Click here to view the 2014 Golden Eagle football schedule

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – It's shaping up to be another special season in Tucker Stadium for the Tennessee Tech football team and fans, as several events that have become traditions at Golden Eagle home contests – including some new traditions that caught on quickly last year – are scheduled again to highlight the 2014 season.

In addition to each of the special gameday events, the popular Golden Eagle Walk will return. Started last year, the Golden Eagle Walk presents the entire team in a stroll through the 98.5 Kiss FM Tailgate Park as they head into the stadium for the game. The tailgate park will also feature appearances by the Golden Eagle Marching Band plus the Cheer and Dance teams in pregame performances.
             
The on-field action for coach Watson Brown and his team starts Thursday night, Aug. 28, when the Golden Eagles host Kentucky Christian University at 7 p.m. CT.

That game will feature three special promotions, including long-time events  such as Communiversity Night and First Tennessee Bank Poster Night. For the annual Communiversity Night, Golden Eagle Athletics joins forces with businesses, partners and supporters throughout the community. For First Tennessee Bank Poster Night, free schedule posters will be available for fans attending the contest.

The third special activity slated for the season opener is the second annual Running of the Freshmen. Last year, more than 800 new Tech students raced onto the field with the team prior to kickoff, led by President Dr. Philip Oldham. Each participant receives a free t-shirt and the experience of a lifetime.

The second home game, a visit from Murray State on Saturday night, Oct. 4, will be a welcome back game of sorts for the Golden Eagles, who make their first appearance in Tucker Stadium in five weeks. That game will be the focal point of the university's annual Family Weekend. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Two weeks later, the Golden Eagles host Eastern Kentucky in the final home night game of the year, with a 7 p.m. start against the Colonels on Saturday, Oct. 18. The contest has been slated for Golden Eagle Blackout III, with fans encouraged to wear black to the game. Free, specially designed blackout t-shirts will be given out to early entries into the stadium.

The 1:30 p.m. game against defending OVC champion Eastern Illinois on Saturday, Nov. 1, will be Tech's second annual Faith, Family, and Youth Day. Special ticket packages will be available. More details will be announced later.

A visit from Southeast Missouri on Saturday, Nov. 8 will be the highlight of Tech's annual Homecoming festivities, 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 sixth and final home game, a contest with the Chattanooga Mocs on Saturday, Nov. 15, will feature three special promotions – Senior Day, Military Appreciation Day and Scout Day. The game will be Tech's first against Chattanooga since 2006, renewing a rivalry that flourished for decades.

On that afternoon, the team will recognize 16 Golden Eagle seniors as they play their final regular season home game in Tucker Stadium, and all area Scouts (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts) will be admitted to the game free. Military Appreciation Day will bring 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 Day,” said TTU Director of Athletics Mark Wilson. “It’s our home game that falls the closest to Veteran's Day. 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.”

Wilson said the schedule of special events should enhance the game experience for Golden Eagle fans as Tech bids to capture an Ohio Valley Conference championship.

“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, while some were brand new last year and became instant traditions," he added. "We hope to continue to build upon the excitement and enthusiasm that has 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 each game approaches, or fans can 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.

2014 Golden Eagle Football Special Events: