Cullowhee, N.C. – Coming off its bye week and looking to snap a three-game seasonal slide, Western Carolina football returns to action this Saturday, Nov. 5, as the university welcomes home its alumni and friends for the annual Homecoming game. The Catamounts host the Wofford Terriers with kickoff at Bob Waters Field / E.J. Whitmire Stadium scheduled for 2 p.m.
 
Tickets for Saturday's Homecoming game are available in advance through the Athletics ticket office located on the first floor of the Ramsey Center; by calling (800) 34-GOWCU; or online with the option to print from home through CatamountSports.com. The ticket booth at Gate 1 at the stadium also opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday for walk-up sales on game day.
 
Saturday's game has been billed the "Ingles SoCon Game of the Week" and will be broadcast live over-the-air through Nexstar Media (check availability below) and will be simulcast on ESPN3 (cable subscription required) with Pete Yanity and Jared Singleton on the call. The game can also be heard through the Catamount Sports Network with the Pepsi Tailgate Show airtime at 1:00 p.m. Fans across western North Carolina can hear the broadcast locally on seven CSN affiliates: in Sylva, 105.7 FM and 540 AM WRGC "The River"; 104.9 FM and 1050 AM WFSC in Franklin; WISE Sports Radio 1310 AM and 102.9 FM in Asheville; and 970 AM WYSE in Canton, with live streaming audio online at CatamountSports.com.
 
Fans can also follow the game with live stats accessible online at CatamountSports.com with timely in-game updates on Twitter using @Catamounts and @CatamountsFB.
 
Homecoming weekend – entitled "Catamount Throwback" – includes a host of events throughout the week and culminates with the football game on Saturday. Friday's annual Homecoming parade in downtown Sylva begins at 6 p.m., with an Alumni Central Parade Party running from 5:30 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. at the Paper Mill Lounge (553 W. Main Street). Complete Homecoming 2022 Events Schedule (PDF)
 
Two teams headed in different directions at the season's mid-point clash in Cullowhee on Saturday as WCU hosts Wofford for the first time since 2018 after the schedule trend was altered by the COVID-19 season. WCU has dropped three-straight games – two against nationally-ranked opponents – since opening the season at 3-2. Wofford is trying to pull what the Catamounts did a season ago, winners of back-to-back games after struggling through an 0-6 opening to the campaign.
 
Western Carolina (3-5, 1-4 SoCon) continues to boast one of the best offenses in the country, ranking third nationally with a 504.1-yard per-game average. But, as head coach Kerwin Bell mentioned to members of the media this week, the focus entering the week is three-pronged – reduce penalties, cutout turnovers, and finish drives in the endzone. WCU ranks ninth in penalty yardage per game (86.0 yds/gm) and last in turnover margin at a minus-12 (21 lost, 9 gained). In the red zone, WCU has managed scores on 25-of-33 trips, but with just 15 total touchdowns and 10 field goals.
 
The Catamounts look for the return of quarterback Carlos Davis this weekend who has been sidelined by a couple of nagging injuries. Davis continues to lead the SoCon in total offense with an average of 285.3 yards per game which includes the second-most passing yards per outing at 261.5 yards per game.
 
Under interim head coach Shawn Watson, Wofford (2-6, 2-3 SoCon) is 2-1 with wins over The Citadel and ETSU coming on the heels of a 28-14 loss at nationally ranked Samford in the first game after the coaching change. The Terriers have abandoned the run-heavy, triple-option attack the program has been known for over the years for a more pass-happy spread formation under the direction of fifth-year triggerman, QB Jimmy Weirick. The Pickerington, Ohio, native collected SoCon Offensive Player of the Week plaudits after throwing for a program-record 409 yards and three touchdowns, matching the program-record for pass completions (25) in the home win over ETSU.
 
WCU's defense will be challenged by the new look to the Wofford offense, though the Catamounts rank second in the SoCon in pass defense in holding foes to 197.1 yards per game on average. After being held to just seven points over its first three games to start 2022, the Terriers have averaged nearly 40 points in their last two victories.
 
Western Carolina and Wofford meet for the 44th time on the football gridiron in a series that dates to 1952 all-time. The Catamounts trail, 15-28, but halted a four-game series slide with a convincing 41-21 victory last season in Spartanburg. Saturday is the 25th meeting since the Terriers joined the Southern Conference back in 1997, and the 23rd all-time meeting in Cullowhee with WCU trailing, 10-12.
 
Kickoff of the annual Homecoming game is scheduled for 2 p.m.
 

