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 22nd-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.
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.
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.