Reviewed by: Emily Phillips
Toyota Field prepared for historic football game this weekend
History will be made this weekend when Toyota Field in Madison hosts its first-ever football game. The game between North Alabama and Jacksonville State kicks off Oct. 15 at 6PM.
There are still some tickets remaining, but they are selling quickly. Here’s more info on the game and how you can get in on the action:
Read more: Toyota Field prepared for historic football game this weekendFrom baseball to football
Officials with Toyota Field have been working on preparing the stadium for football, which is not easy task, since the stadium was built for baseball. The Trash Pandas home will be expanded with bleachers to seat up to 10,000 spectators.
This will be the first time the stadium has hosted a football game, and because of its configuration, the game — which will be televised on ESPN+ — will have some unique features.
Because of the configuration of Toyota Field, the football game will be a “one-direction” game, which means both offenses will use the same end zone. This is the first time in NCAA Football Championship Subdivision history that this format will be used. A one-direction game at Chicago’s Wrigley Field took place between Illinois and Northwestern in 2010.
About the game, and how you can attend
This will be the 50th all-time meeting between the two schools in a rivalry that dates back to 1949. North Alabama currently holds a 1-3 record in their first season at the Division I level, while Jacksonville State comes in with a 5-1 mark.
Limited single-game tickets, starting at $20, are still available for purchase online at trashpandasbaseball.com or in-person at the Wicks Family Foundation Box Office.
Gates will open at 3PM, and kickoff for this unique sporting environment is scheduled for 6PM
Of course, fans are welcome to tailgate in the Toyota Field parking lots (what is a college football game without tailgating?). Parking will open on a first-come, first-served basis at 11AM, and the cost is $15 per vehicle at entry. Cash is not accepted – only credit, debit, or mobile tap-to-pay. Only one parking spot per vehicle is allowed for purchase – buying multiple spots for tailgating room is not permitted.
Each section of the parking lot will be closed off once it is filled, which will allow fans to safely set up their respective tailgates in the open area between rows. RV parking will be located in the grass lot off Stadium Way for $20 per vehicle. North Alabama’s pregame “Lion Walk” ceremony takes place at 3:30PM, starting near the Trustmark VIP Entrance and finishing at the main Pepsi Gate.
Concessions will be available for purchase all throughout Toyota Field. Dumpster Dive, Gravity Grill, All-Stars, and Champy’s concession stands will all be open, as well as numerous food and beverage portables around the 360-degree concourse. Alcohol is available to purchase for fans 21 and older.
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