Rowdy Rush: UTSA students launch new tradition at football home opener

Rowdy Rush

First-ever UTSA Rowdy Rush at Sept. 7 football season opener

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(Sept. 13, 2013) -- After nearly a year of planning, the UTSA Rowdy Rush was launched Sept. 7 at the UTSA-Oklahoma State football home opener. The inaugural Rowdy Rush obviously was a lot of fun for first-year students and a great way to show their enthusiasm for the team and UTSA.

Modeled after the Baylor Line, UTSA freshmen joined the Spirit of San Antonio Marching Band on the field, forming a human tunnel for players and coaches to enter the field just minutes before the kickoff. More than 500 incoming freshmen registered at student orientation and purchased a Class of 2017 orange jersey to be part of the first-ever Rowdy Rush.

UTSA Athletics Marketing and Student Activities staff collaborated in the search for a way to introduce freshmen to school spirit and increase student attendance at home football games. After visiting Waco last football season to gain first-hand information on the Baylor Line, the UTSA staff members worked throughout the offseason with the Alamodome staff, UTSA Police Department, San Antonio Police Department, student leaders and the band to develop a plan for Rowdy Rush.

In the Rush, students enter the field from the northwest corner of the Alamodome and run to the southeast corner to greet the Roadrunners team. Student wranglers manage ropes to form the tunnel lined by students and the band.

The students gather two hours before the game at the Student Affairs tailgate party at Sunset Station, then go into the Alamodome an hour before kickoff to get in position. Approximately 15 minutes before kickoff, the marching band goes onto the field for a pre-game performance, followed by the Rush at the seven-minute mark before kickoff to form the tunnel for the players' entrance. From entrance to exit, the Rowdy Rush freshmen are on and off the field within three minutes.

 

 

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