Half of the proceeds from the “Battle at the Ballpark” game will support the Bulldog Athletic Program
The “Battle at the Ballpark” football game is going to be a big event, according to Associate Athletics Director Jon Coles.
The Bulldogs will be facing off against the Michigan Tech Huskies on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park, Mich. Kickoff is set to begin at 7 p.m. on the main home field.
“Normally, we have five home games, this year we have six and we wanted to do something creative,” said Coles. He said the Ferris State and Michigan Tech game will be the second college football game to take place at Fifth Third Ball Park. Grand Valley versus Wayne State battled in the inaugural match in 2007. Proceeds are to be split evenly between the Bulldog Football Program fundraiser and Fifth Third Ballpark. All proceeds will be raised from ticket, concession and sponsorship sales. Coles said the money raised for the Bulldog Football Program would create more opportunities for student athletes.
“Financially, it’s a great situation,” said Coles of the decision to split the proceeds.
“If all goes well, the profit to both of us (Bulldog Football Program and Fifth Third Ball Park) will be about anywhere from $60,000 to $64, 000,” said Coles. He added, “We’re hoping to come home with at least $30,000.”
Coles said the gross total revenue would be around $100,000.
Taking out the expenses, everything else is strictly profit, according to Coles.
Pregame activities include an an Army Virtual Station, which is a simulator that will let fans experience what it’s like to be an American soldier. There will be a beanbag toss tournament sponsored by The Gate, as well as two rock bands, Saraph and Sargent Avenue, who will be playing outside the stadium.
Rocket football games for youth will take place in the morning before the game. There will also be tailgating, a rock-climbing wall brought in the by the National Guard. During the halftime show, the Michigan Tech Band will be performing. But with all these inventives, students are still mixed on whether or not they plan to attend.
“I think it’s extremely complicated to go watch a football game,” said Alyssa Anderson, welding and engineering technology student.
Patrick Cavanaugh, biology student, said, “My cousin plays for Michigan Tech, so I’m going to watch it.”
While alcoholic beverages are not normally served at football games, they will be served at the Battle at the Ballpark game to those 21 and older.
Tickets are currently for sale and can be purchased in advance at the FSU Athletics Ticket Office. The cost for students is $5, $10 for the public. There will be free shuttle bus rides to the game, that leave at 3:30 p.m. from Top Taggart field.
For more information about the event, visit ferrisstatebulldogs.com.