MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University has instituted Racer Proud Fridays as an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, alumni, supporters and community members to share their passion for the University. The first Racer Proud Friday will be held Aug. 31 in conjunction with the National College Colors Day initiative.
“Murray State University is appreciative to have so many supporters both within our campus community and beyond,” said Murray State Interim President Bob Jackson. “Their support is vital as we achieve the goals set before us, and it’s important that their passion for our fine institution is seen and heard by others. Our Racer Proud Fridays will help take this excitement to a new level.”
Members of the community are encouraged to wear Murray State attire and colors or to display the University’s familiar blue and gold in their work areas. Individuals can use #RacerProud as part of their social media messaging when posting photos or videos on Racer Proud Fridays. They can also follow the University’s social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat by connecting with @murraystateuniv. Businesses who are interested in receiving a free “Racer Proud” poster for their workplace are asked to contact Murray State’s Town & Gown partnership program at msu.townandgown@murraystate.edu or 270-809-3023.
Staff in the University’s Office of Branding, Marketing and Communication will keep a close eye on campus on Fridays to recognize and reward students, faculty and staff who are visibly showing their blue and gold support. “With such an influx of visitors to the University on Fridays for campus tours, it’s essential that these future Racers both see and feel the support that has been an integral part of the University’s history for multiple generations,” Jackson added.
Anticipation continues to grow in Racer Nation as the first football game of the 2018 season will take place Thursday, Aug. 30, when the Racers host Southern Illinois University. Kickoff at Roy Stewart Stadium is at 6 p.m. that evening.
“A big part of collegiate sports is the colors that you wear, and we’re very proud of the blue and gold that we wear here at Murray State,” said Racer head football coach Mitch Stewart. “This will be fun to see everyone wearing our colors all over campus.”
The Murray State University Office of Alumni Relations will host several pre-game tailgates this season, including one for the Aug. 30 home opener. For $5 per person, attendees can enjoy food, special giveaways and prizes as well as appearances by the Racer Band, cheerleaders, Dunker and Racer One. For a complete list of fall football tailgates, please visit murraystate.edu/alumni. Alumni are also encouraged to connect with the University by using #RacerAlumni in their social media posts.
Fans looking to update their Racer wardrobe may visit the University Bookstore during business hours and can even order select merchandise online by visiting bookstore.murraystate.edu. Other retailers both in Murray and the surrounding area also offer Racer merchandise and will be periodically spotlighted as part of Racer Proud Fridays. For National College Colors Day on Aug. 31, individuals on social media are encouraged to use #CollegeColorsDay in their messaging.