WKU Athletics Director Ross Bjork published this

open letter to WKU fans on Monday.

Dear Hilltopper Nation,

22,113.  You may have heard this

number before, but that is the capacity of Houchens-LT Smith

Stadium on our campus of Western Kentucky University.  There are

almost 60,000 people who live in Bowling Green, 120,000 who reside

in our “metropolitan” area, and 270,000 people who live in the ten

county Barren River Economic District.  Our community and region is

keenly aware of WKU and the positive impact we have on the region

and the quality of life for our residents.   

22,113.  In addition to the

immediate region around Bowling Green, there are 7,300 alumni who

live in Nashville, over 5,000 alumni who make Owensboro home, and

14,500 alumni who live in the Louisville-Elizabethtown region.  A

majority of Hilltopper Nation in these regions live less than two

hours from our campus.  I point out this data to illustrate the

great capacity we have to provide the right resources for our

student-athletes and to compete at the highest level of NCAA

intercollegiate athletics.  

22,113.  On Saturday, November 5, we

host Florida International University in a home football game at

3:00 pm at Houchens-Smith Stadium.  Our football team holds a 4-4

record after winning four straight games and now sits at 4-1 in the

Sun Belt Conference.  FIU was picked to win the conference and this

game represents a tremendous opportunity for our program to take

the next step in our goals for success – including the race for the

Sun Belt Conference title.  There are many more compelling reasons

to visit campus – the best of which is to support your team!

22,113.  We are challenging all of

you in Hilltopper Nation to fill the stadium this Saturday!  As we

have said many times before, we cannot do it alone and this team

needs you to be here wearing your WKU Red and cheering on the

Hilltoppers.  All of us here at WKU urge you to bring a fellow

student, family member, friend, co-worker, neighbor – whoever you

can find – and be at Houchens-Smith Stadium!

22,113.  Our athletics staff has

continued to be creative and offer a great atmosphere for big time

college football at an affordable price.  A few weeks ago we

designated this Saturday’s game against FIU as Fan Appreciation Day

which enables you to purchase tickets for $6 – hot dogs for $1 –

and Pepsi drinks for $1.  This is the second year in a row we have

offered this promotion and this is the biggest game at WKU since we

stepped up to Division I-A.  There are also plenty of parking

spaces for you to tailgate and enjoy campus before the game.  

22,113.  Please call 800-5-BIGRED or

visit www.wkusports.com to purchase your seats now and learn more

about WKU Football. If you are unable to attend the game, we can

distribute any of your purchased tickets to local charities and

youth groups.

22,113.  Our foundation for success

has been laid with the right elements to compete for championships

at the highest level.  Your football team has shown tremendous

resiliency in overcoming a difficult start to the season, and today

only 12 teams in the country have a longer winning streak than our

four game streak.  Bobby Rainey ranks 6th in the nation in rushing

and Andrew Jackson ranks 8th in the nation in tackles for

loss. 

22,113.  As the regional population

and WKU alumni data shows, we can fill Houchens-Smith Stadium each

and every weekend.  We need and ask for our fans to join our

foundation and provide us with the energy to create an intimidating

home-field advantage.  Please challenge yourself and do whatever it

takes to fill Houchens-Smith Stadium to support our

student-athletes!

22,113.  We thank you for your

support and Go Hilltoppers!  See you on Saturday.

Cheers,

Ross Bjork

Director of Athletics