KEARNEY, NE – The University of Nebraska at Kearney invites all students and community members to join UNK Athletics for a night of fun and entertainment and a chance to meet the 2010-2011 Loper Athletic teams with Runza Lopers Under the Lights. The event will be held in conjunction with Blue & Gold Welcome Week on Saturday, August 21st , from 8:00-10:00 PM at Foster Field. Admission is free. Activities will be moved to Cushing Coliseum in the event of inclement weather.

Runza Lopers Under the Lights enters its 5th year and typically draws 900 students and community members.

From 8-9 PM fans will be able to engage in a Fan Day atmosphere with interactive games put on by the athletes. These sports have been paired up with some of Kearney's finest supporters, who will be in attendance handing out prizes to all participants. Winners from each contest will have the opportunity to win great prizes from businesses such as Runza, Little Caesars, the YMCA of Kearney, Wells Fargo, Frontier Communications, Bank of the West, Qdoba, Cellar Bar/Grill, and the Big Apple Fun Center. The National Guard will also be on hand, along with the Antelope Artillery, providing exciting games and contests for kids. During this time, fans can also get autographs from their favorite players and coaches.
From 9-10 PM fans will engage in a “Pep Rally” which features a performance by “The Pride of the Plains” UNK Marching Band. Teams and team captains will be introduced as Coaches Morris, Munch, Squiers and Bonsall give a preview of the upcoming season.

“We are excited to give our student athletes the chance to meet community members who support them as fans. This is our way of giving back to those who watch Loper Athletics.” said UNK Assistant Athletic Director Shawn Fairbanks.

For more information about the event, contact Shawn Fairbanks at (308)865-8184.