COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – It should be a special season in Tucker Stadium this year for the Tennessee Tech football team, so several special events that have become traditions at Golden Eagle home contests are scheduled again this year.
             
The home field action for fifth-year TTU head coach Watson Brown and his team starts Thursday night, Sept. 8, when the Golden Eagles host Maryville College at 7 p.m.             

That game will feature three special promotions – Military Appreciation and Public Safety Night, Communiversity Night, and First Tennessee Bank Poster Night.             

The first home game will be Military Appreciation and Public Safety Night, with special recognition to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, both active and retired, as well as personnel who work in all public safety fields.

“This year should be a special Military Appreciation and Public Safety Night,” said TTU Director of Athletics Mark Wilson. “It’s our home game that falls the closest to the 10-year anniversary of 9-11. We are all so grateful to our military and our public safety personnel, and this will give Golden Eagle fans a small opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the men and women who serve in those fields.”

The game against Maryville will be Tech’s annual Communiversity Night when Golden Eagle Athletics joins forces with businesses, partners and supporters throughout the community.

The opener is also First Tennessee Bank Poster Night, with free schedule posters to fans attending the contest.

The second home game, a visit from defending OVC champion Southeast Missouri on Saturday, Sept. 24, will be the University’s annual Family Day on campus.

Tech hosts two crucial OVC games in November, beginning with Murray State on Saturday, Nov. 5.

The game against the Racers will be Homecoming with kickoff at 1:30 p.m. following the annual Homecoming Parade. Hall of Fame activities will take place Friday night and Saturday.

Tech’s fifth and final home game, a contest with the Austin Peay Governors on Saturday, Nov. 19, will feature three special promotions – Recognizing Academic Excellence, Football Alumni Reunion, and Senior Day. It could also be the game that determines the winner of the Sgt. York Trophy.

The sixth annual game for Recognizing Academic Excellence will feature Honor students from across the region. The Football Alumni Reunion will honor returning players, including a special tribute to the 50^th anniversary of the 1961 OVC champions.

Finally, 20 Golden Eagle seniors will be recognized as they play their final home game in Tucker Stadium.

“All of these are events that we feel enhance the atmosphere and provide an exciting framework for the action on the field for coach Brown and his team,” said Wilson.             

"Many of these events have become familiar traditions for our fans," he added. "We hope to continue to build upon the excitement and enthusiasm that have been generated over the past few years under coach Brown. Our staff will continue to reach out to include groups, organizations, and every college football fan in the area."

More details for each special event will be announced as the game approaches, or contact the Athletics Ticket office for additional information.

Season tickets for Tech football can be purchased at the TTU Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center, online at TTUsports.com, or by calling (931) 372-3940.

2011 Golden Eagle Football Special Events: