TU Football READY TO ROAR into home opener!

After a tough first game of the season on the road, the Towson University football team is more than ready to open up its home portion of the schedule this weekend.   

The Tigers will host Saint Francis this Saturday, Sept. 10, at Johnny Unitas Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. It is the second straight season that the Tigers are opening at home against the Red Flash.

TU is coming off a 56-20 loss against Division I-FBS school University of South Florida (USF). But history is on the side of the Tigers this weekend, after owning a 35-20 victory over Saint Francis last season and a 4-0 overall record against the Red Flash.

The Tigers will be led by senior running back Darius Victor, who scored two touchdowns against USF. He also became just the fourth running back to eclipse 3,000 career rushing yards at TU.

Saturday’s home opener will be the annual “Gold Rush Game” for Towson University students. The first 2,500 students in attendance will receive a free “Gold Rush” t-shirt presented by OrderUp. As with all Towson University athletic events, student tickets are free with a TU OneCard. TU faculty and staff can also receive two complimentary tickets with their TU OneCard.

Students can now use meal points at the concession stands within Unitas Stadium; however, meal equivalency use will not be allowed.

President Kim Schatzel will host a sold-out pre-game picnic at SECU Plaza. Guests will enjoy complimentary refreshments and family-friendly activities before heading across the street to the game.

TU proud to host First Responders Appreciation Game

Saturday’s contest is also Towson University’s annual “First Responders’ Appreciation Game,” where police officers, firefighters, and all emergency workers will be honored.  All first responders will receive four complimentary tickets. In addition, all tickets will be priced at $9.11 (911) in honor of of all first responders. 

TU will host a “First Responders Village” located on the track in the east end zone. The village will feature fan interaction opportunities and a fire engine display. There will also be a helicopter flyover in honor of First Responders Night.

Tailgating, parking and TU shuttle service  

All lots around the stadium (13, 14, 19, 20, 21 & 21a) will close six hours before the game and open four hours prior to game time for fan parking.  Game day parking permits will be required in lots 19, 20 and 21.

Lots 13, 14 and all core campus garages and non-residential lots will be available for general parking starting at 2 p.m. Parking will be provided on a first come first serve basis.  Once the general parking lots 13 & 14 near the stadium fill, general parkers will be redirected to the Union Garage.

Tailgating WILL BE ALLOWED in designated areas only and must be in accordance with the established tailgating policies. There is no tailgating permitted in any of the campus garages.

Gold route shuttles will operate four hours prior to game time through one hour after game time.  During the times noted, no service will be provided to the Lot 14 shuttle stop.  Service for the stadium area will only be available from the Towson Center/Lot 21 bus slip.

Tiger Walk

In a new tradition that started last season, “Tiger Walk” allows fans to meet and greet with the Tiger football team and TU marching band before they head into the stadium. 

The Tigers will get off team buses between tailgating lots 13 and 14 and walk around the east end of Johnny Unitas Stadium. Once the Tigers reach the other side of the stadium, the TU drum line, as well as fans from upper lots, will walk down Auburn Drive to the locker room entrance.

“Tiger Walk” is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. for this weekend’s game.

Bill Bateman’s, The Greene Turtle and The Family Fun Zone

Towson University Athletics wants to provide an experience that everyone can enjoy. That’s why TU has partnered with several local businesses to provide tailgating and in-game zones designated to better serving fans.

Bill Bateman’s Bistro will host a tailgate each home game in Lot 13. The tailgate will open three hours prior to kickoff, and will food and drink specials up until game time. All Tiger fans are welcome, but it is 21 and over with a proper ID for alcohol. 

During the game, The Greene Turtle will be hosting fans in the east end zone of the track at the Greene Turtle Tent. The tent will open 45 minutes prior to kickoff and close at the end of game. Food and drink specials will be available to all fans 21 and over.

TU Athletics is also happy to announce a new Family Fun Zone located on the track in the east end zone. This year’s features include a moon bounce, face painting and photo opportunities with player cutouts and Doc the Tiger.

New Security Measures

All fans entering Unitas Stadium in 2016 will be subject to new security measures. Metal-detector wands will be utilized at all entrances into the stadium, so please allow extra time to enter prior to the game.

There is a new bag policy, with backpacks, small purses and diaper backs will be permitted inside Unitas Stadium and are subject to search. However, any bags exceeding 14”x11”x4” will not be permitted in the stadium.

There will be claim checks available at the north and south gates for any items not permitted inside Unitas Stadium. 

For more information about the Towson University Football game day experience, visit the “Game Day Central page” at www.TowsonTigers.com.