Sept. 3, 2009

Garden City, N.Y. - Adelphi University Athletics announced today the launch of its Panther Pride Program for the 2009-2010 season. The newly created program, aimed at increasing student fan attendance at home athletic contests, kicks-off this Saturday, September 5 with field hockey vs. Bentley University at 1:00 p.m. and men's soccer game vs. Fordham University at 6:30 p.m.

The program is simple. Students are rewarded with free "stuff", just for attending the games and cheering on their Panthers. Other special perks include, special fan seating, first chance at in-game promotional competitions and other unique opportunities not available to all student fans.

"Adelphi is committed to providing a positive game environment for its student-athletes, fans, alumni and parents," Assistant AD for External Affairs and SWA Suzette McQueen said. "This program will not only reward our diehard student fans but, out goal is to also increase attendance and create greater excitement and interest from our student community."

In order to participate, students must register for the program at designated areas set up at advertised home games. In addition to this Saturday's events, sign up dates will be scheduled in the University Center during the month of September. At registration, students will receive a Panther T-shirt and Rewards Card. The initial fee of $5 is being waived for the month of September! Each game they attend is worth 1 point. Once they complete one card (worth 10 points), they redeem that for their reward and get the next level card. This will continue with every ten events attended.

At the end of the school year, the top 15 points leaders will be recognized on the Adelphi Athletics website. The top three points earners will be invited to attend the End of Year Athletics Banquet as honored guests.

The creation of the program was made possible with funding from the NCAA Champs/Lifeskills grant program. Adelphi was selected from more than 80 applicants for events and initiatives designed to supplement the development of student-athletes and members of the student body at institutions across all three divisions.

Click here for a complete listing of rules and rewards.