FOOTBALL AND FRESHERS MAKE A WINNING COMBINATION

Dundee FC are hoping to make a comprehensive knowledge of Barry Smith’s side an essential part of university learning with the launch of a series of initiatives aimed at enticing some of the city’s 20,000-plus student population along to Dens Park.

Up to 3,000 students will be able to take advantage of a special ticket offer which will allow them to attend Dundee’s home game against Hamilton Academical on Saturday, 24th September for just £1, while a flexible “sixpack” deal will also be on offer for £30 allowing entry to six home matches.

Representatives of the club will meet new learners at Freshers’ Fair events at both Dundee and Abertay universities to tell new students and prospective supporters about the club and what being a Dundee fan is all about. And whilst, as all Dee knows, this involves a considerable amount of heartbreak, Chief Executive Harry MacLean said he was sure no student would regret adopting the club.

“Everyone at the club is excited about these initiatives and will be delighted to welcome students to Dens,” he said. “Getting to see a game of football for £1 is a fantastic deal, and hopefully those who come along will be impressed by what they see and come back to again.

“Students from all over the world come to study in Dundee and, by coming to Dens Park, I hope that it will add to their experience of being a student in Dundee. They may end up becoming life-long supporters. Following this club is a rollercoaster, but there’s no substitute for watching live football and the friends you make as you do so.

“We want to help students become part of the community in Dundee, and making is affordable and attractive for them to do so is one way we can do it. Hopefully as many as possible take up the offer and become regulars at games.

“With such a large student population right on our doorstep, it makes sense to try and attract them to Dens Park. Normally student admission costs £10 but the student “sixpack” offers a further £30 of savings and hopefully this will also help entice people along.”

Those who sign up for either deal will also be entered into a draw offering twelve students from each university the chance to have a guided tour of Dens Park.

The Bob Shankly stand will be opened for the Hamilton game to make it easier for turnstile operators to facilitate fans entering the stadium. The students who take up the offer will be given a ticket with their matriculation number on it, and they will be required to show their matriculation card to gain entry.

Approximately 17,000 students study at the University of Dundee, whilst Abertay University has almost 5,000 students. More than 4,000 new students are embarking on their studies in September 2011.

Dark Blues’ representatives will be in attendance at the Dundee Freshers’ Fair on Saturday, 10th September and at the Abertay event on Wednesday, 21st September.

A DVD of goals from last season will run constantly in the background, while a range of club memorabilia will also be on display along with sign-up forms and other marketing materials.

Students looking to take up the offer need to meet with the club representatives at the Dundee University event between 12noon and 5pm, or at the Abertay Fair between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

Any remaining tickets will be available for students, new and old, who can purchase them from reception at Dens park on 22nd and 23rd September on production of their matriculation card.

Students are advised that the tickets are on a first come first serve basis.