The Mizzou Black and Gold Game will start at 4 p.m. Admission is free is free with a spring game ticket (downloaded for free HERE) AND one non-perishable food item benefitting the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri. Mizzou students also get in free with a valid MU student ID.
Getting Mizzou football fans to come out in high numbers for the Black and Gold game has always been a struggle for the University of Missouri Athletic Department. The attendance will never rank up there such as those of former rival Nebraska or current SEC powerhouse Alabama, but Mizzou is putting their best foot forward this weekend.
Personally, I understand it can be difficult for fans to watch a college football practice when the first game is still over four months away…especially here in Missouri, where there is so much more to do, than say in Alabama or South Carolina. For example, sports fanatics have a choice to check out either baseball team as both the Royals are home hosting the A’s and the Cardinals are taking on the Reds. Plus, game two of the St. Louis Blues playoff series starts tomorrow afternoon. In addition, the temperatures are going to be in the mid 70’s. Here in Missouri, we’ve been waiting for weather like this for at least five months.
However, Mizzou athletics is doing everything they can to draw more excitement by providing more than just a glorified practice for the fans. They’ve moved the start time back to 4 p.m. to allow fans to make a day of it by tailgating. The parking lots will be open to all and available beginning Saturday morning at 9 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fan Fest will take place from 1-3:45 p.m. between Memorial Stadium and the Hearnes Center and Dr. Zhivegas will play a free concert near the southwest corner of Hearnes. Multiple carnival-style rides will be on hand as well as various inflatable games. In addition, photo stations will be available for fans to take photos with the Mizzou Helmet Car, Truman’s Taxi/Fire Truck, and Mizzou Football trophies including the SEC Eastern Division and Citrus Bowl championship trophies.
Don’t let the weather scare you. Most of the afternoon, the chance the rain will be under 30% and the temps will be mild.
If you can’t make the game, I’ll be there. Follow me on Twitter, plus check out our post scrimmage interviews right here at Missourinet.com
