The Fortress returns to Troy
Troy University’s Student Government Association (SGA) has revived the Fortress, an unofficial student section for Troy, after three years of inactivity.
The Fortress is returning in an official capacity with Troy Athletics serving in an advisory role.
"The Fortress, for a long time, has been an unofficial student section for a few years with Troy alumni,” said Deputy Athletics Director Dan Heck. “A lot of the younger siblings and the next generation of Troy students that are here on campus are excited to bring the Fortress back as the official student section of Troy Athletics.”
Fortress members will not only sit in a designated section at athletic events but also enjoy possible perks. Some potential incentives for Fortress members include free merchandise, discounted tickets, transportation for away games and access to practices.
However, Troy Athletics wants the fun to continue over to gameday.
"We want to have theme nights where the students will be able to dress up,” said Abby Bruner, a senior marketing major from Edison, Georgia, who is a graduate assistant in the Troy Athletics marketing department. “We also want the students to be all together on the bleachers, so they can talk to their friends, hang out, meet new people and cheer all together instead of being spread across the arena."
Those helping relaunch the Fortress hope the group will make some appearances for football games this year but aim for it to be fully operational by the start of games in Trojan Arena.
“We are slowly introducing it,” Bruner said. “It has got to build up, and students have to hear more about it.
“Hopefully at the next football game it can start because we are working on more materials and themes, but I hope it's fully matured by basketball season.”
The Fortress was originally established back in 2019 by a group of students, but as the group graduated, the Fortress faded away.
Since it is now back in an official capacity, those helping bring it back to Trojan Nation are excited to see it stay for longer than four years.
“It is not something that is going to fade away after this semester or a year from now, but something that will be here for every future generation, and every Trojan that steps foot on this campus,” said SGA Senator At-Large Mackenzy Rhea, who is a junior marketing major from Crestview, Florida.
This official capacity will help connect the group to previously unobtainable resources.
“It gives it more of a possibility, from a student organization standpoint, to use Troy branding,” Heck said. “It gives it structure, and under the umbrella of SGA, connects that group with other student organizations on campus.”
Joining the Fortress is as easy as just joining the group in the stands.
“Come out to events and sit with us, especially in the arena,” Rhea said. “We will be on the bleachers next to the cheerleaders during basketball and volleyball games and then in football on the student side.
“If you sit with us, we'll get to know you and officially plug you in. Later on, once we're fully developed on campus, we're going to put out something in our Instagram bio that is an official way to sign up.”
For those interested in joining the Fortress before gamedays, visit its Instagram @the_fortress_troy for more information.
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