USF Athletics

Complimentary Admission For First Responders And High School Football Teams Friday

September 12, 2017

TAMPA, SEPT. 12, 2017 – In the wake of Hurricane Irma's impact on Florida, USF will provide complimentary admission to Friday's football game vs. Illinois to first responders and their families as well as to Florida high school football teams, many of which have had their games cancelled as a result of the storm.

"It's all about us giving back," said USF head coach Charlie Strong. "We want to make sure that everyone is working to give back and get their life (together). It's going to take a while, we know that. When things happen, we just want to make sure people understand that we do understand. We're not going through what they're going through, but we can help them get through what they're going through."

The 22^nd-ranked Bulls will kick off vs. Illinois at 7 p.m. Friday in a game nationally televised on ESPN. Friday's game had previously been designated #BayMade Youth Football Night with many area youth football teams expected to be in attendance.

FIRST RESPONDERS: USF is offering first responders and their families admission for up to four people to the game. First responders, or a family member if the responder is working, will be asked to provide their official issued ID, or a copy if the responder is not present, at the Raymond James Stadium south plaza will call ticket window on Friday evening.  This offer is in appreciation for all designated first responders in the state and all are welcome to attend, whether they were on active duty during the recent hurricane response or not. For any questions regarding the offer or Friday's game please call 1-800-GoBulls.

HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS: Florida high school football teams wishing to attend the game are asked to contact Mike Giglio (giglio@usf.edu) or Lacey King (laceyk@usf.edu) of the USF football program for step-by-step instructions on obtaining admission. Pre-registration is necessary to receive the complimentary admission, which will be available for players and coaches of the high school teams. Requests must be received by noon on Friday.

"On behalf of USF Athletics, I would like to express our appreciation for the work being done by first responders across the state to assist in the recovery following Hurricane Irma," USF Director of Athletics Mark Harlan said. "As a small token of our gratitude for their service, we'd like to offer a night to relax, be with their families and enjoy a football game."

The complimentary admission offers are available as long as supply lasts.

About USF Football
USF finished the 2016 season ranked No. 19 in the Associated Press poll with a school-record 11 wins following the program's fifth-ever bowl victory in the Birmingham Bowl. The Bulls' 11-2 record marked the fifth-best winning percentage in FBS football in 2016 and one of just 11 teams to reach 11 wins. USF set nearly 40 team and individual records in 2016, including team records for total yards (6,650), rushing yards (3,714), touchdowns (77) and scoring (569). Junior quarterback Quinton Flowers was named the American Conference Offensive Player of the Year and led a school-record 10 players named to the all-conference team, six of which, including Flowers, will return in 2017. 

Purchase tickets for the upcoming season by following the USFBullsTix.com link HERE.

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