Western has been bolstered by its first sellout in more than seven years, as 18,317 watched the Toppers defeat instate rival Eastern Kentucky Sept. 20 in the “Battle of the Bluegrass.” In fact, it was the largest crowd at L.T. Smith Stadium/Jimmy Feix Field since its current seating configuration of 17,500 was determined in 1990. The Hilltoppers also drew more than 10,000 fans against West Virginia Tech on Sept. 6.
“Our dramatic home attendance increase is a direct reflection of how hard head coach David Elson and his staff have worked within the community and throughout the state this spring and summer to spread the word about Hilltopper football,” said Western Director of Athletics Dr. Wood Selig. “They have been highly visible with a well-received message. We look forward to capacity crowds in Smith Stadium quickly becoming the norm rather than the exception.”
WKU, ranked ninth in this week’s polls, returns home from a two-game road trip to play host to Southwest Missouri State Saturday in a Gateway Conference contest. Kickoff at L.T. Smith Stadium/Jimmy Feix Field is set for 7 p.m. (CDT). It will be the only home game for the Hilltoppers this month as well as the last evening start of the year.
There will be several promotions at the SMS contest. It will be Family Night, where Big Red Bucks will be good for four tickets, hot dogs and drinks for only $25. Saturday is also WKU Greek & Organizational Night, where the organizations with the highest attendance percentage win prizes, as well as Cheerleading Day — youth cheerleaders in uniform get in free and competition winners from earlier in the day will be performing on the sidelines with the Hilltopper cheerleaders.
