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University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Set to Make Home Opener Extra Special
9/8/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 8, 2011
PRESS RELEASE: Gophers to Remember 9/11 Tragedy at Home Football Opener
The first home game of the Jerry Kill era promises to be an extra special one for Golden Gopher football fans, and the U of M is rolling out the red carpet all week long. A host of special events will take place on campus in the days prior to Saturday's home opener at TCF Bank Stadium, a brand-new tailgate area will open up outside TCF Bank Stadium and the team will pay tribute to the 10th anniversary of 9/11 during Saturday's game.
Still don't have your tickets to the game? All day Friday, MyGopherSports.com will be offering a $25 ticket deal -- be sure to check it out!
RALLYING THE (STUDENT) BODY
School is finally in session at the U, which means it's time for Gophers across campus to come out to TCF Bank Stadium and show their school pride.
The Maroon and Gold will be on display outside Coffman Memorial Union from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., where students can pick up some free goodies. Friday, the man himself, Coach Jerry Kill, will be jetting around campus to meet students and get the word out about his new team. He'll be near the corner of Pleasant St. and Pilsbury Dr. (near 15th Ave. and University) beginning at about 10:50, handing out free food and tickets to students!
Friday night, those who stick on campus can hear the U of M Alumni Band tour Stadium Village when they travel from Campus Pizza (8 p.m.) to Sally's (8:30 p.m.) to Big Ten (9 p.m.). Campus Pizza (825 Washington Ave.) will also be the host of a special Gopher Pep Rally Friday from 7-9 p.m. with lots of exclusive deals for students, including:
- Free appetizers
- Gopher trivia with great prizes
- Appearance by Goldy Gopher (7-8 p.m.)
- 2-4-1 student drink specials and much more!
 |  Block G is on Oak Street between TCF Bank Stadium and Mariucci Arena. |
TAILGATING FOR ALL: "BLOCK G" SETS UP OUTSIDE TCF BANK STADIUM
You asked for it, and we've delivered - a tailgating area that's accessible to the masses. "Block G" will debut Saturday on Oak Street between TCF Bank Stadium and Mariucci Arena. The festivities run from 11:30 a.m. to game time (2:30) and will feature:
- Gopher Victory Walk at 12:15
- Live music from Sawtooth Bluegrass beginning at 12:15
- The U of M Marching Band's Plaza show at 1:10
- Food and beverages, interactive games, free facepainting and more!
REMEMBERING AND HONORING THOSE WHO WERE LOST
Read this news release for more on Saturday's 9/11 tribute activities.
During Saturday's opener, the U of M will pay tribute to our military heroes and those who were lost on that fateful day in New York City 10 years ago. Before the game, members of the Northwest Special Operations Parachute Demonstration Team ("SOF Warriors") will jump down into TCF Bank Stadium from a BlackHawk helicopter (check back on GopherSports.com for helmet cam footage from that jump).
The ceremonial pregame coin toss will honor the family of family of Sgt. Matthew Harmon, a native of Bagley, Minnesota and a member of the 172nd Infantry Brigade who was killed last month by a roadside bomb in Afgahnistan. In addition, the family of Minnesota native Tom Burnett Jr., who was on Flight 93, will be recognized before the game for their scholarship contributions to the University of Minnesota.
At halftime, a special ceremony will officially swear in three new members of the United States Marine Corps, and the U of M Marching Band will pay tribute by forming the insignias of all branches of the U.S. military.
It promises to be an exciting and eventful day at TCF Bank Stadium this Saturday to kick off the 2011 season and mark the beginning of the Jerry Kill era of Gopher Football. We hope you'll join us!
