GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman's five-game 2021 home football schedule features several new fan experiences geared to fuel the excitement surrounding Paladin Football, director of athletics Jason Donnelly announced today.
 
"Furman Athletics is excited to announce several enhancements to our football game day experience at Paladin Stadium," said Donnelly. "We appreciate our strategic partners both on and off campus who have supported this vision and enabled these upgrades to take place. We look forward to sharing this experience with our students, alumni, and fans."
 
The game day fan experience enhancements, part of Furman Football's "Experience Saturdays In Greenville," aim to achieve a fun and engaging environment that attracts all residents of Greenville and the Upstate area.
 
Furman Fan Zone
 
Headlining the list of offerings is the new Furman Fan Zone, which will serve as the area for all fans to engage in an energetic and fun pre-game atmosphere, with live music through the Ingles Concert Series. Located adjacent to Paladin Stadium, the Fan Zone will open three hours prior to the game and close 30 minutes before kickoff. Admission is free.
 
The September 4 home opener against North Carolina A&T will debut the live music series with Asheville funk and blues band, Lyric, on the Ingles Concert Stage.
 
Food trucks will be on hand in the Fan Zone, as will a beer vendor station.  Among food trucks set to join the rotation are The Noodle Lady, The Nomadik Few, El Paso Taco Truck, Poke Yama, Taco Brothers, Pound 4 Pound, Roll-In Cuban, Seoul Republix, and Everything Eggroll.
 
The Fan Zone also will feature tailgate games, inflatables, face painting, balloon artists, sponsor tables, as well as special appearances from the Furman University Band and Spirit Squads. Fans can reserve a tailgate spot in the Fan Zone, along with turnkey service and catering, by calling the Furman Ticket Office at 864-294-3099.
 
Beer & Wine
 
Beginning this season, patrons will be able to purchase alcoholic beverages from the concession stands in both the east and west stands, as well as in the new Wicked Weed Endzone Experience, located on the videoboard end of the field.
 
Set to open 30 minutes prior to kickoff and available to all fans free of charge, the Wicked Weed Endzone Experience will be accessible from both the west and east stands and feature food sales, as well as the brewery experience, while offering fans an up-close view of on-field action.
 
Stadium beverage options will include beer, featuring Wicked Weed craft brewery choices, and wine.
 
Facility Upgrades
 
As fans arrive for the Sept. 4 home opener, they will notice a number of upgrades in and around Paladin Stadium beginning with the new Field Turf that was installed this summer.
 
Paladin Stadium will also showcase several other changes designed to improve the fan experience, highlighted by new seating arrangements in Section 3 & 8 that improve comfort and space for the premier seating area. Plus, the west stands have been painted Furman purple, which gives both attendees and broadcast viewers a more pleasing view.
 
In addition, for the first time fans will now have the ability to easily circulate between the east and west stands, and through the Wicked Weed Endzone Experience.
 
To read more on facility upgrades, visit HERE.
 
Student Tailgating
 
Another significant change to the Furman game day experience is the incorporation of a student tailgate area inside Paladin Stadium. Student groups will be able to tailgate in the stadium in a dedicated area near the Football Fieldhouse.
 
Fans may purchase Furman football season tickets online here, by calling the Furman Ticket Office 864-294-3099, or by emailing tickets@furman.edu to begin the purchasing process and receive more information. Single game tickets for all five home games are available for purchase online HERE.