Free football rally in Grand Rapids for Bronco fans
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Western Michigan University fans will rally in downtown Grand Rapids beginning at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, to help gear up for the Broncos’ football season opener at the University of Illinois.
Admission and transportation to the Stampede Pep Rally is free.
The Stampede Pep Rally will have a tailgate atmosphere and feature complimentary food, entertainment, soft drinks and beer. The event is in preparation for the football season opener between the Broncos and Illinois, slated for noon Saturday, Sept. 1, in Champaign, Ill.
To kick off the rally, the Blues Man Group will take the stage at 5 p.m. at the B.O.B, or Big Old Building, while the 300-member Bronco Marching Band will assemble at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids. At 5:45 p.m., the Bronco Marching Band will lead WMU fans and friends through the streets to the B.O.B, playing music all along the route.
The rally takes place in the parking lot of the B.O.B at 20 Monroe Ave. NW.
In addition to the marching band, several other representatives from WMU will be on hand to fire up rally participants during the evening, including WMU alumnus John Boll, Head Football Coach Bill Cubit, the Bronco Cheer and Dance teams, and mascot Buster Bronco.
The B.O.B. is one of Grand Rapids’ hottest food and entertainment venues. Located in a four-story warehouse built in 1903—the same year WMU was founded—the structure houses several popular eateries and bars as well as a nightclub, comedy club and brewery.
Free bus transportation from the WMU campus to the Stampede is available. Please register online at mywmu.com
- 3:45 p.m. - Buses arrive near Miller Auditorium
- 4 p.m. - Buses depart for Grand Rapids
- 8 p.m. - Buses arrive in Kalamazoo
Visit mywmu.com for more information, or call the Concierge Line at (269) 387-8746. Visit wmubroncos.com for the complete Bronco football schedule or to purchase game tickets.