Football, cheer welcome Trojan faithful for annual Fan Day

Football players and cheerleads meet with fans in Trojan Arena ahead of season opener game against Sam Houston. Emma Wasden photos

While Trojan Arena is typically filled with basketball fans and players, it was the football fans’ turn to take over the arena Saturday as part of Fall Fan Day.

Troy fans met with football players and cheerleaders and got posters of the 2026 schedule signed. For quarterback Goose Crowder, it was a good way for the Trojans to interact with their fanbase prior to the beginning of the season.

"Getting the community together and the team gave everyone the chance to show out and the community to come, plus you get to see them face to face,” Crowder said. “It's very encouraging and good to see.”

Fall Fan Day was initially set to be held at the West Concourse of Veterans Memorial Stadium but was moved to Trojan Arena due to high temperatures. Despite the late change, Troy football head coach Gerad Parker said the turnout was the biggest he’s seen.

"This has been our biggest crowd we've had in the three years that I've been here,” Parker said. “It was awesome to be able to do it in the AC and have it over here in Trojan Arena as a switch up.

“I know the guys appreciate it as well as the fans and all of us. Good experience, the fanbase was awesome, everybody's excited for the year, it was a good day."

Along with the signed posters, fans could also take pictures with the players, cheerleaders and T-Roy, as well as enjoy hot dogs and drinks. Season ticket holders were also able to pick up their gift for the season, which was a clear, Troy-branded bag that complies with the new stadium bag policy.

While Troy football was the focus of many fans, Troy cheerleading and T-Roy were also providing their own poster during the event.

“Talking to everybody was so much fun, especially asking people where they’re from,” said senior cheerleader Jewel Hill. “[There were] a lot of people from Troy, and it was really good getting to see them and getting them prepared for the games.”

The free event brought fans and students of all ages and from all places to see the football and cheerleading teams. Those fans said the event was an experience that other sport teams should have in the future.

"I think it's a good opportunity, especially for the little kids,” said Jessica Rodgers, a freshman human resource management major. “They get to see possibly their role models and get that same feeling and excitement for the new season.”

Troy football will take the field Saturday, Sept. 5, at 6 p.m. in Veterans Memorial Stadium against Sam Houston.