West Virginia University football fans can help the nationally-ranked Mountaineers kick off the new season by attending the annual FanFest pep rally Friday, Aug. 31, at 5 p.m. on the Mountainlair Plaza.

The event will include appearances and brief comments by the Coach Rich Rodriguez and several players.

The Mountaineer Marching Band, WVU Cheerleaders and Mountaineer Mascot Brady Campbell will be on hand to lead the crowd in cheers and songs.

Beginning at 4:30 p.m., FanFest participants can enjoy complimentary refreshments including hot dogs, snow cones, popcorn and Coca-Cola products.

Special giveaways include cardboard football helmets that feature the flying WV logo, while supplies last.

The WVU football team will open the season at home against the Western Michigan Broncos Saturday, Sept. 1. Kick-off is at 3:30 p.m.

In the event of rain, FanFest will be moved to the Mountainlair ballrooms.

The Dominion Post is a partner in FanFest and event sponsors include WVU Division of University Advancement and Marketing, WVU Student Government Association, The Mountaineer Maniacs and Coca-Cola.