¾«¶«Ó°Òµ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ University football team opens its 2014 season Saturday, Aug. 30, hosting Mid-American Conference East Division rival Ohio University at 6 p.m. inside Dix Stadium. ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ Golden Flashes won their final two games of the 2013 season, while the Bobcats earned a spot in the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl.
Throughout the season, the ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ football players will have the number 54 on one side of their helmets to honor Jason Bitsko, following their teammate’s unexpected death last week.
¾«¶«Ó°Òµgame will be followed by the largest fireworks display in the history of Portage County presented by AMETEK.
¾«¶«Ó°Òµtailgating contest begins at 4 p.m. with prizes for the best burger, but tailgating is open all day. Parking is free before 3 p.m. After 3 p.m., there will be a charge for parking. Happy hour inside the stadium runs from 4:30-5:30 p.m., with dollar drinks and hot dogs.
¾«¶«Ó°ÒµFamily Fun Zone will feature an inflatable obstacle course, a climbing rock wall, games, face painting and photo opportunities of kids wearing ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ football equipment from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Just prior to kickoff, the ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ Aviation Flight Team will perform a flyover, and parachuters will present the game ball at midfield.
¾«¶«Ó°Òµ President Beverly Warren will conduct the coin toss. Between the first and second quarter, the Mid-American Conference will present ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ with the Jacoby Award for excellence in women’s athletics.
For more information about ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ Athletics, visit .