University Outpost presents Meet the Dukes Day Saturday 6-8 p.m.

James Madison Athletics is proud to partner with the University Outpost to present the annual Meet the Dukes Day to be held on Saturday, August 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. The interactive event is free to the public and will be the first opportunity for JMU fans to meet the 2015 football team as well as several other JMU sports teams. The event features interactive activities and meet and greet opportunities for JMU fans and student-athletes.

This year's event will take place on the turf of Zane Showker Field inside Bridgeforth Stadium. Fans can enter the stadium at 6 p.m. through Gate B and are encouraged to park in G-Lot and P-Lot for the quickest access to Bridgeforth. Fans arriving early will be encouraged to check out the latest apparel and tailgating supplies at the University Bookstore which will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Inside the stadium, complimentary refreshments will be available featuring water, lemonade, and popcorn. The new 2015 football poster, themed "It's Showtime," will be available along with all other fall sports posters and schedule cards. Athletic Ticket Office staff will be on hand to provide information on season and single-game ticket options. There will be a photo station where fans can try on a helmet and shoulder pads and pose for pictures, face painting (provided by the JMU cheerleaders), and the JMU inflatable bounce house and games will be set up for additional entertainment. On the field, the purple tunnel and inflatable Duke Dog will be set up for fans to run through, just like the team runs out on game day.

Among the other experiences for this year's edition, the JMU women's soccer, volleyball, field hockey, and men's soccer teams will be on hand from 6 to 7 p.m. to interact with fans in activity stations on the field. Kids will be encouraged to participate in activities with the athletes for each of the sports. There will also be a "Combine Zone" where kids can run the 40-yard dash, perform the shuttle drill and kick a football. From 7 to 8 p.m. the football team will be available to sign autographs and everyone's favorite mascot, Duke Dog, will be on hand. "We really wanted to make this year's event as interactive and family friendly as possible. We think the opportunity to be down on the field, interact with our athletes and take part in fun activities will make this year's event one of the best ever," said Michael Carpenter, Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Ticketing.

"This is one of those fun days before the season starts," Head Football Coach Everett Withers said. "It is great to have an opportunity for the fans to get to meet the student-athletes who put in all the hard work for those Saturday afternoon, as well as our players to get to meet the fans that support us so well. We are excited to be a part of it as we look forward to kicking off the season on September 5 in Bridgeforth Stadium!"

JMU Football begins their six-game home slate by hosting Morehead State on September 5 at Bridgeforth Stadium. Tickets for the opener, as well as affordable season ticket packages for the entire 2015 season, are on sale now and can be purchased through www.JMUSports.com/tickets or via phone at 540-568-3853.

University Outpost - Meet the Dukes Day - August 22, 2015 - Itinerary

6 p.m. – Gate B Entrance Opens
- Complimentary Refreshments – drinks and light snacks
- Collateral Corner - posters, pocket schedules, and stickers
- Season and single-game ticket and Duke Club Information Tables
- Inflatable Bounce House, Football Toss, and SkeeBall
- JMU Football Photo Station – Helmet & Shoulder Pads
- Face Painting with JMU Cheerleaders
- Raffle Signups for prizes and JMU memorabilia
- Football Combine Zone – 40-yd dash, shuttle drill, and kicking station

6-7 p.m. - Olympic Sport Zone – Volleyball, Field Hockey, Men's Soccer Activities

7-8 p.m. - JMU Football Autograph Signing

8 p.m. – Event Ends

Calendar