THIBODAUX, La. - The long awaited Week 0 has officially arrived. This Saturday, Aug. 23 on Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium, the Nicholls State University football team will host nationally-ranked UIW at 12 p.m. for a Southland Conference clash. 

TICKETS
Tickets are still available online by visiting here. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of time to avoid potential long lines at the ticket gates during gameday.

HISTORIC EVENT
The game features several firsts. Nicholls versus UIW is the first college football game to take place on American soil for the 2025 season. Longtime defensive coordinator Tommy Rybacki will be making his head coaching debut after helping the Colonels to three Southland titles -- 2018, 2019, and 2023. 

For the broadcast, it will be the first game ever at John L. Guidry Stadium and Southland matchup to be aired on a national linear television network, being showcased on ESPN2. It is also the first SLC game to be played opening week since 2017 when Nicholls won on a last-second field goal against McNeese en route to its first playoff appearance in over a decade.

PREGAME
Students and fans will be able to begin tailgating at 7:00 a.m. With ongoing construction near the stadium parking lot on the press box side, the RV parking area has been moved to the other side of the stadium in the Barker Hall parking Lot.

BEAT THE HEAT
Fans attending the game will have access to misters located throughout the stadium to stay cool. Fans are also allowed to bring in one sealed bottle of water. 

FANS
In-game music will be provided by Deejay Juice. Fans are also encouraged to be in their seats at 11:45 a.m. for a special presentation. 

STAY SOCIAL
For more information on Colonel Football, follow the team on Twitter (@Nicholls_FB), Instagram (@Nicholls_FB) and like their Facebook page (Nicholls Football).