TU hosts Morgan State in Football Season Opener

What you need to know when getting ready for the “Battle for Greater Baltimore”

By Kyle Hobstetter on August 31, 2017

After a six-year hiatus, Towson University and Morgan State will renew their football rivalry on Saturday, September 2 at Unitas Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

With the game being between Baltimore’s two Division I football teams, the series has now been christened the “Battle for Greater Baltimore,” with the winner claiming bragging rights over both Baltimore City and Baltimore County for the year. A newly created trophy will be awarded to the winning school at the game’s conclusion.

The Tigers lead the “Battle for Greater Baltimore” series with a 17-6 advantage, which includes the teams’ last meeting in 2011, when Towson University defeated Morgan State, 42-3. 

The Tigers will be led Saturday by junior quarterback Morgan Mahalak, a former four-star recruit who transferred from Oregon last season. After dealing with nagging injuries early last season, Mahalak led the Tigers to victory in each of the last three games on the season.

The Tigers offense will also feature sophomore running back Shane Simpson and kicker Aidan O’Neill, who were named Preseason All-Americans before the start of the season. The Tigers’ defense will return 10 starters, including linebackers Chris Teddar and Diondre Wallace who are team’s top returning tacklers.

Tickets start at just $15, but Towson University and Morgan State students will get in free with their university IDs. Towson University students will also get one free companion ticket with their TU OneCard.

Towson University faculty and staff can receive two free tickets to the game, and can purchase extra tickets for just $15.

With all the action happening on the field this Saturday, Towson University is ready to ready to provide a fun fan experience at the game. Here is all the information you need to know when heading to Unitas Stadium for the “Battle for Greater Baltimore.”

Parking

Permit parking for season ticket holders will be located in lot 21 and 21 a. General parking is located in lots 13 & 14 and free on a first-come, first-served basis. Once lots 13 and 14 fill, those looking for general parking will be redirected to the Union or Glen garages.

Parking lots will open at 2 p.m. If you will be tailgating, please check out the university’s full tailgating policies. There will also be several pregame events throughout the Towson University Athletic Complex.

Pregame Events and Tailgates

The Towson University Alumni Association is partnering with the Office of Campus Life, and the TU Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life will be hosting a cookout before the game at the South Campus Pavilion, which is located adjacent to Auburn House.

The cookout, which is an alcohol-free event, will take place from 3:30-5:30 p.m., and is open to all Towson University students and alumni. There will be free food, and radio station 92Q (92.3 FM) will provide music and promotional items.

Along with a presence at the Alumni cookout, 92Q will also be hosting a tailgate in lot 13 with Towson University alumnus, and radio personality Kelson. 92Q will also be providing music, games and promotional materials in Lot 13.

Lot 13 will also feature the Bill Bateman’s Bistro Tailgate, and will offer food and beer specials up until game time. Once inside the stadium, fans will have the opportunity to continue to enjoy Bateman's food as they will be operating out of the concession stand on the north side of the stadium.

President Kim Schatzel will be hosting a pre-game picnic for TU Faculty and Staff inside the SECU Arena concourse from 4 – 6 p.m. Guests will be able to enjoy complimentary picnic fare, face painting and family-friendly activities before heading to the game. 

Towson Football Tiger Walk  

Fans will be able to get up close and personal with the Tiger Football team, when the newest Towson Football tradition gets an upgrade for the 2017 season.

The Tiger Football Team, accompanied by the Towson University Marching Band, will walk to the locker room from the Auburn House through Lot 21, meeting with fans along the way. The Tiger Walk is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. for this weekend’s game.

In-game features

To go a long with the battle on the football field, halftime will feature something similar to a battle of the bands. Both the Towson University and Morgan State bands will be performing during halftime. There will also be in-game performances by the Soul Dance Team and the Towson University Dance Team.

Towson University will also honor a couple of past CAA Championship Teams. There will be in-game recognition for both the Towson Tiger Football Team that won the 2012 CAA Championships. There will also be recognition for the Tiger Track and Field Team that won the 2017 CAA Championship.

Greene Turtle on the Track

The Green Turtle on the Track is back and even bigger than last season! Located in the East end zone, the Towson Green Turtle will offer beer and food specials, and will also include a larger “patio” area. The tent will open 45 minutes prior to kickoff and close at the end of the game.

Family Fun Zone

The Towson Tigers Family Fun Zone is back, and has moved inside Unitas Stadium this season. Located on the track in the east end zone, the Family Fun Zone will feature a moon bounce, face painting, and photo opportunities with player cutouts and mascot Doc the Tiger.

Check out all the action and stay up to date by checking the Towson Athletics’ game day central page