ThunderFest FAQ

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 Saturday or Sunday events. However, we have found the Holiday Inn Eastgate to be very “Herd friendly” in the past. Shuttle buses will be running from the Holiday Inn Eastgate to Great American Ballpark and back on Saturday. It is also conveniently located near Legendary Run Golf Course for all the action on Sunday. In addition we will be having a special event at the Holiday Inn Eastgate Saturday night after the game and 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 Saturday, but do something else on Sunday 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 Saturday but want to come out and play for the “Thunder Cup” on Sunday. Come join us on Saturday, Sunday, 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 last fall 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: Marco and Dr. Kopp have been tapped to throw out the 1st pitch prior to the Reds vs. Braves game at the Great American ThunderFest. Marco has informed us that as a young buffalo he was involved in bad collision behind home plate and has been a little shy to get back there since (no bull). Marco has agreed to be Dr. Kopp’s personal pitching coach, and we need someone to catch the pitch. Each $5 donation you make will have your name entered into a drawing for the home plate honors and the winner will be announce at the Cincinnati Reds Fan Zone prior to the game.

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 Saturday, and we are anticipating we will completely sell out the golf course on Sunday. Due to the opponent (Atlanta Braves), corporate sales of tickets, and the baseball game being the FSN Game of the Week, 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 Saturday? 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 3:55. Normally gates open 2 hours prior to the game on Saturdays but we will be allowed in at 12:30 through a special designated Gate for a pre-game get together in the Reds Fan Zone.

Q: Do I need a special ticket to get into the pre-game celebration?

A: Yes. You need to purchase your ticket through the MU Cincy Club website at www.greatamericanthunderfest.com to be able to enjoy the pre-game festivities. A special ticket for Herd fans sold only through the website must be presented to enter.

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 Saturday 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 2008 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!