Ross Ballinger and the Tigers will take on the University of Dayton at Edwards-Maurer Field as part of Wittenberg's 2006 Community Day festivities.

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – Wittenberg University offers a slice of Midwest Americana with its annual Community Day event on Saturday, Sept. 9. Nothing speaks to modern-day culture more than a picnic lunch, games for young children and a college football atmosphere - all at an affordable price.

Lunch will be served from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the HPER Center as a prelude to Wittenberg's football game against visiting University of Dayton. Tickets for the event will be sold at the gate beginning at 11 a.m. Ticket prices for the lunch are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and children under the age of 12. Ticket prices for the game only are $8 for general admission and $5 for seniors and children under the age of 18.

"This event is so great because it is a chance for Wittenberg and the Springfield community to come together," said Wittenberg Director of Athletics and Recreation Garnett Purnell.

Community Day in 2006 also has some special features for children, including face painting, a lollipop tree, a cotton candy machine, a sno-cone maker and a caricature artist. Entertainment will be provided by The Bomb Squad Drum and Majorette Drill Team, a Springfield-based youth organization.

Fans are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets and sit on the hill at the north end of the stadium, which overlooks the playing field.

In addition to the Community Day festivities and football game, Wittenberg's student-athletes are taking the opportunity to volunteer their time for a great cause. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is sponsoring a canned food drive. Student-athlete volunteers representing many of the university's 23 varsity teams will be collecting canned food and donations at both the north and south gates from 11:30 a.m. until approximately halftime of the game. The donations will be used to support area food pantries.

The football team will have supporters selling apparel items, and the department of athletics will hold its annual Yard Sale. A wide variety of apparel items and equipment will be sold at bargain prices throughout the game.

Sodexho Food Service is providing food services in support of the evening's activities.

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