Q: Wow! This sounds like a great event and an awesome weekend! Is this truly a Marshall sponsored event?

A: It is indeed a great event and we expect everyone to have an enjoyable weekend. The Great American ThunderFest on Saturday is being sponsored by the Marshall University Alumni Association and the Big Green Coaches Tour golf outing and dinner on Sunday is part of the Big Green Coaches Tour program. All the planning, logistics, and everything else is being carried out by the MU Cincy Club (2007 MU Club of the Year,
by the way!).

Q: Does Marshall benefit financially from this weekend?

A: Yes! Proceeds from the weekend events will go to the Marshall University Alumni Association, Big Green Scholarship Foundation, and the MU Dugout Club.

Q: Are the seats together?

A: Yes. We have 1,000 seats together in the lower section of the View Level down the 1st base line.

Q: I noticed the “official hotel” is the Holiday Inn Eastgate. Do I have to stay at that hotel to attend the events for the weekend?

A: No, you do not have to stay at the Holiday Inn Eastgate to attend Sunday or Monday events. However, we have found the Holiday Inn Eastgate to be very “Herd friendly” in the past. It is conveniently located near Legendary Run Golf Course for all the action on Monday. In addition Marshall Folks who stay there will receive a free breakfast on Sunday in a special dining area.

Q: I noticed you are selling a special Marshall University bat autographed by Marty Brennaman. Is that the real thing?

A: It’s the real thing! These bats were special made by Louisville Slugger for this event and only 250 were produced. Marty Brennaman is a big fan of the Thundering Herd and recently attended a Marshall Alumni event down in Sarasota, Florida. Proceeds from the sale of the bats will go directly to the MUAA, Big Green, and MU Dugout Club.

Q: What kind of golf course is Legendary Run?

A: If you have never played Legendary Run Golf Course you are in for a treat. Golf Digest rates Legendary 4.5 stars and you can learn more about the course at www.legendaryrungolf.com .

Q: I’d really like to come down to the game on Sunday, but do something else on Monday like go to Kings Island or the Newport Aquarium. Is that ok?

A: Cincinnati has a lot to offer guests and visitors from out of town. We know golf isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and some folks who are playing golf may bring their spouse to enjoy the shopping and other things Cincinnati has to offer. Other folks have commitments on Sunday but want to come out and play for the “Thunder Cup” on Monday. Come join us on Sunday, Monday, or both days – whatever works best for you and makes your weekend in Cincinnati a relaxing and enjoyable getaway!

Q: Does Marshall have a large alumni base in Cincinnati?

A: Marshall has a significant (and enthusiastic) alumni group in Cincinnati, Dayton and the Northern Kentucky area. If you were down for the Marshall vs. Cincinnati football game in fall 2007 you probably saw one of the LARGEST pre-game rallies in Marshall history. This will be a good opportunity to reconnect with old acquaintances and make a lot of new friends.

Q: I noticed you are doing a raffle to go out on the field before the game to take part in the pre-game ceremonies at the Great American ThunderFest. Is there more information regarding that?

A: Very special Marshall guest have been tapped to throw out the 1st pitch prior to the Reds vs. Braves game at the Great American ThunderFest.

Q: How many Marshall Thundering Herd fans do you expect to attend this event?

A: We expect 1,000 Thundering Herd fans to attend the baseball game on Sunday, and we are anticipating we will completely sell out the golf course on Monday. Due to the opponent (Chicogo Cubs), corporate sales of tickets, the Reds feel this game will be completely sold. GET YOUR TICKETS AND BOOK YOUR TEE TIME NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.

Q: What if something comes up or I change my mind about coming once I have purchased my package?

A: All sales are final. Tickets, tee times, dinner, and hotel rooms are transferable in the case you are unable to attend.

Q: What time does the game start on Sunday? Are the gates opened early for Marshall folks? Is there a special gate we enter?

A: The game is scheduled for a first-pitch at 1:10. Normally gates open 2 hours prior to the game on Sundays.

Q: Will there be food and drinks available at the pre-game?

A: The Cincinnati Reds will open a special food vending station to accommodate our guests prior to the game.

Q: What if the baseball game on Sunday is rained out?

A: The Great American ThunderFest at Great American Ballpark will be rescheduled later in the summer and the game tickets will be honored for any Cincinnati Reds home game during the 2009 season.

Q: Do you want me to buy the t-shirt to wear to the game?

A: Great question and the answer is YES! The Reds have given us their logo and allowed us to put our own green paint job on it! We want you all to show your Reds spirit and your TRUE MARSHALL COLORS at the game!

Q: Are we allowed to chant “We Are…..Marshall” during the game?

A: That’s what this thing is all about! In fact, we have a hunch that 30,000 others will join in with us! Wouldn’t it be great to have a spot on SportsCenter Saturday night where a Major League Baseball game is stopped due to a call and chant of WE ARE……MARSHALL!