UB Readies for Election and Football History

BUFFALO, NY -- The University at Buffalo football program is preparing for a primetime and Election Night football game of historic proportions when the Bulls host Miami University Nov. 4 in UB Stadium. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m.

Fans coming to the game will be part of the first-ever nationally televised game in UB Stadium's history, as the Bulls, in the thick of the Mid-American Conference East Division title chase, look for their third straight victory. The game will be televised on ESPN2.

The contest is the only college football game in the country on Election Night and UB is pulling out all the stops to fill the stands for the national television audience on an early November evening when early weather predictions are for a high temperature of 60 degrees. The Bulls enter the game with an overall record of 4-4 and are 2-2 in the Mid-American Conference, tied for first place with Akron (with UB a perfect 2-0 against MAC East competition).

As part of the celebration, UB will air nationally new television commercials that are part of a new communications initiative, Reaching Others, to increase public awareness about the university and showcase the excellence of its people and programs.

A win would put Buffalo over the .500 mark for the first time in November in its 10 years in Division I-A and would move it one win closer to the school's first bowl bid since the 1958 team 50 years ago.

"We are extremely excited to showcase the growth of our football program to a national audience," said Warde Manuel, director of athletics, "and in the process show that Western New York embraces college football and our program in a great way. We encourage folks to get out and vote early in the day and then take part in another great American tradition with the college football experience. It promises to be a unique, exciting and historical day and we hope our fans come out to support our team, or if out of town, watch on television."

Among the many events that are being planned for the game:

-- UB is offering buy one, get one free tickets for the game.

-- Both teams will accentuate the Red vs. Blue political theme of the day, with the Bulls in all blue uniforms and the RedHawks in all red. The teams got an NCAA exemption to do so.

-- In recognition of a special Buffalonian on Election Night, UB will honor one of the great voices in political journalism, the late Tim Russert, with a video montage, while his sister Kathy Russert Hughes and daughter Ashley will serve as honorary captains for the coin toss. In addition, Russert's son Luke will have a video welcome prior to the game.

-- There will be free coffee and hot chocolate provided to fans by Tim Horton's as they enter the stadium.

-- Popular WGRZ-TV personality Kevin O'Neill will give sideline reports throughout the game on the videoboard on Election Night results as they happen.

-- There will be spirit wavers (a new version of the popular thundersticks) with the Bulls' logo given to the first 2,500 fans through the gates.

-- The first 1,000 students at the game will be given rally towels.

-- There will be a poster-making contest at the "True Blue" tailgate party for the ESPN cameras.

Fans can purchase tickets by calling 1-877-UBTHERE or at http://www.buffalobulls.com.