Oklahoma Sets Date for Special Spectators

The University of Oklahoma has picked a date for its annual Special Spectators event. Every year, seriously ill children from hospitals close to Norman get the opportunity of a lifetime on a fall Saturday. Children enjoy locker room visits, autographs, a personal visit to Coach Stoops' office, a great tailgate, on-field access and introductions, and pictures with players, coaches, and cheerleaders! Oklahoma puts on an outstanding event, and they have chosen this year's event to be held on September 15. Thanks to OU for putting on such a great event and stay tuned for the results!

NC State Schedules Special Spectators Event

North Carolina State University has scheduled its 2nd Special Spectators event for Saturday, September 15. NC State also hosted a Special Spectators event in 2005 for some seriously ill children in the RTP area. Thank you to the Wolfpack for your generosity and support! Keep an eye out on this blog for updates and pictures from the event!

Northwestern Pencils In September 15 Special Spectators Event

Northwestern University and Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald have scheduled a magical game day event for seriously ill children in the Chicago area. The event will consist of pre-game fun such as a tailgate and an opportunity to meet some of the players and coaches. Former NU players will be pitching in at the tailgate to volunteer and play around with the children. Northwestern has put on a great event every year and Coach Fitz and the rest of the Northwestern football program have been extremely generous in giving their time to Special Spectators. This year's event will be held on September 15. More details to follow. Thanks to Northwestern University for your support!

Georgia Tech Schedules Special Spectators Event

Georgia Tech has scheduled its second annual Special Spectators event for its game against Samford on September 8. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 1:30 PM ET. At last year's event, the children had a wonderful time. They got to participate in the "Yellow Jacket Walk"; they were able to enjoy a great tailgate meal before the game; they had special access to the field where they received a pre-game announcement in front of a sellout crowd vs. Maryland, and they got to take some great photographs with Buzz and the cheerleading squad! The children also enjoyed the game from one of the great suites provided by the university. Thank you to Georgia Tech for your support!

Illinois Schedules Special Spectators Event for Sept. 8

The University of Illinois has scheduled a Special Spectators event for the fifth consecutive year. The event will be held on Saturday, September 8 versus Western Illinois. Kickoff is set for 6 PM. Special Spectators has helped create magical days at college football games for over 3,800 children and family members since 2002. Over 100 children and family members will benefit from this great annual event this fall. Thank you to the University of Illinois!

Indiana to Host Special Spectators on Sept. 15 vs. Akron

Indiana University has committed to a September 15 event with Special Spectators. Indiana is one of four Big Ten universitites that partners with Special Spectators. Indiana hosts Akron on September 15 and kickoff is set for 12:00 PM (EDT). Indiana University became a partner in 2005 and has put on terrific game day events for seriously ill children in the Bloomington area.

Fresno State Confirms Event

Fresno State of the Western Athletic Conference has confirmed a Special Spectators event to be held on Saturday, September 1. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM (PDT) vs. Sacramento State. This is the first event that Fresno State has done with Special Spectators and we welcome them into the organization as a collegiate partner. Fresno State has kindly donated 100 tickets to the game for seriously ill children and their family members. The day will include a tailgate party, the game itself, and much much more! Come back and vist Special Spectators' Weblog for more updates.

Fitzgerald, Eanet Highlight Great Evening at 2nd Annual Gala

Northwestern Wildcats Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald highlighted the evening at Special Spectators' 2nd Annual Gala on Thursday, July 12, at Fulton's on the River.

Fitzgerald spoke about his belief in giving back to the community and how all athletes and coaches have the ability to do more due to their celebrity image. Fitzgerald also talked about the upcoming 2007 football season and answered questions from the crowd. Dave Eanet, also known as Mr. Wildcat to Northwestern fans, was the emcee for the evening.

The evening was a spectacular between the great food and service, the excellent speakers, and the wonderful cause. Special Spectators was able to raise over $20,000 from the event, an amount greater than 50% of the total cash that Special Spectators has raised since 2002. One lucky person even won a trip to France as part of the Special Spectators Raffle Prize!

The college football season is coming soon, and our list of collegiate partners is growing quickly. Recently added to the list of partners are Boston College and Fresno State University. Game day events at both locations will be anounced soon.

Special Spectators is working closely with Coach Fitzgerald and Northwestern University to put together a spectacular game day event in Evanston this fall. Keep your eyes out for more details!

Special Spectators 2nd Annual Gala: July 12th at Fulton's

Save the date!

Special Spectators is hosting its 2nd Annual Gala on Thursday, July 12 at Fulton's on the River in Downtown Chicago from 5:30 - 9:30.

Special guests to the evening include Emcee Dave Eanet of WGN and keynote speaker Football Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald of the Northwestern Wildcats. The event will also include a silent auction, a raffle, a terrific sit down meal, entertainment, and a chance to meet some of the more prominent sports figures in Chicago!

Tickets go on sale soon! Visit www.specialspectators.org to find out more!

French Vacation Raffle

As a part of the 2nd Annual Gala, Special Spectators will be raffling off a one week stay in a French country home in the Burgundy region of France. Airfare for two is included in the package.

The price of a raffle ticket is $10. There is no limit to the number of tickets that one can purchase and the winner does not need to be present at the Annual Gala in order to win the prize.

Tickets can be purchased by emailing mail@specialspectators.org and following these simple instructions:

Subject Line: Raffle Tickets
Body of Email: # of Tickets, Name, Address, Phone Number

Cash or check only.

This is a great raffle for a great cause. Join us!