BEAUMONT, Texas – The Lamar University athletics department is using Saturday's contest against Northwestern State as a platform to honor the United States Military along with first responders. The Echo Group is sponsoring a tailgate for the U.S. Military and first responders in the A-1 Lot. The Echo Group has purchased 1,000 tickets to be handed out to military veterans and first responders. More tickets will be made available to Echo should they run out.
 
The tickets will be handed out to veterans and first responders at the Echo Tailgate party beginning at 3 p.m. There will be food and drinks provided, as well as a concert by the Jamie Talbert Band and Kimberly Dunn.
 
Wells Fargo is serving as the gameday sponsor for the Saturday showdown between the Cardinals and Northwestern State Demons. LU will be looking to defend its current two-game win streak, as well pick up its first win over the Demons since bringing back the program. Northwestern State enters Saturday looking for their first Southland win of the season. Fans entering through Gates 1 and 2 will receive free LU Sunglasses from Wells Fargo while supplies last.
 
During pregame, there will be a special color guard presentation which will include a giant American flag and skydivers. Throughout the game, LU will honor a different branch of the U.S. Military. There will also be a fireworks show at halftime of the contest.
 
LU will once again be hosting the Kids Zone which begins at 2:30 p.m. on the football practice fields near the A-2 Lot. The Kids Zone will consist of games and bounce houses and is geared toward children ages 12 and younger.
 
While the youngsters are enjoying the Kids Zone, parents are welcome to make their way over to the marquee at the northwest corner of the stadium for the tailgate band. The Skeeter Jones Duo will be performing from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Parents will have plenty of time to pick up their children from the Kids Zone and make their way into the stadium for the kick off.
 
The game will kick off at 6 p.m. Saturday, which is an hour earlier than the team's previous three home contests. The Cardinals step on the field looking to defend a modest two-game win streak, and looking for its first three-game streak since the 1989 season.
 
-LU CARDINALS-