Imagine an event that has all the elements needed for a fun- filled family outing: It's free, it doesn't require lots of travel and there's even a fair amount of suspense. Look no further than the Yale Bowl, where University staff members and their families can watch the Bulldogs take on a traditional rival -- the University of Connecticut -- in the Elis' first home football game of the season on Saturday, Sept. 28.
"Employee Day at the Bowl," a program which is now in its third year, is an invitation to all staff members and their immediate families to enjoy a free football game and "have a wonderful day of fun," says Tom Beckett, director of athletics. "It's our attempt to bring the entire Yale community together in celebration of one of our intercollegiate athletics programs and to allow families to interact with our students' families and the coaching staff."
He adds: "It's tremendous fun to enjoy a good game of Yale football in a situation that is win-win for all concerned."
Sponsored by the departments of Athletics and Human Resources and by the Office of the President, "Employee Day at the Bowl" has become a very popular program, says Wayne Dean, director of marketing and ticket operations for the Athletics Department. "Last year we doubled the attendance over the first year," he says. "As in the past, our hope is that after coming out on Employee Day and having a great time with their families at a tailgate picnic and watching the game, employees will come back to enjoy the rest of our games on Saturdays."
The kickoff for the Yale v. UConn contest will be at 1 p.m., but employees are encouraged to come early and take advantage of the free parking in Lot D entrance on Central Ave. to enjoy a pre-game tailgate picnic.
To receive free general admission to the game, faculty and staff members should go to Gate E at the Yale Bowl 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 28 and present their valid University I.D. There, they will receive a voucher for admission seating. All full-time faculty and staff and members of their immediate families will be admitted free.
After the game, if weather permits, youngsters in attendance will have the opportunity to meet the players and get autographs.
Other sponsors of the event are the following members of the Yale Athletics Corporate Partners Program: Holiday Inn at Yale, Linx Cellular Service, Starter, the Fusco Corporation, WTNH-Channel 8, Systems Inc., Starter, Coca-Cola and the Yale Co-op.
The Athletics Department is also offering season tickets at reduced rates for Yale faculty and staff members. Faculty staff season ticket-holders will have seats in the faculty staff section, near mid-field. They may also purchase additional home-game tickets in the same location, as well as tickets for away games at a reduced rate. The cost for faculty staff season tickets is $68 each. There is a limit of two per employee.
For more information about Employee Day at the Bowl or for information about Yale football season tickets, call 432-1400 weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.