Centenary Hosts Military Heroes Game on Saturday Night, Sept. 26
Centenary College will host a Military Heroes football game on Saturday, Sept. 26, as the Gents take on Schreiner University at Atkins Field, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. The event will honor military members and veterans while raising funds for The SEAL Legacy Foundation.
Led by Centenary's Kappa Sigma fraternity, the Military Heroes Game brings together students, student-athletes, alumni, faculty and staff, and the Centenary College Choir in support of veterans and military families. Kappa Sigma has already raised $10,000 toward a $30,000 fundraising goal for the event.
Evan Halbert, a member of Kappa Sigma, said the chapter wanted to create an event that could give back to veterans while becoming a new tradition at Centenary.
“As a chapter, we wanted to create an event that would raise money for veteran charities, give back to the community, and be able to become a Centenary tradition,” Halbert said.
The chapter selected The SEAL Legacy Foundation because of its support for veterans and their families, including assistance related to mental health, education and emergency needs.
Dr. Christopher L. Holoman, president of Centenary College, said the fundraising effort gives the event significance beyond the recognition taking place on game day.
“The fundraising component for The SEAL Legacy Foundation further demonstrates that this is more than a ceremonial event; it is an opportunity for our community to take meaningful action in support of military families and veterans,” Dr. Holoman said.
Several special activities are planned throughout the Military Heroes Game. The Frog-X parachute team will deliver the game ball, and a chaplain from Barksdale Air Force Base will offer the pregame prayer. The Centenary, POW and American flags will also be presented before the game.
A slideshow honoring veterans will be shown on the video board before kickoff. During halftime, the Centenary College Choir will perform “Salute to the Armed Forces.”
David Orr, director of athletics and recreation, said the event reflects the connection between athletics, service and the larger Shreveport-Bossier community.
“What makes this game unique is that it brings together athletics, service and community,” Orr said. “Athletics has the power to unite people, and this game allows us to celebrate values that are central to both military service and sports: commitment, sacrifice, teamwork, resilience and leadership.”
Orr also praised Kappa Sigma students for taking a leadership role in organizing activities and raising funds for the event.
“One of the most meaningful aspects of this event is the leadership shown by our students, particularly the men of Kappa Sigma,” Orr said. “Their willingness to take ownership of the event, organize activities and raise funds demonstrates that service is not simply something we talk about at Centenary — it is something we practice.”
Military Heroes Game T-shirts will be available for $25, and both cash and card payments will be accepted. Proceeds will support the fundraising effort. Centenary alumni will also provide free hot dogs at the game. Donations to The SEAL Legacy Foundation fundraising effort can be made through Kappa Sigma.
Dr. Holoman said the event offers an opportunity to recognize the military's longstanding presence and contributions throughout the Shreveport-Bossier community.
“Above all, I want this game to remind us that honoring service is not simply something we do on special occasions,” Dr. Holoman said. “It is an ongoing responsibility to recognize those who have contributed so much to our nation and to our community.”
Gates will open at 5 p.m. Tickets can only be purchased online. NO cash sales will be available. Centenary students, faculty and staff are allowed into every home event free with a valid Centenary ID.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Parking
· Student, faculty and staff must park on the north side of Kings Highway.
· Handicap parking will be available in Lot 17.
· Lot 16 will be reserved for those who purchased a VIP pass.
· Lot 18, the gravel lot and the Porter's Building parking lot will be open parking. Once that area is full, the lots and turn-off from Kings Highway will be closed, and people will be directed to park on the north side of Kings Highway. There will be limited cart service once this lot closes.
Tickets
Tickets can only be purchased online anytime or on game day upon arrival at the stadium via mobile device. All tickets are digital; there are no physical (paper) tickets. Tickets can be purchased online anytime at centenary.edu/footballtickets or through this Hudl ticket link.
Bags
At the point of entry, guests should be prepared to have bags checked or bring a clear bag.
Other Info
· Gates open at 5 p.m.
· No pets, lawn chairs, or outside food and beverage are allowed inside the stadium.
For more information, contact Katharyn DeVille, Centenary Marketing & Communication, at kdeville@centenary.edu or 318.869.5715. For sports-related inquiries, contact Patrick Meehan, Assistant AD for Strategic Communications, at pmeehan@centenary.edu or 318.990.1222.
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Centenary student and marketing assistant Edith Baquedano Zavala contributed to this report.