Murray State University Athletics
Photo by: Fred Mullane
Family Weekend Greetings From President Dunn
9/16/2011 3:39:00 PM | Football
Are ya ready for some football?
It's hard to believe that fall is finally coming upon us—and the home opener for MSU “Racers Ready” Football is just around the corner! With the new season's welcome change in the weather and wardrobe, football also brings us a new array of weekend activities.
And speaking of weekends: MSU Family Weekend begins today with a number of special events and activities offered to welcome MSU parents and families back to campus, and support them in reconnecting with their students. Highlights include Mr. MSU tonight at 7:00, a number of receptions and open houses, the football game against Tennessee State tomorrow evening at 6:00, and the presentation of the Outstanding Parents Awards during halftime. See a full schedule of activities at http://www.murraystate.edu/familyweekend
As those of you who have been here for a few years and followed Racer Football know, many of us—both on campus and off—have worked to reinvigorate tailgating as a strong and lasting tradition at Murray State. Each year we seem to get a little more size to our pre-game crowd…have a little more going on…and generate a little more excitement…but I'd really like to see that take off this year across the five home contests we'll host in Murray. It makes for a great fall afternoon if you come out to Stewart Stadium early, socialize with other members of the University Community and region, and support the Racers.
Each year, any number of our staff works hard to review plans and facilitate as fun a tailgating experience as possible, and once again this year we've made a number of accommodations for your pre-game festivities:
Racer Club members may reserve a tailgating space on the hillside northeast of the stadium, park an RV on the west side of Stewart Stadium, and enjoy the Racer Grill—also on the west side of the stadium. You may contact Paul Bubb at 809-3369 or pbubb@murraystate.edu for more information or to make a reservation.
A limited number of RV parking spots in the Stewart Stadium lot are available for the general public and may be reserved by contacting Paul Bubb. For those who would like to park overnight, please contact Paul Bubb. Smaller groups can gather on the east side of the Stewart Stadium wall areas on a first-come, first-served basis. Group spaces are set out at about 20 X 20 feet there.
Larger group gatherings can be set up on the former football practice field on the west side of Stewart Stadium (in the grassy space between the stadium and Bauernfeind Wellness Center). Arrangements can be made to meet the needs of any large corporate or private group (including catering by Racer Hospitality if desired). Limited space is also available for groups inside Stewart Stadium on certain game dates. Again, contact Paul Bubb for details.
I've been really pleased over the past few years to see that we're able at MSU to have a good tailgating time while being responsible and respectful of the law…and our fellow fans. It goes without saying that for this wonderful fall tradition to continue and grow, we all have to socialize on campus property safely and responsibly. The University enforces state law regarding underage drinking and we're committed to making these events a safe, wholesome, and clean environment for all our students, families, and fans.
So that being said, please remember to observe a few common-sense rules when tailgating. And these are COMMON SENSE if you know how to tailgate on a college campus: No visible branding of alcoholic beverages is allowed. Do not use clear cups or clear containers. Clean up all your waste and trash by game time (recycling bins are available, by the way, at the former football practice field). Secure your tailgating equipment and other personal articles in your vehicle before you leave your area to attend the game. Be courteous to your tailgating neighbors.
As I've said before…there is no better place to be in the world on a crisp fall Saturday than on a college campus where football is being played! Join me in extending a warm Murray State welcome to those parents and families who will be visiting here this weekend. Come out and enjoy our first home football game, hear our world-class Racer Marching Band, and fill Stewart Stadium with blue and gold.
Have a great week and Go Racers!
Randy Dunn
President
Murray State University
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