Military & First Responders Night on 9/22
We have a special event planned for the September 22nd home football game - Military & First Responders Night!
The I-35 Activities Department partnered with our local Iowa Army National Guard Recruiter, community members, the Booster Club, and All-Sports Sponsor - Whitey Exteriors - to create an event full of special elements.
We encourage everyone to come out and take part in all of the events. Items noted with an asterisk involve loud or booming noises.
Game Details:
September 22, 2023
7:00 PM start
$6/admission, ages 3+
Free admission for current and former military & first responders. This is done on the honor system. Simply inform the gate workers and they will allow you in free of charge.
Special Elements Summary:
Below is a brief summary of the special items planned for the evening. There are additional details about these items in the Timeline section.
Pre-game meal served 5:15-7PM. $6 for a burger or hotdog, chips, dessert & drink.
Several on-site military vehicles to see up close.
Super-sized, on-field flag for the National Anthem presented by I-35 youth flag & tackle football players.
Brief fireworks show following the National Anthem.
Howitzer cannon fired with each Roadrunner score.
Half-time recognition of past or current military/first responders. Submit names online!
FREE giveaway item to the first 100 kids, brought to you by The I-35 Booster Club and Whitey Exteriors.
Special Elements Details and Timeline:
5:00 PM - Stadium Gate Opens & Giveaway Begins! A free mini football will be given to the first 100 kids courtesy of the I-35 Booster Club and All Sports Sponsor - Whitey Exteriors. Please remind your children that the footballs can’t be thrown in the stands or on to the track or field. During the second quarter, kids can head to the side play field and have fun there, per standard home football game procedure.
5:15 PM - Pregame Dinner Tailgate Begins! The dinner costs $6 and includes a choice of a hotdog and burger, chips, drink and dessert. The proceeds for this dinner are being donated to fund the “Better Together” t-shirts given out to 3 Year Old Preschool through 8th Grade students. These shirts help build community and remind us all that in Roadrunner Country - we really are better together! Dinner is served until 7:00PM, when the game starts.
5:30 PM - Military vehicles arrive. There will be several vehicles located just outside the stadium for spectators to view up close! Iowa National Guardsman will also be present to answer questions.
6:30 PM - Youth flag and tackle football players should arrive at the stadium if they’d like to participate in presenting the super-sized national anthem flag. They’ll be given additional instructions on-site. This fun experience is available to all youth football players. There is no need to RSVP. The students will be holding a flag that stretches across the field, like what’s seen at professional football games.
6:54 PM - Roadrunners take the field! The Howitzer* will fire. This artillery is inbetween a cannon and mortar so it is loud.
6:56 PM - The National Anthem plays, accompanied by a super sized, on-field flag display. This flag is held by the I-35 Youth Football Players. Additional details above.
6:57 PM - Howitzer fires & a brief fireworks display commences* A special thanks to community members for putting on the display!
7:00 PM - The game begins! Cheer on the Roadrunners! During the game, a Howitzer* will fire for each Roadrunner score.
Half-time - Former and Current First Responders and Members of the Military recognized. Submit names of our community’s heroes so we can honor and remember them at half-time. You can submit more than one name. Simply resend the form with a different name each time. We've also included a field for pronunciation clarification if needed. (Ex: Stephen - Pronounced Stefan and not Steven). The people submitted do not have to currently reside in the I-35 Community. The names will be read over the loudspeaker and we'll encourage each person to stand (if they are in attendance) as their name is announced.
Thank you to everyone who’s helping make this entire evening a reality. We hope to see you there! Go Roadrunners!!