Sept. 4, 2002

Columbia, Mo. - There are plenty of reasons to come out and support the Missouri Tigers this Saturday, Sept. 7, as Mizzou opens the 2002 home schedule against the Ball State Cardinals. And many of them occur prior to the opening kick!

Two hours prior to kickoff before each game, fans are encouraged to gather in the west parking lot of Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field to greet the Tiger football team, as they make their "Tiger Walk" across the new Pedestrian Bridge and into the stadium. Join Marching Mizzou, the Golden Girls and Cheerleaders and greet the Tigers two hours before each home game.

While the team is getting ready to take on Ball State, fans can head over to the Hearnes Center Fieldhouse and visit the all-new "Mizzou Experience," a tailgate and fan-fest area open to Tiger fans of all ages, free of charge. There, fans can enjoy food and beverages, watch other college football games on big-screen TVs, check out inflatable games for children and pick up last-minute black and gold gear at the Tiger Team Store. The Mizzou Experience opens three hours before kickoff.

A special promotion this Saturday features the first 25,000 fans receiving a free commemorative poster of Biletnikoff Award candidate and All-Big 12 Wide Receiver, Justin Gage. Immediately following the game, there will also be a fireworks display to celebrate the 2002 season.

Plenty of tickets still remain for Saturday's game, set for a 6 p.m. kickoff. For more information on these, or other Mizzou events, please call 1-800-CAT-PAWS (884-PAWS in Columbia) or log on at www.mutigers.com.