Village People, New Mascot Part of Opener

Group will perform at halftime of UB-Rutgers game; new mascot also to be on hand

BUFFALO, NY - There will be plenty going on besides great football at the University at Buffalo's home opener against Rutgers University on Thursday, August 30 at UB Stadium. The game is sponsored by Adelphia. This will mark the fourth year that Adelphia has partnered with UB Athletics to sponsor the home opener.

A number of great promotions will make the night one to remember as the Bulls kick off the 2001 season under new head coach Jim Hofher. It will be the first-ever Buffalo appearance by a BIG EAST football team, but that won't be the only exciting appearance that evening.

Before the game starts, UB's newest mascot - Victoria S. Bull, a.k.a Vicki - the sister of the ever-popular Victor E. Bull, who made his first UB Stadium appearance on opening night in 1997, will be introduced. It will be Vicki's first game appearance, although she'll be introduced officially at UB's Rockin' Rally 2001 on August 24.

Village People

At halftime, fans will get a chance to relive the 1970s during UB's "Retro Halftime Spectacular" presented by Adelphia and New Tostitos Scoops. The halftime performance will be headlined by national recording artists Village People who will perform some of their greatest hits, including long-time stadium favorite "YMCA." They will be joined on the field by a group of over 300 local children who participated in YMCA camps around the Western New York area this summer.

In addition, throughout the game there will be special appearances by the Zooperstars, sponsored by WNSA and the Empire Sports Network.

As usual at home football games, children will be entertained before the game at the 22-foot giant slide and a bounce house, and the UB marching band will perform before the contest. It is also Western New York High School Football night and a giant fireworks show will conclude the evening.

Single game tickets are available for $12 and $10 by calling the UB Ticket Office at 716-645-6666.