First home game is victory for team and fans

There wasn't a new look to Florida Atlantic University's home football stadium, Lockhart Stadium, in Fort Lauderdale. There were still blue and yellow striped tarps, white press boxes and chain fencing separating the fans and the field.

But it was what happened off the field that was a victory for the fans and the Athletic Department.

Although the fan turnout was 3,000 lower than expected at just under 7,000 fans, there were new additions to the promotions that made the difference in the atmosphere.

The student spirit group, the prOWLers, are now part of the on-field promotions. The team runs out of a huge FAU blow-up helmet. The prOWLers shoot off t-shirts in-between timeouts and run a brand new spirit flag when FAU scores a touchdown. One FAU student even does pushups in the endzone for every point the Owls score.

One fan thought it looked like a good idea to do pushups and jumped the fence to join the student doing them. He was quickly apprehended. It was the first such occurrence at an FAU football game since their inception in 2001.

They also added a PA system and hooked me up to a wireless microphone. I start the cheers and chants for the crowd, band, cheer and dance team. This is something that we liked after attending the South Carolina game.

Students have responded with enthusiasm about the new promotions and excitement at the game.

The next home game is Wednesday against University of Louisiana-Lafayette. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Parking is free for students with a valid Owl Card. Tickets are free for students as well.