ATU Spirit to Cover Community Sept. 17-22

It’s about to get even more green and gold than usual in Russellville.

Arkansas Tech University, the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce and presenting sponsor Sherwood Urgent Care will celebrate the third annual Paint the Town Green and Gold with a week of events highlighting ATU spirit.

Participating businesses in Russellville are working to decorate their storefronts in Arkansas Tech themes through Sunday, Sept. 16. Judging of those decorations will take place on Monday, Sept. 17, and Tuesday, Sept. 18.

Depot Park in Russellville Downtown will be the site for the Paint the Town Green and Gold Festival on Thursday, Sept. 20.

Food trucks, games and face painting will be available from 6-8 p.m. Local band Morgan Road will perform from 6-6:30 p.m. and 7-8 p.m.

There will be a pep rally featuring the ATU spirit squads, band and football team from 6:30-6:45 p.m. Featured speakers will include Raymond Monica, head football coach at ATU, and Dr. Keegan Nichols, ATU vice president for student affairs.

Winners of the business decorating contest and door prizes will be announced from 6:45-7 p.m.

Kurt Jones Photography on West B Street will offer a special edition of its “Pictures in the Alley” feature from 7-8 p.m. Jerry the Bulldog, campus ambassador at ATU, will be on hand and available to appear in Tech-themed photos.

Paint the Town Green and Gold 2018 will conclude with the ATU Family Day football game at Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field on Saturday, Sept. 22.

Party at the Plaza, the pre-game tailgating celebration outside the stadium on Centennial Plaza, will begin at 3 p.m. Kickoff for the ATU Wonder Boys and the Southern Nazarene University Crimson Storm is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Game tickets ($10 adults/$5 senior citizens and students) will be available at the stadium ticket office during Party at the Plaza. Those with a valid ATU identification card will receive free admission to the game.

Call (479) 968-2530 for more information about Paint the Town Green and Gold.