RICHMOND, Ky. – EKU is set to host the Bears of Central Arkansas for the Military & Hero Appreciation Day game at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow at CG Bank Field at Roy Kidd Stadium. The game is also the third annual Opportunity Bowl game hosted by EKU.
In honor of all active and retired military and service members, EKU will have an array of displays and performances dedicated to those individuals and units. Before the game, multiple military vehicles will be on display at the tailgate scene in the Alumni Coliseum parking lot and inside the stadium. Pregame will include a live National Anthem performance by April Brown, LTC, U.S. Army (Retired). During the game, multiple performances and recognitions will occur. General James E. Rainey, an EKU alumnus, will be involved with the halftime performance recognizing all service members. All veterans or those serving will be asked to come out to the field during halftime during the band performance. Those participating will meet behind the end zone underneath the scoreboard before halftime. All current and retired service members can receive two complimentary tickets at this link.
The Opportunity Bowl returns for a third season with another chance to highlight special and unique places and people surrounding EKU. The inaugural Opportunity Bowl in 2020 showcased Dr. Shelia Pressley and her legacy through the EKU Scholar House and highlighted the importance of eliminating barriers to education and advocating for early childhood education. 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 game day experience begins Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. when all parking and tailgate lots open for the general public. The Colonel Courtyard will be open and available free of charge to the public as a highlighted piece of the tailgate atmosphere. The area will be a featured location in the tailgate lot in between the Alumni Coliseum lot and CG Bank Field at Roy Kidd Stadium. The Courtyard opens at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and will feature live music from Whiskey River, band and spirit squad performances nearby, the EKU Baseball team, Dreaming Creek Brewery, food trucks, inflatables, and more.
Tomorrow's game will feature the College of Justice, Safety, and Military Science as the College of the Game. They will be featured in the Colonel Courtyard and tailgate space surrounding, as well as in-game announcements and promotions.
While you are inside CG Bank Field at 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 the Chili Dawg. The dawg is served with brisket chili, shredded cheese, and diced onions. It can be purchased at the grill location just outside the main concourse and the middle concession stand. Additional new and featured items include the return of the ribeye sandwich and the beast burger.
EKU Athletics will also continue to host a family zone located above the hill behind the cannon with inflatables for kids inside the stadium, while providing access to view the game for families.
Please note that the stadium light show will be played after EKU scores, between quarters, and other crucial moments during the game. A graphic will be shown on the video board before the light show begins and light show announcements will be read over the public address system throughout the game.
In addition to this weekend's specific information additional game day information can be found here.