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Game 9: Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022  •  2:00 pm
Location: Cullowhee, N.C. (Bob Waters Field / E.J. Whitmire Stadium – 13,790)
Records: Wofford (2-6, 2-3 SoCon) at Western Carolina (3-5, 1-4 SoCon)

WCU Football Media Center
WCU Football Digital Game Day Program 

BROADCAST INFORMATION:
TV / Video Stream:  Nexstar / ESPN3 (cable subscription required)
PBP: Pete Yanity; Color: Jared Singleton
 
Nexstar affiliates for Nov. 5 Ingles SoCon Game of the Week
ECBD/The Lowcountry's CW (Charleston)
WMUB (Macon)
WMYT/My 12 (Charlotte)
WWCW/The CW Virginia (Lynchburg/Roanoke)
WYCW/The CW62 (Greenville/Spartanburg/Asheville)
 
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
PBP: Gary Ayers; Producer: Jeff Bryson
 
CSN Affiliates:
Sylva – 105.7 FM / 540 AM WRGC
Franklin – 104.9 FM / 1050 AM WFSC
Asheville – WISE Sports Radio 102.9 FM / 1310 AM
Canton – WYSE Sports Radio 970 AM
Online: CatamountSports.com

Live Stats through Sidearm Sports
 
Keep track of everything related to Catamount football and WCU Athletics through its social media outlets on Facebook (fb.com/CatamountSports) and Twitter (@Catamounts, @CatamountsFB).
 

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JUST THE BASICS – NOV. 5 HOMECOMING GAMEDAY TIMELINE:
- On-campus parking Lots open at 8 a.m.
- Gate 1 Ticket Booth opens at 10 a.m.
- Tailgating officially begins at 10:30 a.m.
- Pregame "Cat Walk" begins at 11:35 a.m.
- Ticket Booths at Gates 2, 3, & 4 open at Noon
- Stadium Gates open at 12:30 p.m.
- Spirit Squad / "Pride of the Mountains" Stadium March begins around 1:10 p.m.
- Game Day Information Booth, located inside Gate 1, opens at 2 p.m.
- Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
 
Where to Buy Tickets / Game Day Parking:
•     Purchase – and PRINT – tickets in advance through CatamountSports.com.
 
Where to Park:
•     REMINDER – Western Carolina has moved to a pay-for-parking model for many of the lots closest to Whitmire Stadium this season … these lots include: Baseball Parking Deck, South Baseball Lot, Field House ADA & Van Accessible, and HF Robinson Lot … the cost is just $10 per parking spot and can be purchased online at CatamountSports.com, by calling the WCU Athletics Ticket Office at (828) 227-2401, or by visiting the main ticket office on the first floor of the Ramsey Center, Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. … Single-game $10 parking spots are subject to availability;

•     Parking lots on campus open for entry at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5 … For fans that have purchased a game day parking spot, please print out the ticket or have it on your mobile device upon arrival at the parking lot to gain admission;
 
•     Tailgating begins three and a half hours before the announced kickoff time – on Saturday, Nov. 5, that time is 10:30 a.m. – no alcoholic beverages are permitted prior to that start time … Tailgating activity involving grills, tents, etc., is NOT permitted within the Baseball Lot Parking Deck … Also, please be reminded to park in assigned numbered parking spots only;
 
•     General Admission parking: A few FREE parking options are also available down Little Savannah Road behind the Catamount Travel Center and past the Cullowhee Post Office at the WCU Health & Human Science (HHS) parking lots, subject to availability (FREE SHUTTLE, see below) … It is also suggested that fans consider taking Old Cullowhee Road to the old entrance to the WCU campus and utilize parking in the lots behind Hunter Library for game day;
 
•     Catamount Club Reserved Parking Lots (parking pass required) include Camp Lab (Lot13), Belk (Lot14), Jordan-Phillips Field House (Lot12), Football Stadium (Lot10), Creek (Lot9C) Lot, and Camp Lab Festival Parking (Lot4A) ... All patrons with parking passes should enter the main entrance of the WCU campus, display parking credential to gain access to their designated, assigned parking lots;
 
•     Student Tailgating Lot (pass required): Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center Lots (Lot 13) … those spaces are reserved on-campus by student organizations for each game day;
 
Note: WCU Parking & Transportation will run a FREE "Tailgate Express" CatTran Shuttle for each home football game this year, beginning at Noon on Saturday, Nov. 5. Vehicles will be directed to park at the Health & Human Services (HHS) Lot and HHS Adjacent Lot down Little Savannah Road where patrons will be picked up. The FREE shuttle will transport fans to both the Ramsey Center circle drive for West Side seating and Gate 1 entrance for patrons with East Side tickets. Shuttles will also be available after the game for return trips to these lots. Please note that this is not a shuttle around campus – just to and from the parking lots.
 
Gate Entry Reminders:
•     Clear Bag Policy – Western Carolina Athletics enforces a clear bag policy. Only standard clear bags, 12-inches by 6-inches by 12-inches in size, small purses approximately 4.5-inches by 5-inches not including the strap, and clear gallon size storage bags are permitted. Diaper bags (child must be present upon entry) and any medical-related bags will be allowed.
•     Umbrellas are NOT permitted within Whitmire Stadium and will not be checked at any entry gate … Be prepared in advance with a rain jacket or poncho, which are also on sale through the WCU Bookstore locations on game day;
 
The Catamount Club:
•     The Purple Zone, presented by Ingles the Chef's Kitchen (requires RSVP): Located on the Ramsey Center Patio – is open from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. to qualifying Catamount Club members;
•     Paws Porch (requires a ticket, credential): Located on the patio of the Jordan Phillips Fieldhouse; doors open at 1:30 p.m.;
•     Catamount Corner (requires a ticket, credential): Located on the Northwest patio of the Ramsey Center; opens at 1:30 p.m.
 
