COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Fans who come to the game early and enjoy the activities in the 98.5 KISS FM Tailgate Park will be part of a brand new activity Thursday evening -- the Golden Eagle Walk.

An event that is being established by the players on the team, the Golden Eagle Walk will take the entire team through the Tailgate Park two hours before kickoff, on their way from the pregame meal to the field.

Fans at the Tailgate Park will have the opportunity to show their support as the entire 95-man squad parades through the crowd and past the performance stage before entering the stadium to prepare for battle.

The team will leave Eblen Center, cross McGee Boulevard and enter the Tailgate Park at 4:45 p.m. for its 7 p.m. contest. While many colleges and universities have long-standing traditions similar to this event, it will be the first Golden Eagle Walk held at Tech.

"Everybody is looking forward to doing this," said sophomore defensive end Avery Rollins, who spearheaded the idea for the new tradition at TTU. "This event will bring the whole team together with our fans as we all get ready for the game. We're looking forward to seeing the fans, and letting them know we're ready to play."

Tech opens the 2013 season Thursday night in Tucker Stadium by hosting Cumberland University. Kickoff is at 7 p.m., and the 98.5 KISS FM Tailgate Park officially opens at 4 p.m.

For tickets to the game, to reserve a space in the Tailgate Park, or for more information, please call the Athletics Ticket Office at (931) 372-3940.