SFA Prepares for 'Purple Out' Saturday at Homer Bryce
9/21/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 21, 2010
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Lumberjack football fans will be treated to something new when Stephen F. Austin hosts Lamar at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Homer Bryce Stadium.
SFA students are gearing up and setting the date to cast a sea of purple on both sides of the gridiron when the visiting Cardinals come to town.
Normally a tradition in basketball, the annual `Purple Out' promotion has taken center stage in football on Parents' Day this year.
Thanks in large part to Coca-Cola and local sponsors, the Student Activities Association and SFA Athletics will be giving away free Lumberjack football `Purple Out' shirts to the first 2,400 fans before Saturday's game at the entrances of the south end of the stadium. "Purple Out is a great opportunity for Student Activities Association and SFA Athletics to work together to show support for SFA students," said Amanda Horne, Student Activities Association Coordinator.
Brookshire Brothers, Barnes and Noble, St. Mary's Catholic Campus Ministry, Orientation Programs, Traditions Council and Student Affairs Programs all helped contribute to make the event happen.
The SFA Residence Hall Association will also be hosting Parents' Day this weekend. The theme for Parents' Day this year is `Chasing Dreams.' Event organizers are expecting a big crowd for both events.
SFA Assistant Athletics Director of External Affairs John Branch said he would like to see the stadium packed with purple and believes this promotion, in conjunction with Parents' Day will push it over the top.
The Lumberjacks are 7-0 at home dating back from last year and Branch says the students play a major role in that. "From the Purple Haze to the Greeks, to all members of the student body, their presence is felt and the football team feeds off of that."
Branch added there has been an increase in attendance at home games this season and the fan experience has been a great atmosphere to be apart of.
"It wasn't hard to see the unique, different ways fans showed their purple pride against Albany in our home opener," he said. "We encourage that and look to see more of it against Lamar."
With the recent news of a record enrollment (12,954) at the campus and the football team moving up to No. 6 in the national rankings, it's safe to say expectations are high for a large turn out.
Saturday's game against Lamar will be televised by KBTV Fox 4 out of Beaumont, Texas. The broadcast will also be picked up by the CW, KCEB out of Tyler, Texas, and can be viewed on local cable channel 17 in Nacogdoches, and channel 5 in Lufkin.
The Cardinals are one of the biggest surprises in the country this season entering Saturday's contest with a 2-1 record. Following a heartbreaking setback at McNeese State to open the season, Lamar has rattled off consecutive victories, including a 29-28 win over Southeastern Louisiana that saw the Cardinals score 21 unanswered points.
SFA students are admitted free at all home athletic events with a valid SFA student I.D. card. Fans can purchase single game tickets or Flex ticket packages online at www.sfajacks.com or call the SFA ticket office at 936-468-JACK (5225). Tickets can also be purchased on the south side of Homer Bryce Stadium before the game.
