Mercer will face The Citadel Bulldogs in the Bears’ first Southern Conference game of the season on Sept. 17. Here are four things to know before you go.
It’s a Top 25 matchup
Mercer and The Citadel both rank in the Top 25 in the FCS Nation Radio poll following the Bulldogs’ upset of defending SoCon champion East Tennessee State University on Sept. 10. The Bears, who are coming off a bye week, clock in at No. 14 ahead of The Citadel at No. 24. Mercer beat The Citadel during the teams’ last two matchups, and the Bears will be looking to continue their winning streak against the Bulldogs.
Tailgating starts at noon
Black Field is the place to be on game day. Starting at noon, fans will be able to enjoy the Fall Line Beer Garden; Dr Pepper Fansville, featuring Toby Town and inflatables for kids; and the start of the Ford Concert Series with Southside Worship. The free music continues with rock ‘n’ roll band Ace Monroe at 1 p.m. and country singer-songwriter Mackenzie Carpenter at 2 p.m. Headliner Mitchell Tenpenny, a country music artist, will perform immediately following the Bear Walk at 3:30 p.m. In addition, the Georgia-South Carolina game will be broadcast on a video wall starting at noon.
Expect a crowd
Mercer faculty, staff and students will tailgate together during the All-University Picnic from 2-5 p.m. on Black Field. Faculty and staff who registered in advance will enjoy free hamburgers and hot dogs before heading over to cheer on the Bears. Food is also free for students, who do not need to register to attend. Free T-shirts will be given to the first 250 attendees. The picnic, along with special offers on tickets, are expected to bring a crowd from Mercer and the community to Five Star Stadium.
Get a ticket special
Mercer is offering several ticket specials for those looking for an inexpensive and fun family activity. The Family Four Pack includes four tickets to the game plus a free Marco’s pizza. Use the code FAMPACK to take advantage of the offer. In addition, Warner Robins is the community guest this week, and city residents may purchase tickets starting at $10 each using the code ROBINS. Explore all ticket options here.
Mercer vs. The Citadel
When: 6 p.m. Sept. 17
Where: Five Star Stadium
Tickets: $15-$25, buy online at tickets.mercer.edu
On TV: ESPN+
On Radio: Mercer Sports Network – 100.9 The Creek FM or sportsmic.com
Feature photo by Christopher Ian Smith
