LAURINBURG — St. Andrews University is gearing up for it’s football home opener on Saturday.
Knights Field is coming together just in the nick of time, as the installation of the scoreboard was being completed, goal posts installed and lines painted.
The stands for the home and visitor side have been installed and according to Glenn Batten, St. Andrews athletics director, the football complex will host around 1,200 people.
Fans who don’t want to sit in the bleachers can take advantage of sideline seating and bring a lawn chair.
Batten said there won’t be a stadium, like what fans are used to seeing at larger universities like UNC or ECU, because the Knights will be playing small-college football.
“Fans will have a very different game-day experience,” Batten said. “There are no long walks or shuttle buses, $8 sodas or seats in the cloud. It will be a relaxed environment.”
Another departure from the norm is St. Andrews will not be charging admission during the Knights inaugural season. Batten said in lieu of ticket sales, fans are encouraged to give a small donation to the St. Andrews Knights Club.
“Student-athletes will be circulating before kickoff to collect donations and give supporters a VIP wrist band in recognition of their support,” Batten said. “There will also be raffle tickets sold throughout the season with the drawing to be held during the final home game. The prize is a Yeti tailgate package.”
In keeping with certain college football traditions Batten said there will be tailgating before the 1:30 p.m. kick off each Saturday.
“What would small-college football be without tailgating? There will be plenty of parking for tailgating and corn hole games,” said Batten.
Tailgating will open at 11 a.m. and can set up in the parking lot between the track and the Physical Education Center.
Outside food and drink is welcome in the tailgate area; however, no outside food or beverage will be allowed around the field area or bleachers.
The St. Andrews Alumni Council will be sponsoring a tailgate for all university alums returning to campus for the game. St. Andrews Student Life is planning various activities for current students and community members during the tailgate.
Parking for those who aren’t planning to tailgate will be available on the residential side of campus along Dogwood Mile.
“We ask that visitors not park on the practice fields,” said Batten. “There will be plenty of parking available in the Liberal Arts Building parking lot off St. Andrews Drive.”
St. Andrews will be offering a food-truck rodeo as opposed to a typical concession stand. Vendors will be set up and open for business by 11 a.m. Food trucks for the home opener include Kona Ice, Pioneer, Daniel’s Hot Dogs and Domino’s Pizza.
St. Andrews (0-2) will return home on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 1:30 p.m. for their inaugural home game at their brand new Knights Field against Cincinnati Christian University (0-2).
Amber Hatten can be reached at 910-506-3170.
