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University of Massachusets Athletics
Massachusetts Athletics Announces Football Gameday Enhancements
August 14, 2024 | Football
New traffic patterns will be in place for the 2024 season.
AMHERST, Mass. – The Massachusetts athletics department will unveil several gameday experience upgrades at McGuirk Alumni Stadium for the 2024 home football season, which gets underway at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31 against Eastern Michigan.
Exclusive early parking lot access for season ticket holders who chose to upgrade their parking to Lot 11, or Stadium Drive, will begin 30 minutes prior to when lots open for the general public. Fans can still take advantage of this new benefit by purchasing or upgrading their season tickets by clicking HERE or by calling 1-866-UMASS-TIX.
Traffic Patterns & Parking
There will be new traffic patterns to expedite the process of parking at McGuirk Alumni Stadium on gamedays.
Of note, University Drive will feature one way traffic going northbound and Fearing Street will be closed from University Drive to Sunset.
Specific parking lot instructions will be linked on the back of parking passes via QR codes and added to UMassAthletics.com in the coming days.
New this season, students can purchase a parking pass for lot 11 on game weeks from the Mullins box office, with a limited number available each week. The passes can be purchased starting Thursday of game week at the Mullins box office. Student cars will need to enter between three and four hours prior to kickoff. Cars will not be allowed to enter lot 11 with less than three hours remaining before kickoff and will not be allowed to leave lot 11 until halftime.
Concessions
The Massachusetts Thruway
The main entrance of McGuirk Alumni Stadium on gameday, the Massachusetts Thruway is a new experience from UMass Dining where fans can walk through Bays 15 and 16 to pick up all their concession needs.
Baby Berk food trucks will feature burgers, quesadillas, fries and more. You can also grab your favorite snacks, beverages, beers and seltzers on the walk into the stadium.
New high-top tables will be located in nearby sections 14 and 17 to sit back, watch warmups and meet friends.
The Barracks
An all-new south end zone food court, the Barracks provides a great area to watch all the on-field action at event level. The Maroon side will feature cornhole, a draft beer trailer, steak and cheese subs and gluten free options. The White side will feature a food court with fan favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage, chicken, fries and more. Both sides offer beverages of all kinds, a new hangout area and a drink rail right on the field.
The Bunker Bars
The Bunker Bars are now located right on the sideline in front of sections 3 and 13. These are the perfect stops to pick up a beer, seltzer, soda or water. Don't forget to grab some popcorn, pistachios or pretzels as well.
Merchandise
The UMass Store will have a new location on the east side of the stadium behind section 18.
Tickets
Tickets for UMass' season-opener against Eastern Michigan are on sale now and start at just $10 for kids 12 and under. Get yours today by visiting www.umassathletics.com/tickets, or by calling 1-866-UMASS-TIX.
Game themes against future Mid-American Conference foe Eastern Michigan include Youth Day, School Employee Appreciation Day, Western Mass Community Day and Matthew Bullock Day.
- Pregame Kid Zone featuring games, face painting and the opportunity to interact with UMass student-athletes
- Western Massachusetts themed rally towels
- Western Massachusetts themed buttons
The home slate is also highlighted by Homecoming on Sept. 21 versus Central Connecticut State and playing host to 11th-ranked Missouri, who will be the first SEC team to play at McGuirk Alumni Stadium on Oct. 12.