The athletic department has signed three musical acts to performat Ball State University football games this season in an attemptto get more attendance.
"Our number one goal is to increase awareness and attendance atBall State football," Chris Taylor, Director of GameDay Experience,said. "We hope the fact that we can bring in some nationally knownnames can enhance our fans' experience at the event."
Sept. 3 vs. Boston College
Country musician Andy Griggs will sing the national anthembefore the first night game under permanent lights at Ball StateStadium. Fans will also have the opportunity to enter for a chanceto meet Griggs.
Griggs has released two CDs and is currently working on histhird. He is now managed by Erv Woolsey, who managed George Straitfor 20 years and songwriter Donny Kees, who has written five No. 1songs.
Also during the first game of the season, students will have achance to enter a half-time contest for a $1,000 scholarship.
Sept. 25 vs. Western Michigan
An up-and-coming country music artist will be among theentertainment for Ball State's second night game.
John Stone, who recently released his first CD, will kick thingsoff with a pregame concert in the tailgating area. He will alsosing the national anthem, which will mark the first time he'sperformed the anthem at a sporting event, he said.
Stone is excited about getting the chance to get students andfans ready for the first Mid-American Conference game of theseason, he said.
Oct. 9 vs. Eastern Michigan (Homecoming)
Ball State alumna Jennie DeVoe will be making her homecomingappearance to perform the national anthem and participate in otherhomecoming festivities.
The Indianapolis-based singer is described as having a uniquesoulful, funky, trip-hop style. She writes all of her own lyricsand currently has two CDs on the market.
Colts In Motion, an interactive tour which features team historyand memorabilia, will also be available to fans during thehomecoming festivities.
During the other two home games, fans should be able to enjoytelevision cartoon characters, yet to be named, on Family Weekendand another musical artist at the final home game and Veteran's Daytribute.
Beside the new towering lights, fans might also notice a newaddition of playground equipment that will reside in the northendzone. Two sets of equipment will be placed on a mulched area toprovide a place for children to play during the game.
The efforts will hopefully help attract students and family thatare looking for more then just the action out on the grid iron,Taylor said.
"It's so much more than a game anymore."
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