NORMAL, Ill. - The Illinois State football team will open its home campaign September 10, against Morehead State, while the ISU Athletics Department will be hosting "Ag Day" for the first time at Hancock Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
The "Ag Day" event is in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the agriculture department on the Illinois State University campus. The agriculture department will have a tent in the Redbird Tent Zone, along with several commodity groups. In addition, ambassadors from the agriculture program will be giving tours of the Ropp Agriculture Building.
"We're excited about hosting our first Ag Day at a Redbird football game this season," Illinois State Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing and Promotions Brad Ledford said. "The game and its festivities will provide us a great opportunity to recognize our agricultural alumni, department, community and corporate partners. We look forward fun and exciting day for all to enjoy!"
Illinois State chairperson and professor in the department of agriculture Dr. Rob Rhykerd is hoping that a number of alumni from the department return to campus for this special event.
"The Ag Department has a rich tradition of graduating leaders in agriculture," Rhykerd said. "Come join us in looking back at 100 years of agriculture at ISU and see how we are planting the seeds for another 100 years of excellence."
There will be farming machinery on display prior to the game, along with in-game recognitions of prominent individuals and groups connected with the ISU Agriculture Department. As in years past, the home opener will also include a fireworks show at halfime.
Alumni of the university's ag department, along with groups involved in the world of agriculture, who are interested in attending this special event, should contact Illinois State Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing and Promotions Brad Ledford for special group ticket rates. For ag commodities interested in participating in the "Ag Day" activities at the Redbird Tent Zone, please call (309) 438-4500 to secure a reservation.
With limited tickets remaining for the 2011 Illinois State home opener purchase tickets in advance either online at GoRedbirds.com, by phone at (309) 438-8000 or in person at the Illinois State Athletics Ticket Office.
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