CHARLESTON, S.C. – The 15th-ranked Citadel football team's home opener against Furman on Saturday is also this season's USAA Military Appreciation Game presented by East Bay Deli, and fans are encouraged to wear red, white and blue.

Pre-game activities are highlighted by a parachute jump from the U.S. Army Golden Knights. The Golden Knights are one of only three Department of Defense-sanctioned aerial demonstration teams, along with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. The team is composed of approximately 95 men and women, which includes four parachute units, an aviation unit and a headquarters. Since 1959, the Golden Knights have conducted more than 16,000 shows in all 50 states and 48 countries. The team has earned the U.S. Army 2,148 gold medals, 1,117 silver medals and 639 bronze medals in national and international competition, and team members have broken 348 world records. 

The festivities begin on campus at 11 a.m. with a Palmetto Warrior Connection veterans vs. cadets flag football game on Summerall Field. Fans can also write letters to soldiers and drop them in boxes set up around the concourse as well as pick up an Overhead Door pop-up schedule giveaway. The colors will be presented by the Joint Base Charleston Honor Guard and at halftime The Citadel Regimental Band will play.

Saturday's game also features a pre-game recognition of the 2015 Southern Conference co-championship that includes new signage inside Johnson Hagood Stadium. For the 2016 season, The Citadel Athletic Department unveils Bulldog Concessions. In addition to many vendors fans have become accustomed to in the stadium, Bulldog Concessions offers stadium staples of hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, popcorn, pretzels and candy as well as grilled chicken sandwiches and bratwurst.

Fans who purchase a Gameday program will receive information about the game, including rosters and cadet-athlete features, a giveaway item and chances to win prizes throughout the game. Gameday programs are $5 each and can be purchased from sellers in the tailgating areas as well as in the concourse of Johnson Hagood Stadium.

Kickoff for Saturday's game is set for 6 p.m. Tickets for active or retired military are $5 with a military ID. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit CitadelSports.com/tickets or call The Citadel Athletic Ticket Office at 843-953-DOGS (3647).

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