Moon Township, Pa. – The RMU Department of Athletics announced Wednesday its 2020 campaign to virtually sell out Joe Walton Stadium. Beginning Monday, Oct. 19, in what would have coincided with Homecoming week at RMU, fans, alumni, family and friends have the opportunity to support RMU student-athletes virtually during the university's Spirit Week. RMU will go live with its virtual sellout campaign Tuesday, Oct. 20, and will last through Saturday, Oct. 24, by culminating in a virtual game day event.

RMU athletics understands that we would all rather be at Joe Walton Stadium, the UPMC Events Center, the North Athletic Complex, Clearview Arena at the RMU Island Sports Center, the track, on the river or at the golf course this fall supporting the Colonials. Even though we can't be there in person, there is still an opportunity to come together and #RMUnite with a virtual sellout.

"Normally at this time of year we'd be in the midst of another exciting fall season of RMU athletics, and friends, family, alumni and fans of all of our programs would be anxiously gearing up to support the Colonials with Homecoming," RMU Vice President and Director of Athletics Chris King '94 said. "Despite the challenges of 2020, it's important to recognize RMU student-athletes and programs as part of Spirit Week. We hope supporters of RMU athletics will join us in UNITING and celebrating what makes being associated with RMU so special by supporting our student-athletes through a gift to the Colonial Champions Fund."

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RMU alumni, parents, family, fans, friends, coaches and current student-athletes can help virtually sellout Joe Walton Stadium by giving a donation of $20 or more to the Colonial Champions Fund or to an RMU athletics program of your choice while encouraging others to do the same. Each increment of $20 will count as one seat filled at Joe Walton Stadium, and group discounts are available.

The first 1,000 fans who designate their gifts to the Colonial Champions Fund will receive the originally scheduled promotional giveaway designed for Homecoming, an RMU bucket hat. All hats will be mailed after the event (limit four hats per gift).

"For donors who are interested in supporting the vital areas that ensure our student-athletes remain healthy, safe and supported in times like these, as well as during everyday life as an RMU student-athlete, we welcome your support of the Colonial Champions Fund," RMU Associate Athletic Director TJ Brown said. "The 2020 RMU Virtual Sellout is a great way to stay connected with the university and department of athletics as part of Spirit Week."

To gear up for Spirit Week and RMU's Virtual Sellout, the department of athletics has teamed with Chick-Fil-A Robinson again for its popular Kickin For Chicken contest that normally takes place at halftime of each home game. On Monday, Oct. 19, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Joe Walton Stadium, current RMU students have the opportunity to compete for free Chick-Fil-A for a year by making the longest field goal of the afternoon.

Registered participants for the Kickin For Chicken contest will have three opportunities to kick a 25-yard field goal, and individuals that are successful will continue to have three chances at increasing five-yard increments to make the longest field goal of the afternoon. If multiple participants convert a field goal from the farthest distance, each name will be entered into a drawing for Chick-Fil-A for a year.

A gift to the Colonial Champions Fund will provide need-based financial aid for student-athletes who are most in need of assistance and experience financial hardship due to COVID-19. If you are in a position to help, we need your assistance now more than ever, and RMU athletics thanks you for your continued support of its student-athletes and programs!   

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