MORGANTOWN , W.Va.As the Mountaineer faithful gear up for the 2009 football season, the West Virginia University Alumni Association has been busy preparing for a new tradition. Alumni, fans and friends are invited to the Mountaineer Courtyard of the new Erickson Alumni Center for an alumni game day celebration.


Game day football events will feature unique menus (tailored for each game), entertainment, and a wonderful environment to celebrate with alumni, fans, and friends.


The Erickson Alumni Centers courtyard is the perfect place to host our pre-game celebrations,said Stephen L. Douglas, president and CEO of the WVU Alumni Association.We have worked with our executive chef to create a menu for each game that is sure to entice our alumni and friends. With our new location and the addition of entertainment, this event will be a fantastic opportunity to bring Mountaineer fans together for all home football games.


Menus for the pre-game events range from pork barbecue sandwiches to honey-stung chicken to soup beans and cornbread. A flyer, including a full menu list, can be downloaded at http://alumni.wvu.edu/themes/alumni/documents/2009%20Game%20Day%20Flyer.pdf .


The cost for the game day celebration is $10 per game and includes entrance to the event, a game day souvenir, one boxed meal, and iced tea or water. Additionally, soda, beer and a limited cash bar will be available for purchase. Alumni and fans are encouraged to make their reservations now to ensure admittance to the event. For more information, please contact Gregg Cave at 304-293-4731. A limited number of walk-ins will be available for purchase at a cost of $20 per ticket.


All game day celebrations begin two-and-a-half hours prior to kickoff. For more information, contact the WVU Alumni Association or visit http://alumni.wvu.edu and click on theGame Dayicon.


The alumni association is also offering special parking passes for home football games. Passes are available for purchase at the Erickson Alumni Center for a cost of $500. The cost of the pass also includes two season passes to the game day celebration in the Mountaineer Courtyard.