HARRISONBURG, Va. - James Madison Athletics is proud to partner once again with the University Outpost to present the annual Meet the Dukes Day, which will be held Saturday, Aug. 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bridgeforth Stadium.
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The interactive event is free to the public. Fans may enter the stadium through Gate B and are encouraged to park in the Champions Drive parking deck, G-Lot, P-Lot, and the newly opened F-Lot for the quickest access to Bridgeforth (click here for parking map).
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This will be the first opportunity for fans to meet the 2018 JMU football team, as well as several other JMU sports teams. Activities and meet-and-greet opportunities will take place on Zane Showker Field.
"It's a great event every year and our team enjoys being a part of it," JMU Football Head Coach Mike Houston said. "It's a great way for our roster to connect with the local fan base and the community. It's been a tremendous atmosphere my first two years here and I'm sure it will be again this time around. I say many times that we have great people in our locker room, I'm not worried about what impression they're going to make. They'll be positive with every interaction, and everyone will leave here understanding the quality student-athletes we have at JMU."
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While at the event, kids can register for the JMU Dukes Puppy Pound, presented by Chick-fil-A Harrisonburg. It will be the first opportunity for Puppy Pound members to pick up this year's t-shirt and membership card. Members of the Athletics Ticket Office staff will be in attendance to provide information on season and single-game ticket options.
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There will be a photo station for fans to try on a JMU football helmet and jersey, and the JMU inflatable bounce house and games will be set up for additional entertainment. The JMU volleyball, field hockey and cheerleading teams will also be on hand to interact with fans in activity stations on the field.
"I'm proud of the way our kids carry themselves," Houston said. "Watching them interact with young kids and seeing the happiness and joy on their faces is really special. They understand they are role models to many of these young children. I know both of my little boys look up to all of our players, so I'm glad I have the young men who are deserving of being role models."
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Additionally, the Duke Club will be hosting a free hospitality event near the Gate B corner of the stadium for attendees with complimentary snacks and beverages with a cash bar. No registration is required.
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The Duke Club is the fundraising arm of JMU Athletics and all donations help support JMU student-athlete scholarships and the general athletics operating budget.
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JMU football begins the 2018 season, presented by CarMax, on Saturday, Sept. 1 at NC State. Season tickets, as well as mini-plan packages and single-game tickets, are on sale now and can be purchased at JMUTickets.com, by phone at (540) 568-3853 or by visiting the JMU Athletics Ticket Office, located in the Convocation Center.
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