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Missouri State Campus Gears Up for Football Opener


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BearFest Village Reservation Form | BFV Student Group Reservation Form | Alcohol Policy | Tickets | Family Weekend | BearFest Village FAQ | BearWear

SPRINGFIELD - The Missouri State University campus is anxiously awaiting the home opener for the football Bears on Sept. 13 when Coach Terry Allen's team takes on visiting North Dakota at 6 p.m. Both game day and the days leading up to it will be surrounded by campus-wide activities and events to start the 2014 season in style.

Below is a guide to the football-themed pregame events, new stadium services and amenities, and an in-depth look at the NEW BearFest Village. The NEW BearFest Village is a pregame destination for fans of all ages and is free to enter and participate in activities like the "Bear Walk" and pregame rallies. BearFest Village is designed primarily for those fans and students who want a fun, festive pregame atmosphere as well as those who reserve tents, tables and chairs through Missouri State Sports Properties.


PEP RALLY & DEDICATION

  • On Thursday, Sept. 11, the MSU student-led "Rally in The Valley" event begins at Robert W. Plaster Stadium, starting at 8 p.m.
  • Students who attend the pep rally will receive free pizza and free t-shirts, based on availability.
  • President Clif Smart, Coach Terry Allen, MSU players and other special guests will participate in the activities, which include a ceremonial dedication of the facility.
  • After the pep rally, students will get a chance to tour the new stadium, party deck and student seating area at Plaster Stadium.

STUDENTS & OPENING-NIGHT BONUS MATERIAL

  • All Missouri State University students are admitted FREE to home football games by presenting their BearPass Card at the stadium on game days.
  • BearFest Village is also free and open to all MSU students.
  • Chartwell's will have food options available for students using Boomer Meals in BearFest Village.
  • Students who are at least 21 years old may carry open containers of allowed alcoholic beverages in BearFest Village (as permitted by University Alcohol policy) or purchase select beverages through Chartwells.
  • BearPass cards may not be used for alcoholic beverages.
  • The first 1,000 students to enter the stadium will receive a special black t-shirt to help celebrate the new facility and participate in the opening night "Black Out."
  • A number of new student activities are on tap for every home game with prizes, competitions and fun.
  • Make sure to arrive at BearFest Village at least 75 minutes before kickoff to participate in the team's BearWalk.
  • The "MO State Student Zone" is a special tented area in BearFest Village for MSU students that will feature free food, spirit prep stations and yard games.
  • Before the first game, skydivers will enter the stadium during the National Anthem, before the game ball is delivered to the officials by another skydiver.
  • The MSU Pride Band will also present a special pregame animated formation on the field.
  • A special halftime performance by the Missouri State Pride Band will feature a guest showcase with the Boston Brass Band.
  • A free postgame fireworks show will take place after the Bears' Sept. 13 opener against North Dakota. Approximately 10 minutes after the conclusion of the game, students and fans will be allowed on the field to enjoy the fireworks display from the new Sporturf at Plaster Stadium.
  • BearFest Village Student Group Tailgating Reservation Form.

STADIUM IMPROVEMENTS

  • Stadium capacity has been increased to 17,500 with addition of permanent student seating structure on the east side of Robert W. Plaster Stadium.
  • New game-day locker rooms for the Bears and visiting team on the east side.
  • Sealing and painting the west side seating areas, hallways and rails.
  • Student party deck to bring the tailgating experience inside the stadium.
  • New Sporturf playing surface.
  • New stadium signage on the back of the press box and the back (Grand St. side) of the main scoreboard.
  • New scoreboard on the east side of the stadium.
  • New and improved stadium sound system.
  • Grass berm with landscaping on the north side of the stadium.
  • Photos and memorabilia for the Bears' game-day locker room.
  • The Bill O'Neill Way area north of the stadium, including the team entry gate leading from BearFest Village to the stadium.
  • With a generous gift from the senior class of 2014, a new bronze bear will be installed this season as a rallying point for students prior to home games.

