possible.

3. Team Entry & Pre-Game Pyrotechnics Show
During the 2021 season, the Colonels will arrive to the field by exiting the locker room and heading towards the Cabin on the Hill and the student section on the Hill to make a grand entrance onto Hanger Field at Roy Kidd Stadium. The new entry will also feature enhanced pyrotechnics.

4. Pre-Game Band & Spirit Squad Routines
Pre-game festivities will once again feature the Marching Colonels, the EKU Dance Team, and the 2021 UCA National Champion EKU Cheer Teams. All three will debut new routines. 

5. Pre-Game Radio Show
Michael Watkins will host the EKU Tailgate Show leading up to each home kickoff. The show will be streamed live on EKU's Facebook page.

6. Colonel Courtyard
Located between the Tom Samuels Track and the Kentucky State Police facility near the Alumni Coliseum parking lots, the Colonel Courtyard will include several activations and live music. The area will opens three hours before kickoff. The area will host the EKU Tailgate Show beginning 90 minutes before kickoff. It will also be the home to various private events throughout the season, including the exclusive President's Tailgate.

7. Concession Items
EKU concessions partner, Aramark, will be upgrading their menu to serve all new items that will be available all season long. Throughout the season Aramark will also serve specialty items served on different games.

8. Pre-Game Food Trucks
Food trucks will be incorporated into the newly improved tailgating experience on EKU Football gamedays. These trucks will be available to all fans and students tailgating on Saturdays within the tailgating space at the Alumni Coliseum parking lots.

9. Post-Game Fireworks Show For Home Opener
Following EKU's home opener against Indiana State on Sept. 18, fans are encouraged to remain at Roy Kidd Stadium for a post-game fireworks show. 

10. Pre-Game Live Music In Colonel Courtyard
The River Tramps will perform prior to the Sept. 18 home opener against Indiana State. Additional acts will be announced at a later date.

11. Post-Game Concert On Sept. 25
Following EKU's game against Austin Peay, fans can enjoy a post-game concert from Kentucky native JD Shelburne. The Exceptional Eastern Experience (E3) will be providing opportunities pre- and post-game similar to this that will encompass experiences for all students. 

12. Early Open For Tailgate Lots
Tailgate lots and parking will open at 9:00 a.m. for the home opener on Sept. 18., allowing for a full day of tailgating for Colonel fans. The Madison County Health Department will be sponsoring a pop-up vaccination clinic next to the President's Tailgate from 2:00-6:00 p.m.

13. Enhanced Student Section Seating
The Maroon Platoon will return this fall with updated signage inside Roy Kidd Stadium. The signage will allow students to find their seating and provide a distinct home field advantage for the Colonels

14. New Banners
Roy Kidd Stadium will feature new end zone banners on the south end to enclose fencing parallel to the bypass. As mentioned above, there will also be new banners to designate the Maroon Platoon student section.

15. On-Field & Video Board Promotions
EKU will honor individuals from across the campus during the 2021 season with various on-field recognitions and events, along with hosting a Punt, Pass, & Kick Challenge. 

16. Fan App Rewards Program
EKU students can download the EKUSports app, sign up for rewards, and start earning points at all athletics events for various discounts, prizes, and exclusive gear from EKU Athletics. Once signed up, students should enable location services within the app as the check in is used within a geolocation of the various athletics venues. 

17. New Digital Game Programs And Roster Cards
Digital game programs will be provided online the week of all home games. 

18. New Clear Bag Policy
In an effort to ensure the safety and well-being of fans at EKU Athletics events, the Department of Athletics has introduced a new Clear Bag Policy beginning Fall 2021. The new policy aligns the department with the best practices of game day safety and security which have been implemented by other schools in Kentucky, the ASUN and nationally. Any non-approved bag must be returned to the owner's car or campus residence hall. There will be no storage options at EKU Athletics events for fan use.























19. New Maroon Mission Kickoff
Every Thursday night before a home game, head football coach Walt Wells will speak to fans about the upcoming contest. Locations will be announced at a later date. Make sure to wear maroon on Fridays as your Maroon Mission!

20. Colonel-val Experience During Family Weekend
Located in the Alumni Coliseum lot, EKU Student Life will host a carnival experience for Family Weekend on Sept. 25. The fun and festivities will be available to all students and families visiting that weekend.

21. Colonel Walk
EKU fans are once again encouraged to come cheer on their Colonels around the entrance of the football complex as the team makes its way to the locker room prior to kickoff. 

For additional gameday information, click here.