Sept. 8, 2009

EVANSTON, Ill. -- The Wildcats honor members of the armed services and public safety officials for the eighth annual Heroes' Day at Ryan Field this Saturday. These special guests of the `Cats will receive complimentary admission for themselves and for their families for the football game against Eastern Michigan at 11 am. To receive these complimentary tickets, please present your service ID at the ticket booth outside Gate J on the day of the game. Plus, honor your hero by submitting his or her name to wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu by Thursday to be put on the scoreboard at the game as part of the Heroes' Day tribute.

On Saturday, Pat Fitzgerald and the Wildcats are also welcoming all residents of his hometown to be part of Orland Park Day at Ryan Field. As part of this day, residents can take advantage of the special half-price end zone ticket discount ($13 each) so please e-mail wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu to receive the Orland Park Day code. Tickets must be purchased at NUsports.com or 847.491.CATS or in person by 5 p.m. on Friday. Support Coach Fitz, the Wildcats and the Mayor of Orland Park, Dan McLaughlin, who will serve as an honorary team captain.

Northwestern once again will honor our nation's heroes, this year on Sept. 12, 2009, during the Eastern Michigan game.

"Orland Park is very proud of Coach Fitzgerald and all that he's accomplished," said Mayor McLaughlin. "Pat Fitzgerald has never forgotten his hometown and is now inviting the entire community to enjoy a day of football at Ryan Field."

Enjoy the pageantry of college football with NU's Marching Band, as well as hundreds of high school band members performing throughout the game at part of Band Day. Also, arrive early to enjoy the free pregame fan fest area, Wildcat Alley, which features games, face painting, food, the Marching Band, cheerleaders, Willie the Wildcat, the Skill Zone, the free Goose Island Beer Garden and much more.

If you can't make it out to Ryan Field this Saturday to take advantage of these special offers, make plans to cheer on the `Cats against Miami (Ohio) on October 10th as part of Take A Kid to the Game Day. With every adult end zone ticket purchased at regular price ($25), two children in the 8th grade and under will be admitted free. That breaks down to less than $9 per person. This offer is only valid on the day of the game and tickets can be purchased at the special ticket booth outside of Gate J on the south side of the stadium. For more information click here several special ticket discounts or e-mail wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu.

The Wildcats also offer young fans a chance to earn complimentary tickets as a reward for working hard in school with programs like Wildcats 3.0 and Bound for Success Reading Program.

For information about Wildcat Football Gamedays, check the Fan Zone on NUsports.com or e-mail wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu. Plus, hear straight from the 'Cats by joining us on Facebook or by following us on Twitter.