You can catch the winning drive and win a sweet ride at this year’s Hyacks’ football homecoming game.
The 10th edition of this community classic at Mercer Stadium on Sept. 19 features football, family fun and a prize car giveaway courtesy of presenting sponsor Key West Ford. On-field action has the Hyacks varsity team in a showdown with Western Conference rival West Vancouver Highlanders.
But before the showdown, there’s a western-themed hoedown, complete with skydivers, fireworks, on-field kids’ activities, a pre-game flag football challenge for alumni and a Texas barbecue.
“It’s not every day you can enjoy a hoedown, a grid-iron showdown and get a chance to ride off into the sunset in a prize car,” says Hyacks football head coach Farhan Lalji.
“Our season really starts to kick into high gear with homecoming, so come on down and see how the West is won.”
Homecoming is made possible by the generous support of sponsors like Key West Ford. CTV, the Beat 94.5 and the Royal City Recordare media sponsors for the event.
The 2014 festivities kick off at 4:30 p.m. with the alumni touch football game. Hyack Hoedown family activities run from 5 to 7 p.m. and are followed by the alumni reception and dinner on the field. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. after the game ball is parachuted onto the field by the B.C. skydiving team.
Halftime highlights include a performance by the up-and-coming band Derrival, who were a hit at last year’s Squamish Valley Music Festival. And there’s a post-game fireworks show.
The Hyacks have adopted a Western theme for this year’s homecoming that fits their season. They kicked off the year in Arlington, Texas, taking on Grandview High School during an authentic Texas Friday Night Lights tilt.
Closer to home, the varsity Hyacks are in the B.C. Western Conference. Their goal is to be the best in the West, says Lalji.
- 4:30 p.m.: Alumni touch football game – A huge success last year and expected to be even bigger this year.
- 5 p.m.: Mercer Field opens for the Hyack Hoedown family activities, ongoing till 7 p.m.
- 6 p.m.: Alumni reception and dinner – Hyacks players and coaches old and new mingle under the Team Dave Vallee ReMax tent.
- 7:30 p.m.: Kickoff – with flag party from the Royal New Westminster Regiment.
- Halftime: Live band – Derrival performs.
- 9:45 p.m.: End of Game – player awards, fireworks, poster give-away.
