WKU announces gameday enhancements

Billy Rutledge

The switch from the Sun Belt Conference to Conference USA isn’t the only change fans will notice this Friday when WKU takes on Bowling Green State at 6:30 p.m. in Smith Stadium.

Monday, the WKU athletics department announced enhanced football gameday plans for the 2014 season, which include family fun with “TopperTown,” new dining options, new tailgating zones and a new gameday application for smartphones.

A children’s play area called “TopperTown” will return this fall, featuring inflatables, balloon artistry, face painting and other games for kids of any age. “TopperTown” is free of charge and will open exactly three hours prior to kickoff. It will be located across the street from Downing Student Union in front of Parking Structure 2.

The WKU gameday app is free of charge and will allow Hilltopper fans to connect with the team before, during and after the game. The app has several features, which include live audio, real-time Instagram and Twitter feeds from teams and fans, gameday guides, which include all necessary information regarding the game, stadium and parking maps, live conference and top-25 scores and stats, and even weather alerts.

“This (app) is really geared towards the gameday. It will include football, both basketballs and baseball,” Michael Schroeder, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications, said. “When fans are coming to the game or even inside the game, this is going to be a valuable way to find out where they need to go and find important information.”

The food and beverage stands also received upgrades, made possible by on-campus hospitality provider, Centerplate. As a result, many new options are available to fans, including several local favorites: Moonlite Bar-B-Q, Steamer Seafood, Chop Shop burgers, steak po-boy, Philly cheesesteak, soft tacos and “Topper” fries.  

“We are pleased to offer these new options for fans so when they come to campus for gameday this year, there is a sense of newness and freshness with everything they do from when they step on campus to when the game ends,” Schroeder said. “We really think when people walk away from the game they will say, ‘This is something I can’t get anywhere else right now.’”