Fan Fest 2012 featuring NEEDTOBREATHE

Information was released this afternoon about Fan Fest 2012. Although a complete round up of events is available here, we will hit the highlights below.

As usual, the events will start at 4pm with autograph sessions, meet and greets, on field access and inflatable rides and toys for the younger tailgaters.

At 6pm, the public will get its last look at the Mountaineers before the season opener at East Carolina with a scrimmage, which in the past, has lasted up to two hours.

At 8:30, Southern Rock Band  NEEDTOBREATHE will perform. This is the second consectutive year that Appalachian Marketing has offered a concert in conclusion to the scrimmage. Last year, Corey Smith performed. On Twitter, NEEDTOBREATHE has 137,000  followers while Corey Smith lays claims to 41,000 twitter fans.

Now, for the really important stuff. Just like last year, a $10 admission will be charged to those without a football season ticket. Only season ticket holders and students are granted free admission to the event.

Tailgating will now be allowed in certain lots. This has been a wish of ours for years and it has finally come to fruition. Tailgating will be allowed in the Champions, Raley, Greenwood, Stadium & Rivers Street Parking Decks areas.

Fans will be allowed to come and go the event as they please, which allows for obtaining the signatures of your favorite players and coaches and taking those precious items back to the car before checking out the scrimmage. Most likely there will be a small window of opportunity between the scrimmage and setting up for the concert that will allow for some bonus tailgating.