Russellville will celebrate the beginning of a new football season and a new academic year at Arkansas Tech University with a series of community events collectively entitled Paint the Town Green and Gold Aug. 29-Sept. 2.
Paint the Town Green and Gold is an effort by the ATU Connection Committee of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Areas businesses have been encouraged to decorate the exterior and interior of their storefronts in support of Arkansas Tech Aug. 29-Sept. 2.
On Tuesday, Aug. 30, there will be a free fish fry featuring proclamations by Russellville Mayor Randy Horton and Pope County Judge Jim Ed Gibson from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce at 708 West Main Street. The fish fry will be sponsored by Old Post Bar-B-Que and Blue Willow Catering.
Tech spirit will be further ramped up during a pep rally sponsored by Arvest Bank from 5:30-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31, at Depot Park in Russellville Downtown. Door prizes will be awarded. In case of inclement weather, the pep rally will move inside to Knox Hall at Central Presbyterian Church.
The winner of a Paint the Town Green and Gold window decorating contest will be announced during the pep rally. The winning business will receive a traveling trophy and a free reserved tailgating spot at the Wonder Boys’ first football game of 2016.
Thursday, Sept. 1, will bring the opening game of the 102nd season of Arkansas Tech football. Party at the Plaza, the pre-game tailgating event outside Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field, will begin at 5 p.m. and last until kickoff for the Wonder Boys and the Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm at 7 p.m.
Game tickets, which are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens, will be available at the stadium ticket office during Party at the Plaza. Admission will be free for those with a valid Arkansas Tech identification card.
Paint the Town Green and Gold week will end with a state of the university breakfast at Chambers Cafeteria West Dining Room from 7:30-9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 2. Arkansas Tech President Dr. Robin E. Bowen will provide attendees with an update on new initiatives and programs at Arkansas Tech for the 2016-17 academic year. Tickets, which will be $18, will be available at the door.
Those wishing to show their support for the events may purchase Paint the Town Green and Gold T-shirts at the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce office for $10 (sizes S-XL) and $12 (sizes XXL and XXXL).
For more information about Paint the Town Green and Gold, contact the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce at (479) 968-2530.
