Northwestern University Athletics
Spring Game Activities Set for Saturday, April 25
4/19/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 19, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern is getting ready for the 2009 football season and fans can, too, by grabbing family and friends to attend the Wildcat's annual Spring Game this Saturday (April 25) at Ryan Field. The season is four months away so take advantage of this opportunity to have a Wildcat reunion with your favorite Wildcat fans in the parking lots before the game. The east and west stadium lots will both open at 8 a.m., but fans are encouraged to park in the west lot for easy access into the game -- parking and admission are free.
Also before the game, the Northwestern Wildcats are holding the second annual "Walk for Randy" 5K Walk at 9 a.m. The Walk is being conducted to honor the memory of former NU football coach Randy Walker, who died June 29, 2006. Last year, over 200 Wildcat supporters participated in the 5K Walk, including former and current student-athletes from several Wildcat varsity sports.
This year another integral supporter, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, has signed on to co-host the event with the proceeds from the Walk going to the Randy Walker Fund and the Heart Association. Click here to register now for only $15 (plus a $2 handling fee) or register on the day of the event for $20. All participants will receive the official Walk for Randy t-shirt. For more information please e-mail wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu.
SPRING GAME ACTIVITIES
8 a.m. -- Tailgating Lots Open -- It's been months since fans have tailgated at Ryan Field so invite your family and friends for this chance to have a Wildcat Football Reunion in the east and west parking lots. Parking is free!
9 a.m. -- "Walk for Randy" 5K Walk -- Join Tammy Walker and members of the Class of 2009 as we honor former head coach Randy Walker before the Spring Game. The start/finish line will be at the corner of Walker Way and Ashland near Gate T on the west side of the stadium.
10 a.m. -- Chipotle Challenge -- Fans can compete in the Bean Bag Game in the parking lot near Gate T on the west side of the stadium for a chance to win coupons for free Chipotle Burritos.
11 a.m. -- Walker Terrace Opens -- Former Wildcats will be on Walker Terrace taking pictures and signing autographs for fans until 11:30 a.m.
11:15 a.m. -- Band Performance -- The NU Band will be performing your favorite songs on Walker Terrace until 11:30 a.m. and will continue to perform in the stands during the game.
11:30 a.m. -- Coach Fitz on Walker Terrace -- Hear what Coach Fitz has to say about the upcoming season when he talks to fans on Walker Terrace. If you have a question for Coach Fitz, send it to wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu before Friday for a chance to have your question answered before the game.
11:45 a.m. -- Stretch with the 'Cats -- All kids in the eighth grade and under can go on the field to warm up with the Wildcat Football Team! The first 500 kids will receive the official Stretch With The 'Cats t-shirt.
Noon -- Wildcat Football Spring Game -- Be alert for flying t-shirts throughout the game compliments of Chipotle and the Big Ten Network -- select t-shirts will have free Chipotle burrito coupons rolled inside.
Postgame -- Go on the field to take pictures and get autographs from the Wildcat Football team!
The season ticket renewal deadline is this Saturday, so Wildcat ticket representatives will be on hand to make sure you are ready for the season. All fans who purchase season tickets before Sunday, April 26 will be entered to win two spots on the `Cats Caravan to be part of the College Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival for Coach Fitzgerald in South Bend on Saturday, July 18. Check NUsports.com on Monday (April 27) to see if you are a winner. If you don't win, you can purchase your spot for only $75. "Click here for more information on the trip to South Bend."
All Spring Game activities are weather permitting, so be sure to visit NUsports.com for the latest updates. The "Walk for Randy" will go on rain or shine.
The game will be broadcast online at www.wgnradio.com. Handling the broadcast will be WGN sports director Dave Eanet and former NU linebacker Adam Kadela serving as the analyst. The game also will be heard on WNUR (89.3 FM) and wnur.org. In addition, NUsports.com will stream the game live.
NGN AUCTION
Join the Wildcat Football Family for the 16th Annual Northwestern Gridiron Network (NGN) Dinner and Auction at 5:30 p.m. The live auction gets underway at 8:15 p.m. with Pat Fitzgerald, Dave Eanet and Ted Albrecht serving as auction hosts. Hundreds of items are donated for the auction. Tickets for the event ($125 per person) can be purchased by calling Jean Yale at 847.491.3694 or by e-mailing Jean at j-yale@northwestern.edu.
