Tailgate concerts back with rock-heavy lineup

The Tailgate Concert Series at UB home football games will be back this fall with a program that veers away from the mostly country lineups of past seasons to include traditional rock and alternative rock bands, as well as a country performer.

Each concert in the four-concert series will begin two hours before kickoff. The free concerts will take place in Stampede Square in the Stadium Parking Lot between the stadium and Millersport Highway. Stampede Square will open three hours before each game.

Actress and country singer Jana Kramer opens this year’s series with a concert before the Bulls’ home opener against Colgate on Sept. 16. Other acts performing in the series are the rock band Gin Blossoms (Sept. 23 versus Florida Atlantic), alternative rock trio Better Than Ezra (Oct. 7, homecoming game against Western Michigan) and the Chicago tribute band Chicago Authority (Oct. 14, Northern Illinois).

Fans purchasing $36 VIP Tailgate Concert Experience Packs receive a game ticket, front-of-stage access to that day’s Tailgate Concert, VIP credential and access to the VIP Tent featuring free food and non-alcoholic beverages.

The Tailgate Concert Series began in fall 2013 as part of a new initiative by UB Athletics to improve the fan experience at the home football games. Among the other additions to the home-game experience were an enhanced “Walk to Victory” by the football team, interactive fan activities, giveaways and the broadcast of a live radio pregame show courtesy of ESPN 1520 AM in Stampede Square.

UB faculty and staff may purchase season tickets for $66, a savings of $59 over the regular price of $125. UB employees can purchase additional season tickets for family members at the same low price.

Tickets can be purchased online, by calling 1-877-UB-THERE or visiting the ticket office in Alumni Arena.

And for younger fans, the Bulls’ excitement continues with the Jr. Bulls Kids Club, a program that offers a special experience year-round for children in eighth grade and younger with free admission and game-day activities.

The membership card acts as a personalized season ticket, giving Jr. Bulls access to all home sporting events, including football, and men’s and women’s basketball, and special activities before and during games.

Kids take their membership cards to the ticket office, where the card is punched and they receive a free general admission ticket to the game.

Membership, which costs $30 per child, also includes an official Jr. Bulls T-shirt and a Jr. Bull pencil pouch.

Visit the Jr. Bulls webpage to sign up.

The Bulls open the 2017 football season Aug. 31 at Minnesota.