2019 Racer Football Gameday Fan Guide

The 2019 football season will offer plenty of fun and new experiences for Racer fans. Below is everything fans should know about the upcoming season and game days at Roy Stewart Stadium.

The Team
After going 5-6 last season and 5-3 in the OVC, the Racers look poised for a breakout year in head coach Mitch Stewart's fifth season. Murray State was picked fifth in the OVC preseason poll and placed three players on the preseason All-OVC team; kicker Gabriel Vicente, punter Steve Dawson and kick returner Malik Honeycutt.

Overall, the Racers return eight starters on offense, six on defense and four specialists from a year ago to go along with 65 overall returners. Helping lead the returners on defense will be Kendrick Catis who finished second on the team in 2018 with 74 tackles including 5.5 for loss and one interception. Offensively, the Racers will return four of five offensive linemen and four of their top five receivers including James Sappington who led the team with 18.3 yards per catch last year.

New For 2019

Racer Reserve Infield Boxes – Brand new standalone units perfect for private or corporate use for up to 25 fans. Located in the north end zone and including a rooftop patio, the Racer Reserve Infield Boxes will give fans a truly unique way to experience the 2019 season.
Racer Reserve Seats – Located in and around the "M" at the 50-yard line, the Racer Reserve seats have quickly become the best seats in the house. With a comfortable chair back, lots of leg room, easy access from the concourse and in-seat dining options, it's no wonder that over 600 of these seats have already been sold. A limited Racer Reserve Seats will be available for purchase at Gate 4 during the home opener of Aug. 29.
Racer Club Grill (NEW LOCATION) – The popular Racer Club Grill has moved from inside the stadium to a more convenient location. The Racer Club Grill will be located on the west side of the stadium near the softball field. The Racer Club Grill is open to all Racer Club members and will open at 90 minutes prior to kickoff at every game, homecoming will open when tent city opens.
Free Admission For Kids: Infant-College – All children from birth to college age will receive free admission to all home games this season. To obtain free admission to all games, season ticket wristbands can be picked up at Gates 3-4.
Dunker's Kidz Zone – Each game, kids can go to the fourth floor of Roy Stewart Stadium for a special area just for kids. Activities at each game may include balloon animals (select games), photo booth, Football Pop-A-Shot, Giant Jenga, Giant Checkers, Foosball, Sign making station, Located on fourth floor of Stadium.
Updated Concession Amenities – Concession areas in Stewart Stadium have been updated and several food items have been improved. In addition to a quick-serve area being added on level four, there, will also be a variety of kiosks. Fans will also now be able to pay via Google or Apple Pay, all major credit cards and for students, flex dollars will be accepted.
Student Seating (NEW LOCATION) – Students will now be even closer to the action as the student section has moved to the chair back seating area in sections AA-FF.
Academic College of the Game – One academic college will be featured each game and there will be a special presentation highlighting each college participating and how they are helping prepare their students for life after Murray State.
Preston's Place - Each game local businesses and organizations are supporting the Preston Cope Memorial scholarship by purchasing a special reserved block of seats in section KK. All proceeds will directly benefit the Preston Cope Memorial Scholarship and the young people of Marshall County.
Updated ADA Policies - In effort to better accommodate our guests, we are updating ADA parking protocols for football and basketball home games. New for the 2019 season, all ADA spaces on the West side of Roy Stewart Stadium in Lots 1, 2, 4, and 6 will be designated RESERVED ADA PARKING. Spaces will be assigned/distributed on a first come – first serve basis. There will be a total of 22 spaces distributed to season ticket holders.

To receive one of these limited reserved parking spaces, you must be a qualifying season ticket holder, please:
- Bring in your original parking permit you received in your ticket mailer, to the Murray State Athletics Ticket Office (Lower A entrance of the CFSB Center)
- Present your valid state-issued ADA placard to the MSU Ticket Office and provide the placard number for verification through the MSU Parking Office
- Once verified, you will be presented a Reserved ADA hang-tag that will have the lot number and space number assigned specifically to you. On game day, you will be directed by parking personnel to your space upon arrival to the correct lot.
- ***DISTRIBUTION AT THIS TIME IS LIMITED TO ONLY THE 2019 FOOTBALL SEASON – RESERVED ADA SPACES FOR BASKETBALL SEASON WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT A SEPARATE TIME. RECEIVING A RESERVED ADA SPACE FOR FOOTBALL DOES NOT GUARANTEE A RESERVED ADA SPACE FOR BASKETBALL***
- All ADA spaces on the east side of Roy Stewart Stadium will be first come, first served to the general public each game, no hang tag necessary. We will also have a new ADA lot for Non-Reserved ADA patrons located at Heritage Hall just off of Waldrop Drive. Two shuttle busses will operate starting 90 minutes prior to kickoff through one-hour post-game on game days dedicated to the ADA Lots – One running from Gate 3 to Heritage Hall, and one running from Gate 3 through the Stadium Lots. Please see below diagram depicting parking and shuttle operations on game day (Light Pink Line runs clockwise away from Stewart Stadium to Heritage Hall, Dark Pink Line runs Clockwise around Stewart Stadium. Drop off location will be at Gate 3)
Racer Walk (NEW PATH FOR 2019) – Approximately three hours prior to kick, "Call To The Post" will play signaling fans that the Racer Walk will begin in 10-15 minutes. Fans can then line the pathway from the CFSB Center to Roy Stewart Stadium between Johnny Reagan Field and the football field to greet the team as they walk into the stadium.
Kickoff Kid – Each game a Junior Racer will be selected to retrieve the kicking tee after the Racers kickoff in either the first or second half.
Racer Football Alumni Association Tailgate – All Racer football alumni are invited to attend the RFAA Tailgate every game located just inside the stadium by the horse gate and beginning 90 minutes prior to kickoff
Alumni Association Tailgates – The MSU Alumni Association will sponsor a tailgate at the Jim Carter Alumni Plaza two hours before every home game, except Homecoming. Admission is $5 and includes food and live music.

