Times of Interest

RUSTON -- When Louisiana Tech opens the home portion of its 2016 football schedule Saturday with a 6 p.m. kickoff against South Carolina State at Joe Aillet Stadium, Bulldog fans should be aware of a number of game-day changes.

Due to many of the changes which are dictated by construction on the west outside portion of the stadium, fans are encouraged to arrive at the stadium early. Gates will open at 90 minutes prior to kickoff for each home game.

• Parking: The road which normally circles the perimeter of Joe Aillet Stadium will be closed on the west side by the press box (due to construction), an exit lane has been established on the back of "LOT A" (near the Thomas Assembly Center hill). Fans whom have "LOT A" parking passes should still access the area from West Alabama Avenue and police officers will be able to direct those individuals from that access point.

• A pedestrian lane will be established immediately adjacent to the construction site which will allow fans an unobstructed route past the site.

• Handicap Parking: Although some handicap parking will remain in "LOT A", the majority of handicap/accessible parking will be located at the parking lot adjacent to the Jim Mize Track and Field Complex (north end of the track and field complex and east side of Joe Aillet Stadium). Golf carts will be stationed at this lot to assist those with handicap parking passes to the gates of the stadium.

• Student ID's: Louisiana Tech students will only be able to gain FREE admittance to the stadium with a new University ID. LA Tech students must go to the Tech Express Office located on campus (hours 8:30 to 4:30 p.m.) to get their new student IDs. Outdated student ID's will not work any longer at LA Tech Athletic events. Any student who doesn't have a new ID will have to purchase a ticket to gain admittance into the game.

• Gates: West side gates will remain accessible from both the NW and SW gates. The press box/sky box can only be accessed by entering from the NW and SW gates and then the access points at the designated press box areas (signs will be posted). All gates open 90 minutes before kickoff.

• Game Day Trolley: Fans can park downtown and catch the Tech Trolley at Railroad Park, which will transport fans to the stadium free of charge. The trolley will run continuously two hours prior to kickoff, giving fans plenty of time to tailgate, and one hour after the game. The trolley does NOT run during the game.

• Tailgating: Contestants have the opportunity to cook a dish of their choice instead of sticking to a set menu. Judging will start two hours prior to kickoff and the best food competition will be decided by LA Tech student-athletes each home game. A group of student-athletes will walk around each tailgate spot to judge the food, but tailgaters have the option to accept or decline entry into the contest. Judges will choose a winner and take a picture with the winning team. Winners will be announced during the fourth quarter of each home game.

• Bulldog Village: This will be located on the front steps of the Thomas Assembly Center for each home football game and will include live music, inflatables, BASH-booth (photobooth), Kids Club membership pickup, the local Army recruiting center providing interactive X-box play station and other games, a cell phone charging station, the Barnes and Nobles Bookstore, and much more.

• Tickets: The Louisiana Tech Ticket Office is located in the Thomas Assembly Center and is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On home game Saturdays, the ticket office opens four hours prior to kickoff. Tickets can be purchased online 24/7 by logging onto LATechSports.com. Ticket Office phone number is 318-257-3631.

• Alumni Association Tailgating: Starting this year the LA Tech Alumni Association Tailgate at Argent Pavilion is exclusively for Alumni Associaion and LTAC members. Argent Pavilion will open three hours prior to kickoff and the tailgate will include free food, drinks and Blue Bell ice cream.