Tonight marks the first game of the season for the Emporia State football team. At 7 p.m., the Hornets will kick off against the Tigers of Fort Hays State at Welch Stadium.

Fans will have several opportunities to show support. Around 4 p.m. today, the players will eat their team meal in the Memorial Union then head to the stadium to dress for the game. The team will leave from the north entrance to the Union (by the Office of International Education and Career Services), walk through the parking lot on the east side of Wooster Lake, then down the street in front of Singular/Trusler to enter the east side of the stadium. Fans are encouraged to line the team’s route and cheer them on as they make their way to the locker room.

During pregame, juniors Gabe Andrews and Benny Bowden, who form the musical duo Gabe &Benny, will perform their original ESU hype song “Right Now.” The Stingers, ESU’s dance team, the cheer squad and Corky will help engage the crowd to participate in the song.

Tickets for Thursday’s game, designated as the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Game, cost $9 for adult general admission, $7 for child/senior general admission and $13 for reserved chair back seating on the west side. Ticket booths open at 5:30 p.m., and stadium gates open at 6 p.m.