Event is FREE an open to the public

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech football fans are invited to join the Golden Eagles and other faithful at the annual Gathering of Eagles picnic and scrimmage, scheduled for Saturday, August 18 inside Tucker Stadium.

The event will begin at 12 noon with free food and drinks, football posters and schedule cards for every fan.

Coach Watson Brown's Golden Eagle football team will kick off its final fall scrimmage at 1 p.m. Following the scrimmage, members of the Tech football team will sign posters and meet with fans.

Fans can enjoy hot dogs, chips, cookies and soft drinks during the event, as the team gears up for its season opener against Hampton on Thursday, Aug. 30.

"From a fan's perspective, this event has proven to be a lot of fun," Brown said. "It gives the fans a chance to come out and have some good food, watch some football, and get to know the players.

"From the coach's perspective, the final scrimmage will give our team a good opportunity to evaluate where we stand at that point during camp, and where we need to get to before our first game," he said. "It will also give the coaching staff a chance to look at some film and fill in some open spots on the depth chart."

The team enters its sixth season under Brown's direction, and promises to bring plenty of action into the 2012 season after capturing a share of the Ohio Valley Conference championship during an historic 2011 campaign.

"The Gathering of Eagles is a great event to get our fans excited about the approaching football season," TTU Director of Athletics Mark Wilson said. "It has been growing every year, and everybody enjoys it, from the student-athletes and the fans, to the coaching staff, and everybody who helps put on the event."

The Golden Eagles will host six home football games during the 2012 season, opening against Hampton on Thursday, Aug. 30. After that, Tech will welcome North Greenville on Thursday, Sept. 6, followed by four consecutive Ohio Valley Conference opponents with visits from Jacksonville State (Oct. 6), Eastern Kentucky (Oct. 20), Eastern Illinois (Nov. 3 for Homecoming) and UT Martin (Nov. 10).

For season ticket information, contact the Tennessee Tech Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center or call 931-372-3940. Tickets are also on sale online at TTUsports.com.