Game Day is nearly here at the University of Central Arkansas!
The UCA Bears will finally open the 2011 season on their new Purple and Gray turf when they host old rival Henderson State at 7 p.m. Thursday at First Security Field at Estes Stadium.
The Bears, ranked in the Top 25 in nearly all of the preseason FCS polls, will be taking on the Reddies for the 86th time on Thursday. UCA leads the overall series 45-37-3, with the most recent meeting a 38-14 UCA win in Conway in 2008. The Bears have a 26-13-1 record in the series in games played in Conway.
The Bears, who are picked third in the Southland Conference preseason polls, hit the road next week for three consecutive games before returning home on Oct. 1.
The Reddies, under coach Scott Maxfield, are No. 24 in the preseason AFCA Division II poll. The former members of the Gulf South Conference are now members of the brand new Great American Conference with the five other Arkansas members of the GSC and four Oklahoma schools.
UCA features the first-team All-Southland Conference quarterback in senior Nathan Dick, as well as nine other preseason All-SLC selections. Those preseason picks include senior offensive lineman Matt Dickerson, junior running back Terence Bobo, senior receiver/kick returner Isaiah Jackson, junior receiver Dominique Croom, senior tight end Brennan Rushing, senior offensive lineman Joe Lehocky, junior defensive lineman Larry Duvall, senior linebacker Frank Newsome and sophomore safety Jestin Love.
The Bruce Street tailgating experience will begin at 4 p.m. Thursday, featuring an all-new Student Tailgate Zone in front of Lewis Science Center, with food from Zaxby’s, Stoby’s and Kona Ice. A free tailgate by First Security Bank and it’s Teal Grill will be held in front of the Farris Center, with the bank giving away a free laptop during a halftime drawing.
Radio station 103.7 The Buzz will be on the UCA campus from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m. with live shows originating from the lobby of the Student Center. A drawing for a free TV from DeBoard Electronics will take place during The Zone show from 10 to 1 p.m. Free 103.7 The Buzz gear will also be available.
Purple Circle members with parking tags for the big lot west of Estes Stadium will enter from the south end of the lot. Those parking in the small lot north of Estes will enter from the roundabout at Bruce/Farris.
Tickets are still available by calling 852-2234 or visiting the ticket office in the northwest corner of Estes Stadium or going online at www.ucasports.com.
Come out and join the Bears on Thursday night as they open the 2011 season on “The Coolest Field in College Football.”
