Reasons To Arrive Early This Saturday
Teamkong

This week’s game against St. Cloud State University should live up to its pre-season hype.  Two top ten teams square off for the coveted number one ranking in the Midwest Region poll.  Having the top seed, assures a team of at least home field advantage in the playoffs.

Yes, it is early to be talking playoffs.  Being the top seed in the first poll is a nice start.  Winning on Saturday will set a nice tone for the start of the MIAA season.  Gorilla fans have had this kind of preseason game for a few years now.

The important thing now is for fans to arrive at the stadium early!

The team walks over from the Weede at 5:50 PM.  The Kansas City Gorilla Club started a tradition many years ago of lining the walk to great the player, and wish them good luck as they prepare to enter the stadium.  Instead of hundreds of fans lining this walk, why not thousands? 

Take 3 minutes out from Gorilla Village to walk over.  Let’s make an impression before the game even starts on Saturday.  Players have commented how they appreciate fans lining the “Walk Along Jungle Road” (as it has been called).  Let’s knock their socks off this week with four times the number of people as most week.

Pre-Game in the Stadium.  Last January PSU Alumni Association President Eric Grooms formed a “Spirit Committee” to help increase fan support at Football and Basketball games.  Members of the committee include alumni, staff, students, and representation from the Athletic Department. 

The committee decided this year to concentrate on the pre-game program in the stadium.  The band already does a great job with their musical selections, such as Welcome to the Jungle, the Fight Song, etc.  This year with their new director they have changed their pre-game show, which is worth getting into the stadium to see.

For this week’s game, there will be fireworks during the National Anthem, as well as when the team runs on the field.  They will be very similar to what is done before KC Chiefs games.  These are made possible by Community National Bank.

As the team runs on the field, eight students will have flags, which spell out “Gorillas” and will lead the team into Carnie Smith Stadium.  The flags were paid for by the Alumni Association.  Speaking of the Alumni Association, they will soon be selling a CD with a collection of songs played at our football and basketball games.  It is a fundraiser for the Association, and also the Band Department.

Have you notice the large numbers of the red “PITT” shirts in the stadium.  The Spirit Committee, along with Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow and the Student Government Association have collaborated to have a “Game Day Shirt” Also, the student section has been renamed the “Red Zone” and will be labeled as such with a sign.  Much like the section reserved for the band.

Lastly, if you noticed (and could hear it) before each kickoff, they now play “Start Me Up” before each kick off.  I just wish it were louder. Unless you are listening for it, it is difficult to make out.

Fans, let’s do our part to be a part of  “The Line Along Jungle Road” and to be in the stands fifteen minutes before game time!