Playing a round of golf with former Elon football players. Tailgating with members of the Phoenix Club. And watching the Phoenix football team play at Rhodes Stadium. Elon alums and sports fans don’t have to wait until fall to get a day like that. All three events are part of the 9th annual Spring Football Game & Tailgate on Saturday, April 24.
Here’s how to join in.
Football alumni golf tournament
Time: 10 a.m.
Place: Challenge Golf Club, 1179 Challenge Drive, Graham, N.C.
Costs: $100 including green and cart fees, unlimited range balls, breakfast and beverages. Football alums can also pay $100 to sponsor a hole, $400 for a team entry fee and $500 for a team entry and hole sponsorship.
The third annual golf tournament benefitting the Elon football program is open to all Phoenix football alumni, Elon alumni and supporters of the football program. It will feature a continental breakfast, a round of golf and prizes for participants who make the longest drive, win a putting contest, drive closest to the pin or get a hole-in-one on a par three hole.
Contact Corey Bass, director of football operations, at (336) 278-6718 or by e-mail at cbass2@elon.edu to register.
Phoenix Club tailgate
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Phoenix Club Hospitality Area, Woods Center Plaza
Cost: $25 for barbecue and Nike football T-shirt. For tailgate barbecue only, costs are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under.
Deadline to register: Friday, April 16th
The tailgate is sponsored by the Phoenix Club, but alumni and football program supporters also are welcome. If you are interested in attending or becoming a member of the Phoenix Club, contact Jennifer Tucci at (336) 278-9320 or jtucci@elon.edu.
Spring football game
Time: 6 p.m.
Place: McKinnon Field in Rhodes Stadium
Costs: Free
The game, part of spring football practice, features two squads of Phoenix football players.
One former Elon football player, Wade Williamson ‘70, and a loyal supporter of the football program, Phil Stuart, will serve as honorary coaches during the game. One will coach the Maroon Team, and the other will coach the White Team.
Head football coach Pete Lembo said he selected Williamson and Stuart as honorary coaches because they are “two great examples” of football program supporters.
“This is a way for us to show our appreciation to them for all they have done through the years,” Lembo said.
Lembo will recognize Williamson and Stuart at the tailgate before the game. The two then spend the game on the sidelines with coaches and players.
This is the third year that Lembo has selected honorary coaches for the spring football game. Last year, the honorary coaches were trustees Jay Hendrickson ‘71 and Zac Walker ’60.