News Taffy

The Arkansas State football team will hold its annual spring game at ASU Stadium on April 14 at 1 p.m., when A-State fans will get their first look at the defending Sun Belt Conference champion Red Wolves in a “game day” atmosphere under new head coach Gus Malzahn.

ASU began its spring camp March 14, and the spring game will count as another practice for the Red Wolves as they continue preparations for the 2012 season. ASU will practice Wednesday and Friday leading up to the spring game, and it also has two additional practices currently set for April 16 and 18 as part of its spring camp.

Admission for the spring game is set at $5, and kids 12 and under will be admitted free. The ticket also grants free entrance into ASU’s home baseball game against Western Kentucky, set for 4 p.m. later that afternoon. Tickets for the spring game will be available at gates 2 and 5 at ASU Stadium or can be purchased in advance by contacting the Red Wolf Club at 870-972-2401. All parking is free of charge.

Gate 2 is located on the southwest side of the stadium and gate 5 is located directly in front of the press box, while ASU students will be granted free admission with a valid student ID at gate 11.  Free A-State football t-shirts will also be issued to the first 500 ASU students beginning at noon at gate 11, located on the northwest side of the stadium.

In addition to the on-field action, the ASU band will be in attendance as an electric atmosphere is expected. Several promotions will be held prior to and after the game as well, including a live performance by the band Heading South beginning at 11 a.m. Inflatables will be set up on the ASU Stadium concourse, and fans will have an opportunity to meet the players and coaches at an autograph session following the game.

Barbeque, concessions, ASU merchandise and 2012 football tickets will all be available for purchase as well. The barbeque will be provided by the award-winning Rack Pack at a cost of $5 per plate, and the ASU concessions will be open with discounted game-day pricing. Free 2012 A-State football posters and schedule cards will also be available.

The game, featuring four quarters and a halftime, will utilize a traditional game format and scoring system with defensive coordinator John Thompson and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee directing the offense and defense under the leadership of Malzahn.

The team will also hold a “family day” dinner for current players and members of the 2012 signing class later that evening.

Season tickets for ASU’s 2012 campaign are currently on sale at the ASU Ticket Office. The ticket office can be contacted at 870-972-ASU1, or tickets can be purchased online through A-State’s official athletic Web site AStateRedWolves.com.