Oct. 27, 2005

OXFORD, Ohio--Along with Miami University's football team facing a challenge from the University at Buffalo in the RedHawks' hunt for a third straight Mid-American Conference East Division Championship on Saturday, Nov. 5, Miami's supporters have the opportunity to enjoy a day of family, faith and fun while honoring America's public service heroes.

A variety of pregame events, including the first Faith and Family Day, featuring former Cincinnati Bengals great and Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz, are planned to go along with Miami's annual Public Service Day and the always exciting tailgating atmosphere of The Gameday Experience.

As part of its Faith and Family Day theme, Miami is joining forces with the Anthony Muñoz Foundation, The foundation's goal is to engage the Tri-State region to impact area youth mentally, physically and spiritually. The featured speaker, Muñoz is scheduled to address the public in the Cradle of Coaches Plaza at the South end of Yager Stadium at 12:30 p.m.

Groups of 20 or more can save nearly half with Miami's special group ticket rate of $9 for a regularly-priced $17 ticket. In support of the Muñoz Foundation's worthy cause, $1 from each Faith and Family day group ticket sold benefits the foundation. Discounted tickets must be purchased in advance of game day by calling or logging onto 1-866-MUHAWKS.com.

Public Service Day offers Miami supporters the opportunity to recognize the nation's "first responders." Beginning with the opening of the Miami Family Fun Fest and Gameday Experience, special displays including emergency rescue vehicles, bomb units, fire trucks, patrol cars, military Humvees, mobile communication units and DARE vehicles from local public service agencies will be open to ticket holders.

In addition, all "first responder" public service employees and volunteers are eligible to receive one complimentary admission voucher per valid public service department ID. Public service volunteers and employees with valid IDs can request their vouchers by calling the Miami Promotions Office at (513) 529-1700. The vouchers are valid at the gate only for the public service employees and volunteers presenting a department ID. As always, friends and family can purchase game tickets for as little as $5 in advance of gameday by clicking or calling 1-866-MUHAWKS.com.

Miami's Family Fun Fest and Gameday Experience, which opens at 11 a.m., also will include all of the usual entertainment, food and fun. Free of charge, the Family Fun Fest features a live band, a number of games for children and those who are just young at heart and face painting. The finest in tailgating food and softdrinks also are available for purchase.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m., when first-year head coach Shane Montgomery's high-flying RedHawks take to the field versus the Buffalo Bulls. In control of their own MAC East Championship destiny, the RedHawks, who have won 12 of their last 13 home games, feature the nation's sixth leading rusher in sophomore Brandon Murphy and two of the nation's Top 15 wide receivers in senior Martin Nance and junior Ryne Robinson.