Yahoo Sports On UMass Football Tour

By Jason Yellin on May 20, 2011 10:06 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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Check out alum Taurus Londono's story on Yahoo.com: UMass Football Tour a Reintroduction for Alumni.

My alma mater the University of Massachusetts recently held the first of five public events intended to spread the word about the football program's move to the FBS. The "Together We Are One Tour" kicked off at the Colonnade Hotel in Boston this past Tuesday, and the free event offered alumni like me the opportunity for some valuable face time with Minutemen coach Kevin Morris. The tour will unfold throughout the summer at locations throughout New England, the next stop in New York City on May 26th.

UMass Football Tour a Reintroduction for Alumni

By Taurus Londono, Yahoo! Contributor NetworkMay 19, 9:40 am EDTThis article was produced by a Yahoo! Sports user. Submit a story.

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My alma mater the University of Massachusetts recently held the first of five public events intended to spread the word about the football program's move to the FBS. The "Together We Are One Tour" kicked off at the Colonnade Hotel in Boston this past Tuesday, and the free event offered alumni like me the opportunity for some valuable face time with Minutemen coach Kevin Morris. The tour will unfold throughout the summer at locations throughout New England, the next stop in New York City on May 26th.

Morris and the UMass alumni who live throughout the area have plenty to talk about. The recent news that UMass is joining the FBS, and will be competing in the Mid-American Conference starting in 2012, means more than a new set of opponents.

The big move also means a change of venue, with Minutemen home games being held at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. 90 miles from the team's current home on campus, the new venue means that the football program won't be able to rely solely on students living around campus to fill seats. During my time at UMass, McGuirk was a brief walk from my dorm room, and there was no excuse not to miss a home game. If I was still a student living on campus in 2012, I might have to think twice about heading to a game. The trip to Gillette from Amherst is around two hours.

That's why UMass is undoubtedly counting on alumni who live across the area to buy tickets, especially those who live in greater Boston. The "Together We Are One Tour" is not only a chance for such alumni to reconnect with the team, it's also a chance for attendees to walk away from the events with renewed interest that they can pass on to friends and family. UMass will definitely need loyal alumni and new fans if the upcoming seasons are going to succeed. Every Minutemen fan I've ever known has been waiting for a move to the FBS, but the change of venue is a big gamble.

The "Together We Are One Tour" continues on May 26th at Professor Thoms' Bar and Restaurant in NYC. Attendance is free but those interested will have to register by May 24th. You can register to attend online at the UMass Alumni Association. Future stops include Cape Cod on June 17th, the Boston UMass Club on June 23rd, and Providence, Rhode Island on June 27th. For more information, check out the official site or call 800-456-UMASS.

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Yahoo Sports On UMass Football Tour