The Limestone College football team’s “Blue & White Game” will have a different look, feel, and format on Saturday, April 16.
The spring scrimmage will begin at 1 p.m. at the football practice field, located on campus near the Bob Campbell Field House on Leadmine Street. Admission is free. Gates and parking lots will open at 11 a.m.
Instead of merely pitting the offense versus the defense, this year’s contest will feature two teams assembled through a “draft” that will be conducted by game captains on Thursday, April 14. And rather than staged periods of controlled scrimmaging, the “Blue & White Game” will also simulate an actual game, complete with kicking of extra points, field goals, and punts. There will be four 12-minute quarters, with a running clock until the last two minutes of each half.
“To add a little more excitement, we’re conducting the draft a couple of days before the game,” explained interim head coach Drew Anthony. “Our captains will choose up sides, just like on the playground. That should get the competitive juices flowing with our players. It should be entertaining for our fans, instead of just breaking the roster up into our offensive and defensive players.
“Playing this like a legitimate game with traditional scoring will also give our players, especially the younger guys, some live-action experience in front of a crowd,” he continued. “Our guys have been working extremely hard this spring and we’re hoping for a large amount of fans to come out and support us on April 16.”
Parking will be available in the lots near Founders FCU Stadium and the Emmie Evans Rector Tennis Center off Hetty Hill Street. Tailgating is encouraged and fans are reminded that alcoholic beverages are not allowed on campus. Tents and tailgating games are welcome, and fans are asked to please remove their trash from the parking lots prior to leaving. Glass containers are not permitted.
Local radio station WZZQ will be set up between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. broadcasting a live tailgate show near the practice field. Listen in at 104.3 FM or at www.wzzqradio.com (link is external).
Bleachers will be set up at the practice field, and fans can also bring bag chairs and blankets for seating. Food trucks and snack trailers will be on site and those vendors will accept cash only. The Limestone merchandise trailer will also be on hand, accepting cash and debit/credit cards.
The Limestone cheerleaders and dance team will also be on the sidelines throughout the game.
Fans are encouraged to stick around after the Blue & White Game to meet the players, coach Anthony, and the other coaches.
On the same day, the Limestone baseball team is hosting a double-header against the University of Mount Olive at 12 noon and 2 p.m. at Founders FCU Stadium, and admission is free. Those attending the Blue & White Game are urged to take in some baseball action before and after the football scrimmage.
The Saints will open the 2016 season on Saturday, Sept. 3, at Shaw University. The first of five home games will be played on Saturday, Sept. 17, against Mars Hill. All home games will begin at 1 p.m. at Gaffney High School’s Reservation stadium.
For a complete schedule, or for more information about Limestone football, please visit www.GoLimestoneSaints.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Where is the Limestone College football practice field located?
The football practice field is located beside the Bob Campbell Field House, located on Leadmine Street. The football field is also in close proximity to Saints Field, home of Limestone’s lacrosse, field hockey, and soccer teams.
What time can we arrive?
Gates and parking lots open at 11 a.m.
Where do we park?
Parking is available in the lots located off Hetty Hill Street near Founders FCU Baseball Stadium and the Emmie Evans Rector Tennis Center.
Can we tailgate before or after the game?
Absolutely! Parking lots open at 11 a.m. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on campus, and no glass containers, please. Tailgating tents, games, etc., are welcome. Please remove all trash from the parking lots before leaving.
What is the admission charge into the Blue & White Game?
Admission is FREE.
Are other Limestone College sporting events taking place in the area the same day?
Yes! The Limestone baseball team is hosting a double-header against the University of Mount Olive at 12 noon and 2 p.m. at Founders FCU Stadium. Admission to those games will be free. Those attending the Blue & White Game are encouraged to take in some baseball action before and after the football scrimmage.
What is the seating situation for the Blue & White game?
Bleachers will set up along one of the practice field sidelines, and fans are also invited to bring bag chairs and blankets for seating.
Will we be able to buy football merchandise such as t-shirts and hats?
Yes. A merchandise trailer will be on-site, offering official Limestone football merchandise. Cash and credit/debit cards will be accepted at the merchandise trailer.
Will concessions be available?
Yes. Food trucks and snack trailers will be set up at the game site. The concessions vendors will accept cash only.
Will this scrimmage resemble a real game?
Yes, the scrimmage will simulate an actual game, complete with kicking of extra points, field goals, or punts. There will be four 12-minute quarters with a running clock until the last two minutes of each half. There will be a 10-minute halftime. Game officials from the South Atlantic Conference will be working the game, and there will be a chain crew, ball boys, etc., in order to create the feel of a real game.
How will the two teams be selected for the scrimmage?
Rather than splitting the roster into just offense vs. defense, to add some excitement to this year’s Blue & White Game, team captains will conduct a “draft” on the Thursday, April 14. Rosters will be available for fans at the game.
What type of game atmosphere will there be?
The Limestone cheerleaders and dance squad will be on the sidelines throughout the scrimmage. There will also be a public address announcer at the game.
Will the Spring Game be broadcast on the radio or be available over the internet?
The scrimmage will not be available on the radio. However, WZZQ 104.3 FM will broadcast a Blue & White Spring Game Tailgate Show live from the stadium from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Can young fans and Saints supporters meet the players, interim head coach Drew Anthony, and the assistant coaches after the game?
Absolutely! Once the game ends, players and coaches will be on the field to meet fans and pose for photos.
How do I find out more information about Limestone football and the 2016 season?
Please visit www.GoLimestoneSaints.com for all the latest information on Saints football.