Football season is just around the corner, and while fans are readying their tailgating tents, organizers are preparing to welcome both out-of-towners and Troy fans to a second year the Downtown Troy Tailgate.

“We hope to have even more people join us this year,” said Leigh Anne Windham with the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.

Among the new additions to the downtown tailgate is a big screen television that will be placed on the square so tailgaters can watch some of the games that happen before Troy’s kick-off.

“And all of our merchants, restaurants, shops and boutiques are on board to offer event specials at each Downtown Troy Tailgate,” Windham said.

On Aug. 31 and Sept. 7, tailgating events will begin at noon and last until 4 p.m., ending in time for the Trojans to play UAB and Savannah State on those dates at 6 p.m. Both dates will feature live music.

On Oct. 15, Troy’s homecoming game is set for noon, so the tailgating event will shift to a post game celebration beginning at 5 p.m. with First Generation providing a concert.

“They were the band that played at the Colley Senior Complex’s Mardi Gras Gala this year,” Windham said. “We are really excited about that because both college students and older community members had a good time with them.”

Troy plays on Halloween night against Louisiana-Monroe at 6:30, so tailgating will return from noon to 4 p.m. Since the game is on a Tuesday, the tailgating event will kick off with Brown Bag on the Square with a visit by Head Coach Larry Blakeney. Live music and more fun will follow.

The last home game of the season is on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.

“We’ll help get people in the spirit of the season with live Christmas music that day,” Windham said.

The tailgate on Nov. 29 will begin at noon and last until 4 p.m. and merchant specials will help shoppers grab great deals during Christmas shopping.

Just like last year, Troy University shuttles to and from the downtown area and local hotels will be available to make traveling to the Downtown Troy Tailgate and Troy home games will be easy for both locals and guests from out of town.

The Downtown Troy Tailgate is sponsored by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Troy. For more information, contact Leigh Anne Windham at (334) 566-2294 or email leighanne@troycable.net.