Our stands were empty at kickoff this week. Our football games over the past 4 years have always started at 7pm. A perfect time for all students and athletes. But this year all of our home games were moved to 6pm. While an hour may seem insignificant, it messes with everything that makes a football game great.

First, football players, due to the extreme nature of the sport, need time to mentally prepare for the game. Starting at 6 gives players little time to lock in before the game. It also prevents players from getting good food before the game. 

Second, all other athletes practice ends at around 6-6:30. This gives them no time to make it to the opening kickoffs. This was seen at our first home game. Pushing the time back an hour, would give other athletes time to get ready and arrive to the game on time.

Third, the everyday student 6:00Pm is far too early. Football games are often the event of the week. People want time to get ready and eat food before the game. They don't want to feel rushed to get to the game on time. This past week the game was too early. There were no students in the stadium ready for kickoff.

We ask that home football games return to a 7:00 PM start time for the remainder of this season.