Marshall University and Kindred Communications are coming together again to host a special night of the Summer Concert Series and kick off the football season Thursday, Aug. 18, from 6 until 10 p.m. at Pullman Square in downtown Huntington.
In addition to the vendors and activities that have taken place each week of the concert series, this event will also include a fashion show, photo booth, the Marching Thunder, Marco and Marshall University Athletics.
The first hour will include a fashion show featuring Marshall’s new licensed gear. The show will give fans the opportunity to view some of the new fall apparel available at various local retail locations.
“Marshall employees, students and fans everywhere are encouraged to wear their Herd gear to participate in Green Fridays and the themed events at the stadium,” said Mallory Jarrell, Marshall University marketing and branding coordinator. “The fashion show will be a sample of some of the items fans could wear to show their Thundering Herd spirt and to participate in the Kelly Green Out and Stripe the Stadium events this season.”
Kala DeHart and Rivertown will play from 7 until 8 p.m., followed by an hour-long pep rally featuring the Marching Thunder, cheerleaders, dance team, Marco and Marshall University coaches and athletes, including Head Football Coach Doc Holliday and his players.
“I have been a lot of great places and have been fortunate to be a part of some special events, but the atmosphere we had for the pep rally last August was tremendous and was as good as it gets anywhere in the country,” Holliday said. “The kickoff event at Pullman Square is a prime example of the kind of support we get. It will be a great event and I know myself and our guys are looking forward to it.”
Coach Dan D’Antoni and members of the men’s basketball team will also be in attendance this year.
“A night like this is what really makes Huntington and Marshall special. This type of turnout and support needs to become an everyday, every night occurrence when the Herd is competing,” D’Antoni said. “Our band is a big part of this program and it is exciting to see how well they play and perform for our program. Looking forward to seeing all the Kelly Green at Pullman on August 18th.”
The Marching Thunder, cheerleaders and dance team plan to energize the crowd with a few fan favorites and a taste of what fans can look forward to seeing and hearing in the stadium this season.
“The Marching Thunder will be previewing parts of their first halftime production as well as some of your old favorite tunes and Marshall songs!” said Dr. Adam Dalton, director of athletic bands at Marshall University.
Guests will also have the opportunity to register to win prizes including gift cards from retailers participating in the fashion show and Thundering Herd football tickets.
Here is a brief look at the event schedule:
• 6 p.m. – Music by Hits 97.9
• 6:30 p.m. – Herd Fan fashion show
• 7 p.m. – Kala DeHart and Rivertown take the stage
• 8 p.m. – Marshall University pep rally
• 9 p.m. – Kala DeHart and Rivertown return to the stage