TU Football Announces 'Hometown Heroes' Game

Before the annual kickoff luncheon Tuesday, TU announced two new portions of the "For Our City" campaign.

In what has become a theme at 11th and Harvard, football season at the University of Tulsa is about more than just football.

"We're dubbing this game the "For Our City, Hometown Heroes" game," said Athletic Director Dr. Derrick Gragg. 

TU will kick off the season September 1 by honoring first responders from across Green Country

"September 1st is just another way we can show our gratitude for our fire, and for our police and for our EMT personnel," said Head Coach Philip Montgomery. 

Then, on the September 15th game against Arkansas State, it's the Alzheimer's awareness game. The Alzheimer's walk will take place on campus earlier in the day, and participants will receive a free ticket to the game, among several other items.

"Obviously, this has affected my family, my wife's and mine on both sides of it. We have been very strong in this cause and we continue to do that and want to do that," said Montgomery. 

Not only is this an opportunity for Coach Monty and his family to give back to a cause that's near and dear to their hearts, it reinforces the connection and the relationship he's built with Tulsa as a community.

"It's been very easy for my family and I to find our niche within the community, and we have grown to really love this place, and a lot of that is because of who lives here and the people that dwell here," Montgomery said.  

Following the announcement was TU’s annual kickoff luncheon. As the season moves closer, the impact of the team will be felt beyond Chapman Stadium.

"TU athletics is something that brings people from all parts of our city together to experience joy and excitement," said Mayor G.T. Bynum.