By Bailey Faulkner
The High Country Grizzlies started their season off with a bang as the new franchise defeated the Georgia Firebirds 62-29 in Albany, Georgia on Saturday. After a relatively slow start to the game, the Grizzlies rocketed to a 26-10 lead, not allowing the Firebirds within striking distance of the lead for the remainder of the match.
While the final score to the franchise’s first game in history may surprise those associated with preexisting arena teams, the Grizzlies expected nothing less from its opening match.
“It was everything we expected,” Grizzlies quarterback Stephen Panasuk said. “We expected to come here and get a win.”
Panasuk threw for five touchdowns in the game with three going to Daron Clark and one each going to former Appalachian State University footballers Malachi Jones and Dexter Jackson. Panasuk was also able to make it to the scoreboard with a touchdown run.
With a successful first outing under its belt, the High Country Grizzlies are now looking forward to its first-ever home game at the Holmes Convocation Center. The Grizzlies are set to take on the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks for the home opener.
While fans can certainly expect a high-energy game from the High Country’s newest football team on Saturday, football lovers can also expect to properly celebrate their passion for the sport even with ASU’s football season months away.
Rules and Regulations at the Holmes Convocation Center
Football isn’t football without the chance to come together with family and other fans before and during the game. Check out some of the rules and regulations in effect for the High Country Grizzlies’ season.
Parking
Fans can park at the the Peacock lot, Stadium lot, Rivers Street parking deck, Hill Street lot above the arena and the back lot of the Boone Mall (located where the Belk and TJ Max are) for this year’s Grizzlies games. There will also be parking at the Hardee’s next to the Convocation Center for a fee that will be set by Hardee’s. You can click here for a map of parking on ASU’s campus.
There will be a free shuttle to the game beginning at 4:30 p.m. and will end 1 hour after the game concludes and will be available to pick people up and drop off to/from Hill Street lot, Boone Mall and Peacock lot.
Tailgating
The Grizzlies also encourage people to arrive early to the game on Saturday and enjoy tailgating before the game. Individuals are allowed to bring food and set up tailgates in any of the open lots, however per code 106.1 in the Appalachian State tailgate policy, alcohol will not be allowed to be present at these tailgates, please visit policy.appstate.edu for more information and for the full tailgating policy. Individuals wanting to tailgate will be responsible for all trash and should be disposed of properly.
Concessions
Like with basketball games and other events at the venue, concessions will be served by ASU at the concession stands located inside the Holmes Convocation Center. Nachos, pizza and other items will be available for hungry fans.
Beer and other alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase to season ticket holders and sponsors only. Beverages will be sold beginning at 5 p.m. when gates are opened. If you are interested in purchasing season tickets, click here.
Tickets
General admission and reserved seating tickets will be sold online and at the ticket booth at the Convocation Center. General tickets will be $12 and reserved seating tickets will be $18.
Don’t miss out on the High Country Grizzlies’ first ever home game! If you want to purchase tickets or learn more about the new franchise, click here.
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