Mocs Block Tailgate Highlights New Student Initiatives At Finley Stadium

  • Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Over the last three years, Finley Stadium has become one of the toughest places in the country for FCS opponents.  The Chattanooga Mocs are 15-3 overall, have won 12 straight Southern Conference games at home and led the league in attendance the last two seasons.

A major part of this success has been the support from the UTC student body.  As a result, the Athletics Department is working hard to enhance the student experience at Finley. 

"Our student body is such a big part of the atmosphere at Finley Stadium," said UTC Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics David Blackburn.  "The energy and excitement they bring help make Finley a very tough place to play.

"We are doing everything we can to give them a first-class experience and make football games a can't-miss event.  It is our hope that they will enjoy the things we have planned for the upcoming season."

UTC is turning the northeast corner of Finley Stadium in a student-focused area that includes the Mocs Block tailgate, student entry and the relocated student section.  These new initiatives are listed below, along with information on the Mocs Flock and a few other notes for students coming to games this season. 

Getting to the Game
Student Shuttles

CARTA is adding Finley Stadium to its bus route, so students can conveniently get from campus to the stadium for all of the pregame festivities.  No more school busses doing the shuttling, these are the Mocs-branded CARTA busses running from Noon until 12:30 a.m., on game days.  Students can catch the bus at any of the regular CARTA stops on campus.  There are FREE T-shirts for students riding the shuttle for EACH game (while they last).  Drop off at Finley is the corner of Main and Chestnut Streets.  The route also includes a downtown loop for pre and postgame activities anywhere along Market and Broad Streets.  Students ride for free with a valid Mocs Card. 

Student Parking
Student parking moved down Chestnut Street across 20th street on the south side of the stadium.  Parking is free for students while space is available with a valid Mocs Card and at least two individuals in the vehicle.  This lot is very close to the new Mocs Block tailgate.
      


Downtown Electric Shuttles
Starting with the second game of the season, the downtown CARTA Electric Shuttle expands its loop to drop off at the corner of Main and Chestnut Streets.       

Pregame Festivities
Mocs Block
The Mocs Block is a new pregame party located on the east side of Finley Stadium (Chestnut Street/Scoreboard Side) that features a UTC student tailgate.  Different bands are lined up to play before each home game, highlighted by rising country star Dylan Scott at the home-opener on Sept. 1

The Mocs Block is a partnership with UTC Athletics, Finley Stadium, Chattanooga Brewery, Southside Social and EPB that starts with the closing of Chestnut Street on game days.  Various student organizations have already filled up the tailgate, but the concerts are FREE for all fans.  Also, those in attendance in their Mocs gear can enjoy specials at both the Chattanooga Brewery and the Southside Social.  EPB is providing complimentary wireless access for the tailgate.   

Festivities begin as early as groups want to set up for their tailgate on the day of the game, and the concerts begin two hours prior to kickoff.  Student groups wanting to get on the waiting list for a spot in the tailgate can fill out the form here.  For a complete list of bands playing the Mocs Block throughout the season, click here.  

Tailgating
Tailgating for all fans is still available in all of the parking lots around Finley Stadium. 

First Tennessee Pavilion
Tailgating in the First Tennessee Pavilion remains in place.  Spaces are available for student groups to purchase if desired.  Groups interested in a space in the Pavilion should contact the Mocs Club for pricing (mocsclub@utc.edu). Be there for the Moc Walk approximately two hours and 15 minutes prior to kickoff.  The Spirit Parade begins 35 minutes before game time.  

EPB Student Gate/Free Admission
Admission is always free for UTC students to regular season games with a valid ID at any gate at Finley Stadium.  However, students can beat the lines by entering through the new EPB Student Gate on the northeast side of the stadium.  This gate is on the city side (north), scoreboard end (east) of the stadium, right next to the Mocs Block tailgate party. 

Student Section
In order to bring all of the student activities together, the band and the student section has moved to the scoreboard end of the stands.  This puts all of the student action in the northeast corner of Finley Stadium.  The band occupies section 121, while the students have 122, 123 and 124.  Per Southern Conference rules, student can't sit in the first six rows of 124 since it is directly behind the visiting bench.  For a clear view of the student section, see the new Finley Stadium Map.   

Mocs Flock
For the second year in a row, UTC freshmen are invited to run on the field to get to their seats during the pregame show for the season-opener against Shorter.  The "Mocs Flock" takes places approximately 20 minutes prior to kickoff.  Any freshmen who signs up to participate in the Moc Flock receives a FREE T-Shirt.  A table for sign up is located in the Mocs Block tailgate area prior to the game.
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