The UConn Huskies football season home opener against Texas Southern on Sept. 11 has been designated Military Appreciation Day. The day’s events will be dedicated to honoring all UConn alumni and current students who have served, or are currently serving, in the armed forces.

In conjunction with game day activities planned by the Division of Athletics, the University of Connecticut Alumni Association is sponsoring an Armed Forces Alumni Tailgate prior to the start of the game.

Past and current military personnel and their guests who attend the Alumni Tailgate will have special reserved seating for the game.

Members of UConn’s Air Force ROTC and Army ROTC Color Guards will present the flag prior to kick off. At halftime, the UConn Marching Band will present a special tribute to our armed forces, and those attending the Alumni Tailgate will be welcomed onto the field, where they will be honored as a group.

This pre-game gathering was conceived by two alumni, Lt. Don Coombs ’89, U.S. Navy ,and Lt. Col. John Healy ’89, Air Force ROTC, and is made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors: People’s United Bank; Pratt & Whitney; UConn’s Division of Student Affairs; the Connecticut National Guard; Updike, Kelly, & Spellacy PC; and the Air Force Association.

To participate in the day’s special activities, pre-registration is required. To purchase tickets to the game and the pre-game festivities, or for more information, contact Kim Lachut, manager of alumni programs, at 888-822-5861 or 860-486-2240, or Cara Workman, director of university events, at 860-486-1001.