COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (September 14, 2023) – The University of North Alabama football team will hit the road back-to-back weeks — this time, a much shorter trip — as the Lions face Tennessee Tech on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. in Cookeville, Tenn.
North Alabama will seek its second win of the season against a regional opponent following a 41-27 win two weeks ago over Chattanooga. The Lions will also look to overcome a 52-31 loss last weekend at Tarleton State in Texas. Despite the loss, UNA has posted back-to-back games with over 500 yards of offense.
Whether fans decide to make the short trek to Cookeville, watch on ESPN+ or listen to the local broadcast on WLX radio, below are the top things to know.
1. KICKOFF: Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Tucker Stadium in Cookeville.
2. TICKETS: General admission tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors (ages 60+) and youth (ages 3-18). The visiting fan area is Section K, which is accessed on the west side of the stadium at Gate 2.
3. PARKING AND DIRECTIONS: Open parking for fans is available at the corner of University Drive and Stadium Avenue, as well as by the Tech Soccer Field and Tech Tennis Courts. For directions to Tennessee Tech,
click here.
4. STADIUM INFOMATION: Tucker Stadium, the home venue for the Tennessee Tech football program since the Golden Eagles moved into the facility in 1966, underwent an extensive surface renovation in 2007. The facility upgrades included the installation of 24/7 turf by The Motz Group, as well as renovations and a new surface to the nine-lane track. In 2008, new lights were installed at the stadium, and in 2009 the working press box received a major overhaul and technological upgrades. For more info,
click here.
5. CATCH THE LIONS ON THE RADIO: "Voice of the Lions" Benjamin Ray and color analyst Bryan Neece will be joined by former UNA quarterback and current sideline reporter Jacob Tucker this week on the call. UNA's football game day broadcasts will begin one hour before kickoff with the "Countdown to Kickoff" show. Lion fans can catch all the action on WLX Radio — 98.3 FM and 103.5 FM in the Shoals or worldwide on the WLX App. Fans can also access the broadcast
at this link.
6. WATCH ON ESPN+: Saturday's game can be watched on the ESPN+ app. Dylan Vazzano will have play-by-play duties and will be joined by Metz on color commentary. To access the broadcast or to subscribe to ESPN+,
click here.
7. LIVE STATS: Tennessee Tech will be providing live stats of the game via StatBroadcast. To access live stats,
click here.
8. SERIES HISTORY: The Lions and Golden Eagles will meet for the ninth time in history on Saturday — but for just the second time since 1959. Tennessee Tech holds a 5-2-1 advantage in the series, including a 35-27 win last season in Florence. Last year's game ended a 63-year hiatus in the series. UNA's last win over TTU came in Cookeville in 1957 — a 20-0 shutout win.
9. NO PUSHOVERS: For the first time this season, UNA will face an opponent that is neither ranked or receiving votes in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 or the coaches poll. After Tennessee Tech, the Lions will face three opponents that are currently receiving votes this week in UT Martin, Eastern Kentucky and Abilene Christian. If this remains, the Lions will have faced six teams recognized in the polls over the first seven games.
10. 75TH SEASON OF UNA FOOTBALL: The 2023 season marks the 75th year of North Alabama Football. UNA currently owns an all-time record of 481-300-16, while boasting 21 NCAA playoff appearances, 17 conference championships and three national championships. This season marks UNA's sixth at the FCS level and just the second as a full-fledged member. This year also marks a new era as the Lions are charter members of the newly-formed United Athletic Conference.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
