Get ready sports fans. VSU is launching a new tradition with Blazer Zone, an event happening this Saturday before the first football game. The event will be held at Drexel Park from noon to 6 p.m. and will be open to the entire Valdosta community.

The purpose of the event is to draw fan support and attendance for VSU’s first game of the season against Wingate, as well as the Blazer program. Attendees to the event can expect to eat plenty of food, and hear music from local radio stations. There will also be a bounce house for children and energetic fans to play in.

“We’re expecting a pretty big turnout for this event and the game,” said event coordinator Noble Coley of VSU’s Athletic Marketing Department. “We’re planning on some coaches to attend along with a few radio stations.”

Coley also promoted another event that will be happening during the game. “The first 1,000 fans to enter the Southwest entrance at the stadium and turn in a different colleges T-Shirt will get a free Valdosta State T-Shirt. So bring your University of Fla., UGA, Georgia Tech or whoever’s shirt and support the Blazers,” said Coley.

Participation will be for a good cause. All donated shirts will be given to the local Goodwill to clothe people in need of a shirt. “To get a shirt, you must give a shirt to a person who needs one. Every shirt means a lot to the community,” said Coley.

Whether for charity or just smiles, Blazer Zone is expected to be entertaining and a great kickoff event for the 2010 VSU football season.