HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University and Kindred Communications will kick off the school year and the start of fall sports with their annual Herd Rally at 7 p.m. tonight on Ninth Street, between Third and Fourth avenues in Huntington.

Herd Rally is part of Kindred Communications’ 9th Street Live Celebration and will feature Madhouse.

At 8 p.m., Marshall’s Marching Thunder will march onto 9th Street to kick off the pep rally portion of the evening.

The pep rally will feature Marshall athletes and coaches, including the Thundering Herd football team; swimming and diving team; men’s and women’s basketball; men’s and women’s soccer; volleyball; and cheerleaders. Marshall University’s mascot, Marco, will be meeting fans and available for photos.

“Herd Rally is a great event for Marshall fans and the Huntington community,” said Mallory Jarrell, director of Branding and Events. “This annual event is a perfect opportunity for students new to campus and those who have been fans for years to come together to celebrate the Marshall family.”

Herd Rally is a free event open to all community members.