HICKORY, N.C. – Lenoir-Rhyne Athletics has announced its promotional football schedule for the historic 2022 season, its first inside the renovated Moretz Stadium.

The season and stadium opener on September 3 at 6 p.m. against Virginia St. will be "Hickory Day" at Moretz Stadium. In a way to say thank you to all that helped bring the stadium to life, all city employees, personnel, groups and organizations are invited to the opener free of charge. If you have groups, make sure you register through athletic.events@lr.edu to secure group tickets.

Additionally, LR Athletics will give away commemorative t-shirts to the first 500 fans. Following the game, the post-game firework show returns to celebrate the grand opening of Moretz Stadium.

The next Saturday, LR hosts reigning National Champion Ferris St. at 1 p.m. on September 10. This will be the "Bears Fight Back" game which will be centered on cancer research and donations.

Against Carson-Newman, it will be a "Salute to Service" game where all first responders, emergency personnel and essential workers receive free admission.

Saturday, October 8 will be "Education Day" and all Hickory and local K-12 teachers and students receive free admission. Saturday, October 22 will be Homecoming and Family Weekend when Newberry comes to town.

October 29 will serve as a blackout/rivaLRy game with the rival Wingate Bulldogs playing Between the Bricks. The first 500 fans will get free t-shirts to help blackout Moretz Stadium.

The regular season finale will be on Saturday, November 12 and will be Senior Day.

Ticket information will be shared as the games approach. If you are looking for single game tickets, visit lrbears.com/tickets. Season tickets can be purchased through the Bears Club. If you have any questions, email Nick Robison (nick.robison@lr.edu) for more details.