As the first home game approaches, many students have mixed feelings regarding not only their attendance, but also the turnout of Florida A&M University’s student body.
Most concerns stem from the Marching “100” not performing during halftime. Many students believe without the band at football games, the stands will be empty.
“It’s not what you expect from the halftime show, but what is expected from the students, we need more rowdy students representing more orange and green,” said Moses Desir, a sports marketing representative for FAMU who is excited about the upcoming halftime routines.
For the season’s first home game, students can expect an old school vs. new school DJ battle between DJ Neaux and DJ Demp, featuring Will Packer. There will also be a special musical performance from recording artist Future.
The game is also the kick off to FAMU’s 125th anniversary celebration. The reoccurring questions are what is to be expected for future halftime shows, and is the university going to fund more major entertainment?
A “Youth and Community Day” will be held on Oct. 13, the same day as the FAMU vs. Savannah State game. Halftime entertainment will feature Tallahassee high school marching bands from James S. Rickards High School and FAMU Developmental Research School. Rattler fans are also encouraged to wear pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Liquid Media and Insights Marketing, both FAMU alumni owned companies, have teamed to present and manage each home game routine. Sharon Saunders, FAMU’s chief communications officer, is one of the more prominent members of the team. Angela Suggs the assistant athletic director of marketing and fund development has also been quintessential to the team.
“It is our intent, within the FAMU Athletic Marketing office, to enhance the fan experience each year, not just this year,” Suggs said. “It is our hope that when the Marching “100” does return, the FAMU football game experience will be that much better.”
Williams is a first-year graduate sports management student from Miami. He’s currently in charge of fan community engagement for athletic marketing and is a Rattler sport promotion associate.
“Rattlers should support Rattlers,” said Williams. “The world is watching. Just like the theme says, ‘This is our team, our time, respect the game!”
The new halftime routines promise to bring something new to the campus and give Rattlers a different experience. More info regarding halftime lineups will be released as the football season progresses.