BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — WKU hosts defending Conference USA champion Southern Miss on Saturday, and a capacity crowd is expected at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. WKU Athletics has prepared information for fans on how best to make sure not to miss a minute of the action, both before and during the game.

All gates to the stadium will open two hours prior to kickoff, at 4:00 PM, rather than the usual 90 minutes prior. It is recommended that fans enter the stadium as early as possible due to the anticipated large crowd making its way to the game.

Fans can attend the Topper Walk and cheer on the entire WKU football team as they enter the stadium at 3:30 PM. Topper Walk starts on Avenue of Champions across from PS1, where the team buses will drop off the players and coaches so they can walk by fans and along with WKU cheerleaders, Topperettes, the marching band and Big Red and into the stadium.

In addition, there will be a special on-field recognition of legendary Hilltopper head football coach Jack Harbaugh before kickoff. The stadium club at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium will officially be named the Jack and Jackie Harbaugh Stadium Club in honor of Harbaugh and his wife, Jackie, during the pre-game ceremony.

It is recommended that fans arrive inside the stadium at least 15 minutes prior to kickoff to see the pre-game ceremony.

PARKING INFORMATION:
The best options for pre-game tailgating and picnicking for those without season tailgate passes will be the lawns in front of Rodes-Harlin Hall, McCormack Hall and Gilbert Hall, commonly referred to as "The Valley," off of Avenue of Champions, as well as across the street in front of McLean Hall.

The use of gameday, non-reserved tailgating and picnicking areas cost $20 upon entry and are available as space remains.

Fans arriving on campus as gametime approaches will be best served to park free of charge in the Adams Street lot across from the Kentucky Building or the Creason Street lot near the WKU Softball and Soccer Complexes.

Avenue of Champions from College Heights Boulevard at Colonnade Drive down the Hill to University Boulevard will close to traffic except for parking permit holders and gameday sales beginning at 11:30 AM.

TICKET INFORMATION:
Tickets for Saturday's game are still available and can be purchased by calling the WKU Ticket Office at 1-800-5-BIG RED or 745-5222 locally or online at WKUSports.com. The WKU Ticket Office will remain open until 5:30 PM on Thursday and Friday evenings.

The purchase of a Southern Miss game ticket can be applied to a 2012 season ticket package, which are available for as low as $50. The group ticket rate of $10 per ticket is available for groups of five or more on Saturday.

All ticket booths and will call areas will open at 2:00 PM on Saturday.