2019 Promotional Schedule
Date: August 29^th
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Opponent: Pikeville
Game Theme: Season opener, GOLD OUT, 'Jersday Thursday', Gold Rush
Game Sponsor: CFSB
Featured Academic College: School of Nursing & Health Professions
Preston's Place Sponsor: Steele & Albritten/Bud Byars
Event Details:

Gold Out – All fans are encouraged to wear their favorite gold as our team debuts their new gold unis
Gold Rush – All Freshman can get a FREE Shirt & Rush the field with a special NEW twist, paint.
FREE ice cream/popsicles for all freshmen & tailgaters in the end zone.
'JersDay ThursDay' – Winners Circle members receive a replica jersey provided by CFSB
First 5,000 fans will get a free GOLD rally towel courtesy of the United Way of Murray & Calloway County

Date: September 21^st
Game Time: 6:00 p.m.
Opponent: Morehead State
Game Theme: Family Weekend – "Family Matters", Post-Game Fireworks
Game Sponsor: Murray Convention & Visitors Bureau
Featured Academic College: University Libraries
Preston's Place Sponsor: Peel & Holland
Event Details:

Family Weekend theme: Family Matters – 80's theme
Free post-game fireworks show
Friday Night Movie Night on the football field
6^th Annual Racer 5K on Saturday morning
Fanny Packs for first 500 Winners Circle members
80's Music 'Jukebox' featuring fan requests
Famous Family Weekend $5 T-Shirts for Sale
Cheer Clinic – Open to all kids
CFPF Extra Yard For Teachers teacher appreciation program

Date: October 5^th
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Opponent: Eastern Illinois
Game Theme: Ladies Day
Featured Academic College: Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business
Preston's Place Sponsor: Dr. Matt Price
Event Details:

Ladies Days featuring Paint & Sip where fans can paint & watch the game from the end zone
Special Olympics pregame parade of athletes
Town & Gown pre-game tailgate

Date: October 19^th
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Opponent: Eastern Kentucky
Game Theme: Homecoming – Return of the Racers
Featured Academic College: Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Preston's Place Sponsor: Christian County Judge Executive Steve Tribble & wife Shelley/Tim & Adam Murphy of Harbor Insurance Companies
Event Details:

Homecoming Parade & Tent City
Baseball Alumni Game
Homecoming Court & Float Winners Presentation
Football alumni reunions
Post-game camping with local Boy Scout Troops

Date: November 2^nd
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Opponent: Tennessee Tech
Game Theme: Band Day, Halloween Costume Party, Faculty/Staff Day, CFB150 Celebration
Featured Academic Colleges: College of Education & Human Services/College of Humanities and Fine Arts
Preston's Place Sponsor: Kopperud Realty
Event Details:

Faculty/Staff appreciation day
Local high school bands will perform with Racer Band at Halftime
Halloween costume contest including special costumes by Racer Band
150^th College Football Celebration honoring city of Murray Chief of Police, Jeff Lyles

Date: November 16^th
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Opponent: Austin Peay
Game Theme: Hometown Hero's, Hall of Fame, Battle of the Border, Senior Day, John Fannin Retirement Day
Game Sponsor: First Financial Bank
Featured Academic College: Hutson School of Agriculture
Preston's Place Sponsor: CFSB
Event Details:

Protect & Serve – All former/current first responders, military & veterans get free admission
Special Fort Campbell presentation
MSU Hall of Fame recognition at halftime for Class of 2019
First Bank Financial Battle of the Border game
Senior Day presentation
John Fannin Retirement Day

Murray State University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Kendrick Catis

Steve Dawson

Malik Honeycutt

James Sappington

Gabriel Vicente

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