Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Lights Turned On In McAndrew Stadium Saturday Night
08/11/2002 | 12:00:00 | Football
Aug. 11, 2002
Carbondale, Ill. -
For the first time in 29 years, Southern Illinois University had the lights on in McAndrew Stadium on a Saturday night. On Saturday, August 10, the new stadium lights were tested at 8:30 p.m. and the SIU coaching staff and players were on hand to witness the end of darkness in McAndrew Stadium.
"I think it was fabulous to walk in the stadium and see the sky all lit up. It was like walking into the field of dreams like the movie. It's a dream come true and we have to thank the IBEW 702, the electrical contractors, the volunteer workers and Vice Chancellor Glen Poshard, who made it all come together. We can't tell them enough how much we appreciate their work and support of the SIU program," Saluki head coach Jerry Kill said.
"All the coaches and players were excited to see the lights and I think it really adds to the stadium with the new turf. Anything we can do to upgrade the program and move forward is great."
Coach Kill expects the lights will add to football games at SIU and hopes it will allow more fans to attend Saluki games.
"I think people will be interested to see the stadium at night. I can't guarantee how many more people will come, but this will give more people who are busy Saturday afternoon an opportunity to come watch us play on Saturday evening. We have to give them a good product to watch and the lights can't hurt us, that's for sure," Kill added.
SIU opens the season with the first night game since 1973, when they host Kentucky Wesleyan on Thursday, August 29 at 7:00 p.m. in McAndrew Stadium.
