First Home Football Game of the Season Tonight

Fairmont State University invites the community to help celebrate the new school year and welcome new president Dr. Thomas Krepel at the opening night for college football as the Fighting Falcons takes on Clarion on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m.

Plenty of activities including a live band, maroon T-shirts and games are on tap, in addition to tailgates in the parking lots hosted by Fairmont State faculty departments as well as several local businesses associated with the Marion County Chamber of Commerce.

The live band, Vintage Drive, will be playing in the new student tailgate lot by the tennis courts. Fairmont State Student Government will sponsor a climbing wall for students and the intramural department will host several games. The athletic department will provide T-shirts and hot dogs in the student lot. Admission for Fairmont State and Pierpont Community & Technical College students is free.

"We want to welcome the community to campus as we start the new school year with a new president," said Rusty Elliott, director of athletics. "We are Fairmont's team, and we want fans to come out and support the school and have a great time." 

Tickets for Fairmont State games are $8 for adults; $4 for senior citizens and kids ages 6-18; and free for Fairmont State and Pierpont students, faculty, staff and children ages 5 and younger.

The season opener event is part of Fairmont State's community engagement initiative as part of the NCAA Division II platform. The NCAA recognizes schools at the conference and national level for their effort and creativity in this aspect.

Fairmont State football players will be going "door-to-door" in Fairmont on Tuesday, Aug. 25, to personally invite fans to the game.

"We want to invoke the competitive spirit of the citizens of Fairmont," Elliott said. "If we can get everyone involved and out to the game, it would go a long way to helping us be the best in the conference. It wouldn't just be a Fairmont State award, it would be recognition for all of Fairmont."

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