The West Virginia University Mountaineer football team is heading to College Park, Md., to take on the University of Maryland Terrapins Saturday, Sept. 17, and thousands of alumni and friends will be there to cheer them on to victory.

The Baltimore chapter of the WVU Alumni Association will host a pregame tailgate gathering for alumni, fans and friends beginning at 9 a.m. at the University of Maryland University College Marriott Inn and Conference Center, a short walk from Byrd Stadium.

The event will include food, beverages and special appearances by the Mountaineer mascot and WVU cheerleaders.

Passes for the tailgate event packaged with a game ticket are $55 for adults and $45 for children under the age of 12, if purchased prior to Aug. 26. There are a limited number of game tickets available to the chapter, so alumni and friends are encouraged to make their reservations now.

In addition, alumni and friends can buy tailgate-only passes at a cost of $25 for adults and $15 for children under 12 (after Aug. 26, passes are $30 and $20). On game day, a limited number will be available for $35 and $25.

“This is a terrific way for fans to get together and show their support for West Virginia University ,”said Dave Shay, a WVU alumnus and Baltimore chapter president who has been helping coordinate the event.”We have a strong alumni base in this area, and we anticipate a great turnout for this event. We’re excited about the opportunity to provide Mountaineers from across the country a convenient place to meet before the game.”

Last year, some 1,300 people attended a similar event, said Kevin Berry, assistant director of the WVU Alumni Association.

Proceeds from the tailgate gathering will benefit the Baltimore Chapter Scholarship Fund, providing financial support for students from the Baltimore area attending WVU .

Registration forms, including terms and conditions, can be downloaded atwww.wvubaltimore.us.

For more information about the event, contact Shay at 410-340-4451 or dshay@comcast.net .

The WVU Alumni Association, chartered in 1873, represents more than 165,000 University graduates residing in every county in West Virginia, every state in the union and about 60 countries.

With nearly 100 registered chapters and constituent groups, the organization’s 26,000 dues-paying members support Homecoming weekend, the WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni, and dozens of other social and philanthropic programs.

On the Net:http://alumni.wvu.edu