FAMILY WEEKEND

  • Family Weekend kicks off with an annual welcome breakfast Saturday morning and includes open houses, tours, fun events and a student showcase, leading into Saturday afternoon's tailgate at BearFest Village and football game.
  • Families that register for Family Weekend receive additional gifts, photos and VIP event access throughout the weekend.
  • Family Weekend Frequently-Asked Questions.

NEW BEARFEST VILLAGE
Location

  • The NEW BearFest Village will be located north of the stadium in the grass plaza in front of McDonald Arena and extending to Carrington Hall and the coral to the east and the Hammons Fountains to the west.


Hours

  • BearFest Village opens three hours before kickoff for each home football game and closes just before kickoff.


Reserving Space

  • Tailgating space in the NEW BearFest Village is available by contacting Missouri State Sports Properties at (417) 836-5001 or by printing out and completing the tailgate package order form, available on MissouriStateBears.com.
  • Fans can reserve tents, tables, chairs and party packages through Missouri State Sports Properties as well.


Activities

  • With great music, performances by the Pride Band, Sugar Bears and MSU Cheerleaders, BearFest Village will be the place to be on Bears game days.
  • The football Bears will enter the stadium with a new pregame "Bear Walk" through BearFest Village about 75 minutes before kickoff and then again right before pregame introductions.
  • A pregame pep rally featuring the Pride Band, Sugar Bears, MSU Cheerleaders, Boomer and Growl on the steps of McDonald Arena, approximately 30 minutes before kickoff.
  • Prior to pregame introductions, the Bears will return to the field with a taiko drum escort by the Pride Band on the team's final run to the field and through the gauntlet of Pride Band members on the field.
  • Beer and a variety of food for sale to the general public.
  • Inflatables, games, music and fun!


Food & Beverages

  • Approved alcoholic beverages at BearFest Village include beer, wine, wine coolers and other malt beverages. Patrons must be 21 years or older to consume alcoholic beverages, and hard liquor is prohibited.
  • Beer and wine will be sold at BearFest Village through approved vendors.
  • Open containers of alcohol will be allowed within the designated areas of BearFest Village.
  • Individuals and organizations may provide or prepare food for personal consumption or for the purpose of making food available to groups at no cost. MSU is not responsible for food prepared by individuals other than University-approved vendors.
  • Papa John's and others will have food available for sale in BearFest Village. Students may use their BearPass card to purchase food from official MSU food vendors in BearFest Village.
  • Chartwell's will also be selling traditional game-day food to students and the public
  • BearFest Village Alcohol Policy


Setup

  • BearFest Village tailgate setup begins five hours before kickoff on game days and concludes with the opening of BearFest Village three hours before kickoff. Missouri State Sports Properties will communicate specific drop-off instructions and times for all BearFest Village tailgate groups.
  • Drop-off will originate from Hammons Parkway. An officer will direct approved tailgaters down the sidewalk from Hammons Parkway to the group's designated tailgating position in BearFest Village. Driving on the grass is prohibited at all areas.
  • Once the group's tailgating items (coolers grill, etc.) are dropped off, all vehicles must exit BearFest Village driving east to the circle drive at Carrington Hall and continuing to Grand Street.


Tear Down

  • Tailgate groups may begin loading up personal tailgate items after kickoff until halftime. Tear down may continue 30-minutes after the conclusion of the game. The transitional period after the game is necessary to allow pedestrians and fans to exit the stadium before load out resumes. The tear-down process resumes from 30-90 minutes after the conclusion of the game.
  • Load out procedures will follow the same vehicle route as the load-in procedure (Hammons Parkway to BearFest Village, exiting BFV east at Carrington Circle and proceeding to Grand).


Individual Vehicle Tailgating

  • Individuals may still tailgate from their vehicles in Lots 18, 22 and 24, south of Grand Street. Alcohol possession and consumption is allowed in these lots, but must adhere to the University Alcohol Policy.
  • Lot 22 is reserved for Bears Fund members and season ticket holders. Lots 18 and 24 are open to the general public.
  • Tailgating begins three hours prior to kickoff and ends at kickoff.


Questions?


While alcohol is allowed in BearFest Village and the south parking lots, we want our fans to know that we are committed to providing a professional security presence to ensure that both areas are family friendly.

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