By GRANT TRAYLOR

Associate Athletic Director of Strategic Communications

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Football is back at “The Joan” this week as Marshall takes on the Western Michigan Broncos at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday in the “We Are…Marshall Hall of Fame” game. The game will be shown on ESPN+.
Game Day Timeline
Saturday, Sept. 28
8 a.m. – WAKE UP! IT’S GAME DAY – WEAR GREEN
9:30 a.m. – Parking Lots open
1:00 p.m. – Thunderwalk – Make sure to get there early to ensure your spot! We will be handing out a Golden Ticket for a chance to be the Kickoff Kid; Fan Fest Begins – Located in front of the Marshall Rec Center. This is your chance to grab some food, play on inflatables, and more. Fan Fest is open to all and free to attend.
1:30 p.m.– Gates and HerdZone Team Store Opens
1:30-2:30 p.m. – Two Buck Blitz

3:00 p.m. – Herd The Answer! Be in your seats to participate in pre-game trivia.

3:15 p.m. – Marching Thunder Takes the Field

3:21 p.m. – National Anthem performed by local sensation Marlana VanHoose
3:32 p.m. – BEAT Western Michigan

New Fan Experience Upgrades!
Marshall’s commitment to a safe, fun event comes with several enhancements to its in-venue experience, including the following: expanded concourse, local food trucks, grab-and-go concessions, fan experience and engagement areas, water refill stations.

– Two Buck Blitz: For the first hour of gates being open at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, fans can enjoy $2 Hot Dogs, $2 Popcorn, $2 Fountain Beverages and a custom souvenir cup that is unique to each gameday.

– Food Trucks: Fans will notice food trucks stationed around Joan C. Edwards Stadium, including Food Truck Alley, located near Gate F at the southeast corner of the stadium.

– Grab ’n’ Go concessions: Two (2) Simply To-Go concession stands will feature healthier concession options for fans to choose from. There will also be a Green and White Bytes and Brews grab-and-go concession on the West concourse to provide a quick, cashless option for fan concession needs.

– Water Refill stations: Fans are now permitted to bring in a sealed or empty clear plastic bottle to fill at available refill stations installed around the stadium.

– Family Zone: Located by Gate C, this area features games for kids (giant Jenga, Connect Four, etc.), cardboard cut-outs for photo opportunities, Joey Stepp’s Pregame Magic Show (starting 90 minutes and 45 minutes prior to kickoff) and other engaging activities.

– Changes from Game 1: Gate B South will now be open for general entry into the stadium. Gate B North will still be a VIP entry for Sky Suite Holders only. We have also updated our inclement weather policy. For more information the HerdZone.

Marshall Hall of Fame Game

On Sept. 28, we will be honoring our 2024 Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame Class, as well as the 2014 Conference USA Football Championship team.

Marshall is inducting the following athletes into its Athletics Hall of Fame:
– Dave Allie, Baseball, 1971-74 (Legend)
– Aaron Blair, Baseball, 2011-13
– Rakeem Cato, Football, 2011-14
– Vanessa Jules, Track & Field, 2009-13
– Nate McPeek, Football, 2000-03
– Tommy Shuler, Football, 2011-14
– Shonda Stanton, Softball, 2000-17 (Coach)
– Crystal Walker, Track & Field, 2011-13
– Andi Williamson, Softball, 2011-13
Thunderwalk: Thunderwalk starts in the West Lot at the lot entry gate on 20th Street, closest to Third Avenue, and continues through the parking lot toward Gate A and out to Third Avenue. Marshall Cheerleaders are giving away envelopes with ONE containing a Golden Ticket. The lucky fan who receives the Golden Ticket will be the Kickoff Kid. Be sure to get there early! Thunderwalk starts at 1 p.m.!
Fan Fest: Fan Fest is located outside of the Rec Center and opens at 1:00 p.m. Be sure to come out enjoy inflatables, magic, balloon animals and more. See HerdZone for more information.
Tickets: Still haven’t purchased your tickets? You can do so HerdZone.
Clear Bag Policy: To enhance public safety and make stadium access more efficient, Marshall University Athletics enacted a Clear Bag Policy. Fans may bring in one (1) clear bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or a 1-gallon plastic storage bag. Fans are limited to one clear bag per person or a small clutch bag (no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″) for privacy. For more information, click HerdZone.
No Re-Entry: As a reminder, fans will not be permitted to leave and re-enter without re-screening through security and a separate unscanned game ticket. This is part of the ‘Safe To Stay With The Herd’ initiative, which was implemented in July 2024.
Parking: Single-game parking is available: (1) Third Avenue Parking Garage – $20 (cash only); (2) State Electric Parking Lot – $20 (All proceeds benefit the Marshall Cheerleading Program); (3) Old ACF Lot – $20 (All proceeds benefit the United Way of the River Cities).
ID Check: Fans can head over to the Fan Assistance tent located outside of Gate A, as well as a tent inside of Gate D to get their ID checked and receive a wristband for Alcohol sales within the stadium. Please do so prior to entering the stadium to help eliminate time in line.
Thunderclap: Don’t forget the Thunderclap is back! After every Herd touchdown, be sure to get on your feet and participate in the Thunderclap!
Saturday’s game between Marshall and Western Michigan is sponsored by Ford.