The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced several changes to enhance the gameday experience at football home games this fall.

Tickets are on sale now in advance of the season opener on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. against Indiana Wesleyan at Brown Field. The Labor Day weekend matchup with the Wildcats will mark the start of a five-game home slate that also includes Pioneer Football League dates with San Diego (Sept. 24, Homecoming), Butler (Oct. 15), St. Thomas (Nov. 5) and Drake (Nov. 19, Senior Day). The Indiana Wesleyan game will mark Valpo’s first home night game since 2014.

The department has announced the addition of a Community Tailgate Lot for home football games this season. The lot opens three hours before kickoff and costs $10 per car for the general public or $5 per car for faculty and staff. Those who purchase entrance into the Community Tailgate Lot will have access to food trucks and children’s games. The lot will be located on the former hospital grounds, which are northwest of Brown Field. Vehicles will enter the lot from Monroe Street and exit the lot on LaPorte Avenue. Payment will be cash only.

For the Sept. 3 season opener, food trucks will include Day Dreams and Ice Cream, RNE’s Bacon Express, Meraki, G’s Dogs, Chunky’s Tacos and Kona Ice. In addition, the space will also include a bounce house. Outside food, drinks and alcoholic beverages (ages 21 and over only) will be permitted in the Community Tailgate Lot. Pets are not allowed.

The season opener will feature a “glow night” theme with glow-in-the-dark items given away to early-arriving fans.

Another new addition to the Brown Field gameday experience this season will be premium seating in an end zone tent. By purchasing premium tickets at $30 per person, fans will gain access to on-field seating. Tickets can be purchased at valpoathletics.com/tickets or at the gate.

Valpo Student Life will also be debuting a pregame gathering area for Valpo students to add to the gameday festivities.

General admission bleacher seating is available for $10 per ticket again this season. Children 10 and under are free with no ticket required. Tickets can be purchased online at valpoathletics.com/tickets or at the gate.

As part of a campus beautification project, the University is upgrading the entrance to Brown Field. This upgrade to the Brown Field south entrance will further enhance the fan experience upon its completion.

Valpo Athletics has announced parking availability for this season. Lot 45 will be sold as season parking passes only with no single-game spaces available. All passes will be sold online and fans will have a mobile pass to each individual game. The rate will be $125 per car or $200 per RV. Lot 32 will also be sold as season parking passes only with a rate of $100 per car and $200 per RV. Visiting team parking will be available in the front of the fitness center at a rate of $20.