ETSU Football announces 2024 promotional schedule with new traditions, changes

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — East Tennessee State University (ETSU) athletic officials revealed the promotional schedule for this season’s football activities on Monday.

According to a news release from Buccaneer Athletics, the festivities kick off with the university’s yearly “Meet the Team” event, scheduled for August 19 at William B. Greene Jr. Stadium from 6 to 8 p.m.

The meet and greet is open to the public at no cost and features various activities for kids, including field goal kicking, passing drills, and a chance to dress up like a Buc team member for a photo on the field. Attendees will also receive 2024 schedule posters during the event.

Here’s a list of this season’s promotional games and events:

Football Promotional/Theme Schedule

• Sept. 7 vs. UVA Wise – Rally towel giveaway (first 2,500 fans) sponsored by the College of Public Health
• Sept. 14 vs. North Dakota State – Pack Greene Stadium
• Oct. 5 vs. Chattanooga – Homecoming (Theme: Bucs Take Flight)
• Oct. 12 vs. Samford – Bucky Bobblehead giveaway for the first 1,000 fans, courtesy of BrightRidge
• Nov. 9 vs. Western Carolina – Family Weekend
• Nov. 16 vs. Furman – Senior Day

This season, Bucs home games will feature several upgrades, including a new Food City Fan Zone at Lot 21, opening four hours before each home game, located between the parking garage and Warf-Pickel Hall.

A BrightRidge Media Zone will also be available near Lot 21, offering free Pepsi products and TV screens to follow games nationwide. This area will host the Grill Talk Pregame Show with Jay Sandos, podcasting live three hours before kickoff, right up until the Buc Walk begins.

Fans can now enter the stadium 90 minutes before kickoff. Pregame activities include a kicking challenge, quarterback skills challenge, and foot races. A new feature this season is the “Pizza Scream,” where the loudest fan in a randomly chosen section wins a free pizza. To get involved in pregame and halftime events, fans should visit the Guest Services tent inside the stadium.

The Bucs Football team has introduced a new tradition for the fourth quarter, encouraging everyone in the stands to sing along to “Wagon Wheel.”

“Immediately after the third quarter concludes, we invite all fans to join in singing the Johnson City anthem as we gear up for the final quarter,” the announcement reads. “As noted earlier, Wagon Wheel rally towels will be available at the Food City Fan Zone, so be sure to grab yours before you head into the stadium.”