University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss Announces Promotions and Events for Homecoming Contest
10/13/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 13, 2011
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - For next Saturday's Homecoming contest against the SMU Mustangs, the Southern Miss Athletic Department is encouraging fans to "Pack the Rock" for the most exciting home date yet in the 2011 season.
The matchup between two of Conference USA's top teams is a time to welcome back alumni to the campus and fill the stands for the Golden Eagles on Saturday, Oct. 22.
As part of the Homecoming festivities, the 2011 Homecoming parade begins at 10 a.m. in downtown Hattiesburg on Saturday. In keeping with tradition, Coach Fedora and select players will be at Friday Night at the Fountain beginning at 7 p.m., with the pep rally kicking off at 9 p.m.
Southern Miss is partnering with the NCAA in their "Take a Kid to the Game" program which encourages adults to take children to an NCAA football game. Children age 12 and under can receive a free ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket to the game. Fans can take advantage of this offer by contacting the Athletic Ticket Office at 1-800-844-TICK, ordering online and using the promo code "TAKEAKID" or by purchasing tickets in person at the Ferlise Center or on game day at the ticket office.
Forrest General Hospital will be giving away 5,000 gold thundersticks at the gates and Central Sunbelt Federal Credit Union is helping the University promote breast cancer awareness by giving away 4,500 pink rally towels.
The 2011 Homecoming Court will be presented at halftime along with recognizing the newest members of the Southern Miss Hall of Fame.
Football greats Bucky McElroy, Laurin Pepper, and Bubba Phillips will be also inducted into the prestigious Legends Club prior to the game and they will also serve as honorary captains.
There will be a football captain's luncheon held prior to the game where all former football captains will be invited back for this very special social and the former football captains will be recognized during the game.
All of these events are planned in conjunction with pre-game events like the Eagle Walk and Junior Eagle Funland. Eagle Walk takes place two hours prior to kickoff at 5 p.m. while the Funland, located on Pride Field, will open at 4 p.m. and close at 6:30 p.m.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. as the Golden Eagles take on the reigning C-USA West Division champions.
