Sept. 23, 2008

The University of Memphis Athletic Department announced that it will celebrate Middle School Appreciation Day with the playing of this weekend's football game with Arkansas State University. Students from all city and county middle schools will receive one free ticket for the Tigers game against the Red Wolves slated for 1 PM at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. The ticket stub from the contest will also be good for free admission to the Mid-South fair following the football game.

"The University is consistently seeking new ways to reach potential students at an earlier age", said Athletic Director R.C. Johnson. "This in itself makes Middle School Appreciation Day a win-win for the U of M. We can continue to build a younger fan base for Tiger athletics and hopefully, these young fans will decide to attend the University of Memphis to continue their higher education".

Any middle school student in Shelby County that would like to attend this Saturday's game is asked to report to Gate 3 at the Liberty Bowl beginning at 11 AM on Saturday. The student will be given a ticket to the game good for a seat in Section 125, 126, 127 or 128. Parents who will be attending with their children can purchase a ticket in the same sections for just $10.

"Hopefully, given that we as a country are going through such difficult economic times, this will be a great opportunity for a family to enjoy an action-packed outing," Johnson concluded.