Post-game fireworks and a concert by nationally-touring band A Rocket to the Moon will highlight the Missouri State University Bears home opening football game on Saturday, Sept. 15, against No. 24-ranked Murray State University. It is all part of the enhanced game day experience for Bears fans. The weekend’s activities are just the beginning of interim MSU President Clif Smart’s vision to make Bears football game days an integral part of the student experience and a key part of the University’s community outreach efforts.
“Because it occurs early in the school year,” said Smart, “football can be one of the first rallying points for our campus community. The game is important, but so is the camaraderie and school spirit that the game days generate. It is yet another aspect that makes college life at Missouri State special, so we want to do all we can to make it memorable in every way.”
For students, the weekend will start with an on-campus pep rally, starting at 6 p.m. on one of the first “BearWear Fridays” of the new year on Sept. 14. The event will feature MSU head coach Terry Allen, as well as players, mascots, cheerleaders, food, prizes and musical entertainment. After the pep rally, a “Bowl with the Bears” event will take place at 7:30 in the Level One Game Room at Plaster Student Union. Students can interact with various MSU student-athletes with additional snacks provided during the event.
Game day (Sept. 15) will start with a 3 p.m. social media student scavenger hunt for prizes. Students will look for mascots Boomer and Growl to provide clues and solve the scavenger hunt puzzle. BearFest Village tailgating starts at 4 p.m., just south of the stadium, with tailgating and other pregame activities. MSU students will have dining-plan options available right in the convenience of BearFest Village for the first time. A “maroon march” event is also planned through Greek row and various residence halls to BearFest Village, starting at 5:45 p.m.
At Plaster Field, students will line the tunnel as the Bears take the field for the game, which begins at 7 p.m. against preseason No. 24-ranked Murray State. Verizon Wireless, the Official Wireless Provider of Missouri State Athletics, will be the official gameday sponsor for the home opener. There will be attendance contests for residence halls as well as fireworks after the game for all fans. Following the fireworks, a free concert featuring A Rocket to the Moon, will begin at approximately 10 p.m., on the field.
“We want to make each football game day the focus of our entire campus,” said Kyle Moats, MSU’s director of athletics. “These efforts will begin to enhance the game-day culture and make the entire experience a great one for our students, alumni, and fans.”
MSU students are admitted free to all football games with a valid BearPass ID. A number of season ticket plans are available now by calling (417) 836-7678, including discounted tickets for MSU faculty and staff. Single-game tickets will also go on sale later in August at the aforementioned number or on-line at MissouriStateTix.com.