THIBODAUX, La. - While the Nicholls State University football program has prepared for and started the 2018 season on the road, Colonel Athletics has been updating and adding to Guidry Stadium, the surrounding grounds, and what goes on at each during the fall.
These renovations, additions, and updates include new signage, improved concessions, and improvements to the fan experience on gameday. Below is a list of many of the things Colonel fans can expect to see when the Colonels host their home opener this Saturday against Sam Houston State University in a matchup of highly-ranked teams.
"We continue to strive to improve the fan experience and the service we provide in our venues," Nicholls Director of Athletics Matt Roan said. "We are excited by the improvements we've made on top of the changes made prior to last season. Feedback from our alumni, fans, and community is well-received, and I'm proud that many of these items are reflective of their suggestions. Combined with 'the crowd noise,' we're creating an elite gameday environment."
Expanded Colonel Village and Improvements:
Due to increased demand, we have created new premium tailgate spots for fans to enjoy behind the video board on the north end of the stadium.
Also, new features will be unveiled each week throughout the year, including a maze, a football interactive inflatable and obstacle course, and face painting. For the home opener, Kerry Thibodaux will be performing live with a special guest appearance from Boots Clune.
In addition, an increased number or port-a-lets and a restroom trailer will be available.
Parking Updates:
- Season Parking Passes are sold out for the 2018 season.
- Side-by-side parking is not permitted along Audobon Ave.
- Lot 12/Family Day Lot will now be available for parking and/or cooking trailers to those with a reserved tailgating space for the 9/22, 11/10, and 11/15 games. Family Day and Homecoming will require fans to park in usual spots those gamedays. Please refrain from driving on the sidewalk inside Colonel Village.
Pregame Show:
ESPN New Orleans 100.3 FM will be doing a pregame show for each home game live from Colonel Village.
New Ticket Scanners:
Upgrades in technology in the form of new ticket scanners should support ease of access for fans entering the gates at Guidry Stadium.
Clear Bag Policy:
Due to the positive reception from fans, this will continue to remain in effect moving forward.
Signage:
New ticketing and wayfinding signage intended to improve the fan experience has been placed throughout the stadium and grounds. Additionally, Sodexo and the Bookstore have new signage in and around Guidry Stadium.
New Content for ColonelVision:
A new intro video will be introduced this year. Our partners at Nevco have helped create new fan prompts to be used to pump the players and crowd up before, during, and after the games.
Gameday Program:
With a simple scan of the QR code on the Gameday Program handout, fans will be able to access team photos, a preview of Saturday's game, and new this season, feature stories about the football team and athletics department.
Expanded Concourses:
Before the home opener on 9/22, concrete will be poured on the west side of the stadium to create larger concourses, which will allow for improved fan traffic and additional fan experience offerings. The east side concourse expansion will be completed prior to Homecoming on 10/27.
Colonel Athletic Association/Nicholls Alumni Federation Tailgate:
Colonel Athletic Association and Nicholls Alumni Federation members get in FREE to home tailgates the entire season. Other guests will be charged a $10 entrance fee per person. Tailgates include food and drinks. If you have not already done so, you will be able to join the CAA or Nicholls Alumni Federation at the tailgate, or ahead of time online at geauxcolonels.com or nichollsalumni.org/membership.
Seating and Hospitality Area Improvements:
- Renovated Colonel Quarters Suite Level, which includes all-new leather seating and other aesthetic improvements
- The Coors Light Cold Zone will receive updates throughout the 2018 season
Switch from Cups to Cans and All-New Colonel Beer Cove:
In response to suggestions from our fans, we will now be serving beer in cans rather than pouring canned beer into cups. (Students will still be required to have their beer in cups.) In addition to expanding concourses, the Colonel Beer Cove will allow for expedited service.
Koozies will be available for fans on a first come, first served basis for this Saturday's home opener.
Pre- and In-Game Concessions Improvements:
In Lot 12/Family Day Lot, Kona Ice will be serving snowballs, while The Big Easy will serve kettle corn, funnel cakes, and fresh-squeezed lemonade during tailgating. The Big Easy products will be available inside the stadium during the game.
Food Trucks!:
Food trucks and Sodexo national partners will also make appearances throughout the year.
Social Media:
Stay up-to-date all day long on Twitter @Nicholls_FB and Instagram @GeauxColonels. For the opening weekend, Colonel men's basketball player Ryghe Lyons will take over the Southland Conference Instagram account (@SouthlandSports), providing an inside look at gameday in Thibodaux.
Fireworks:
The team will continue its tradition of running out of the tunnel, through the helmet, and through smoke and fireworks each home game. A special thank you to the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department for providing the sirens and lights, as well as the smoke.
Post-game firework shows will take place later in the season.
In-stadium Changes:
New sideline banners, a new billboard, and additional sponsorship opportunities are visible inside the stadium.
Staffing:
To better serve the needs of fans, we have increased our in-stadium event staff.
