Cardinals Will Conduct Open Practice for this Sunday’s Fan Day

Mark BlankenbakerAugust 12, 2013

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The annual University of Louisville Football Fan Day has been slated for Sunday, Aug. 18 inside Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. The time of the practice will be announced later in the week. Admission and parking to the event is free of charge.

Due to the ongoing controversy concerning autographs with high-profile student-athletes, head coach Charlie Strong announced he will hold another open practice for fans and forgo the annual autograph session. Fans will be treated to a two-hour session with the Cardinals practicing in full pads as they prepare for opener on Sunday, Sept. 1 at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium against Ohio at 3:30 p.m.

“I would like to personally apologize to our outstanding fans,” Strong said. “However, because of the national problem of autographed items appearing for sale on E-bay and other websites, we have made a proactive decision to hold an open practice for the fans and forgo an autograph session. We have monitored the situation closely, and we decided to protect the eligibility of our players and operate under the principle that it not permissible to accept any type of compensation for their autograph or the sale of memorabilia. I know this will disappoint a lot of our fans, especially the young children who look up to our players, but I strongly feel this is the best decision for our football program.”

Fans will get the first opportunity to pick up one of the 5,000 special edition posters for the 2013 at the gates. All the lots are available for parking. A blow-out tent sale with merchandise marked down by 75 percent will be available at the Cardinal Authentic Store by Gate 2 on the east side of the stadium. Kids can jump on the inflatables and face painting and a photo booth will also be available.

Football season tickets still remain, to purchase call (502)852-5151 or visit www.GoCards.com for more information. Single game tickets will go on sale Monday, August 12th.

For more information on Louisville football, follow @UofLFootball or @CharlieStrongUL on Twitter.