by: Matt Parent
Graphic Credit: Aaron Hatch
Two home games remain on the Fitchburg State football team’s schedule, and for no cost at all, One Card-toting students can take part in what should be a competitive end to the season. The One Card acts as its own ticket (admission is otherwise $5 for the general public), permitting any student to indulge in the fanfare, the food, the fellowship, and, of course, the football. The remaining games—versus Plymouth State on Nov. 4th and UMass Dartmouth on Nov. 11— present a Falcons team currently holding a 2-4 record in MASCAC conference play with an opportunity to finish their season on a high note.
In this regard, while attending a game may only seem to be a fun use of precious time on a Saturday, it could also provide a positive influence on the Falcons’ on-field performance. “During a football game, there are momentum swings, and a loud home crowd can push a team to really take advantage of a positive momentum swing,” says 12th-year head coach Patrick Haverty, who led the Falcons to the MASCAC title in 2004. “Having a loud home crowd keeping the team’s excitement up throughout the game is a great thing for the team,” Haverty adds.
Beyond the gridiron itself, the communal experience of a college football game could easily make the trek or drive to Elliot Field, less than a mile east of FSU’s campus, well worth it. While sitting in the bleachers, you can easily hear parents and friends cheering the Falcons on, collectively projecting the green-and-gold glow of Fitchburg State fandom while, across the way, disgruntled fans of the opposition inversely berate referees after a spotty call. Behind the action, an affordable snack bar offers soda, sports drinks, pizza, and freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs for hungry fans. When the two teams retreat to their respective locker rooms for halftime, a field goal competition and several resultant moments of slapstick ensue on the field.
Come on down to Elliot Field to join in the fun and enjoy the game!