MURFREESBORO - The MTSU Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center and the Blue Raider football team are honored to host the 42nd Annual Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces Football Game on Nov. 9 – the longest running in the NCAA!
 
Kick-off versus the Liberty Flames is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. and will be broadcast nationally on the CBS Sports Network. Thanks to our partners at Mid-South Ford Dealers and the MTSU Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, this day will be filled with events and activities to honor and recognize veterans, current service members, and their families.
 
Veterans, current service members, and their families will receive a complimentary ticket to the game. Tickets will be available for pickup at the Pre-game Picnic located in Walnut Grove starting at 9:30 a.m. Any current military service members or veteran groups wishing to secure tickets prior to game day should email dvmfc@mtsu.edu with the group name and quantity of tickets requested.
 
Listed below is an outline of the day's activities: 
 
Saturday, Nov. 11
8:30 a.m. – Veterans Memorial Service
Start the morning at the Veterans Memorial Service at the Keathley University Center Theatre. This year, we will be paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of World War II Veterans. The ceremony will include a moment of silence, a guest speaker, and the announcement of the recipient of the 2024 Dr. Joe Nunley Award.
 
9:00 a.m. – Party in the Grove
The Party in the Grove - the official pre-game tailgate of Blue Raider Football - activities begin three hours before kick-off in Walnut Grove, the traditional campus gathering point in an open field between Peck Hall and the Cope Administration Building. In addition to the performance stage, the grove will also feature a Raider Walk by the football team, two food trucks, and several sponsored tents and activities. The 129th Army Band will kick off the event at 9:00 a.m. in the grove, setting the stage for a day of celebration and honor. With a lineage tracing back to 1780, the band has proudly represented the state of Tennessee and the Tennessee Army National Guard at a multitude of prestigious events, including two World's Fairs and a presidential inaugural parade. Notably, they were one of only two reserve bands called to active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm. Their performance promises to be a stirring tribute to our veterans, paving the way for the highly anticipated appearance of Tyke T.  Tyke T, a two-time MTSU graduate, and a Billboard-charting hip-hop artist based in Memphis. He was featured during a show by Forbes magazine held at the legendary Orpheum Theater in Memphis, during which he was awarded an honorary professorship in MTSU's Department of Recording Industry.
 
9:30 a.m. – Pregame Picnic & Vet Village
Following the conclusion of the Veterans Memorial Service, Middle Tennessee Athletics will be sponsoring a tailgate in Walnut Grove for all Veterans, current service members, and their family members. There will be free food and drinks, live music by the 129th Army Band's 'Freedom Winds,' and the Dr. Joe Nunley Award recipient speech. Veterans, service members, and their families can pick up complimentary tickets to the football game.
 
Veterans Village, which will be located in Walnut Grove, is an area for veterans, active service members, and their families to meet with vendors who might be a resource to them. 
 
9:45 a.m. – Raider Walk
Fans can cheer alongside the Band of Blue and Spirit Squad as they welcome the Blue Raider football team to campus. 
 
12:00 p.m. – MT Football vs. Liberty Flames
Make sure to be in your seats by 11:30 a.m. for the Band of Blue Pre-Game Show and for a special game ball drone delivery by MTSU's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations program. 
 
Throughout the game, we will recognize alums who have or are currently serving in the military, recognitions of all service branches, and one of the best Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces traditions: The Halftime Parade. 
 
All current service members and veterans are encouraged to participate in the halftime parade honoring all branches of the military. To participate, head down to the center tunnel in the north endzone with five minutes left in the 2nd Quarter. MTSU will make reminder announcements throughout the game.
 
Middle Tennessee State University hopes you can join us for the 42nd Annual Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces Game!