ON GAME DAY:
•     WCU Athletic Ticket Office: (828) 227-2401 – phone lines open beginning at 10 a.m. until kickoff time at 2:00 p.m. for ticket information and phone orders ONLY – NO WALK-UP SALES through the Ramsey Center Ticket Office;
•     Gate 1 Ticket Sales on the West Side of the stadium open at 10 a.m. for walk-up sales;
•     Ticket sales at all other gates begin at Noon – Gates 2, 3, and 4;
•     All stadium gates open to the public at 12:30 p.m. ... Gate 6 for Player Pass also opens at 12:30 p.m.;
 
WILL CALL:
•     Remember to bring proper photo identification to pick up tickets at WCU's Will Call;
•     Main Will Call for picking up purchased tickets or tickets being left for pick-up is at Gate 1; however, fans can receive Will Call at any entrance gate ticket booth;
•     Guests of WCU Chancellor's Office can pick up tickets at Will Call at Gate 4;
•     WCU Football Player's Guest will utilize Gate 6 (as well as Dance/Cheer Guests) ... Those who are on the player pass list must show a photo ID to pick up tickets. Player Pass Will Call does not open until 12:30 p.m. when the stadium gates are open;
•     Football Recruits: Northeast Concourse, enter the Southeast doors of the Ramsey Center. Arrivals after 11:30 a.m., please go to Gate 6;
•     All Other WCU Recruits – admission through Gate 6;
•     High School Coaches: Present a valid ID card to any ticket booth and receive up to TWO free admission tickets ... Pick up tickets from any ticket booth -- NOT the player pass location.
 
TICKET PRICES:
•     Chair Back Reserved: Adult $36 Youth (Ages 3-12) $26 – Sections DD, JJ, KK, LL;
•     Bench Back Reserved: Adult $31, Youth (Ages 3-12) $21 Sections JJ, MM
•     Bleacher Reserved: Adult $31, Youth (Ages 3-12) $21 Sections D, E, F, J, K, L
•     General Admission: Gameday $21 Adults and $16 for Youth (Ages 3-12) G, GG
•     Full-time WCU students: FREE with Cat Card
•     WCU Student Guest: $13 (WCU students can purchase two guest tickets and sit in the student section)
•     Children 2 and under do not need a ticket.
Please note – there is a $3 transaction fee charge on each ticket when using a credit card
 
Other Helpful Game Day Hints:
•     Arrive early to avoid long lines entering Whitmire Stadium ... Also, numerous gates allow entry to the stadium -- familiarize yourself with the best gates to get you to your seats for all the pregame festivities … There will be a cash-only table for ticketing at Gate 1;
•     Be sure to enjoy a variety of stadium fare at the Catamount Dining concessions stands, proudly serving ice-cold Pepsi products -- or other vendors such as Bojangles', Betty's Funnel Cakes, Tubby's Caramel Corn & More, Kona Ice, and Sweet Paradise Ice Smoothies;
•     Alcohol will be available for purchase in both the east and west concourse of the stadium. Beer, wine, and hard seltzers will be available in Whitmire Stadium for fans 21 years of age or older. Fans will need to show their valid ID when purchasing alcohol and may only purchase one alcoholic beverage per valid ID with the ID holder present at the time of transaction. Sales will begin when gates open 90 minutes before kickoff and close at the end of the 3rd quarter. No alcohol will be permitted to enter or exit the stadium.
 
Catamount Merchandise:
•     The WCU Bookstore will have two (2) locations at the stadium to purchase Catamount merchandise. There will be stands on both the east and west concourse. The main WCU Bookstore (311 Memorial Drive, between the Campus Rec Center and Hinds University Center) will be open on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
 
Game Day Promotions: 
•     Homecoming 2022 – Western Carolina University welcomes home its alumni for Homecoming on Saturday, Nov. 5 … the game is presented by Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospital with special media partner, the Smoky Mountain News;
•     Gather with other Purple & Gold clad faithful to cheer on the Catamounts during the "CAT WALK" to the stadium which begins at approximately 11:35 a.m. … Led by the WCU Spirit squad including the POTM drumline, the path winds through the student tailgate lot in the Bardo Student Lot and travels through both the Stadium and Field House parking lots;
•     The Ingles Concert Series continues as we welcome Commodore Fox to the stage. The special pregame concert starts at approximately Noon until around 1:30 p.m. on the south lawn of the Stadium Lot;
•     As a part of the new "Live Western" campaign, 500 free T-shirts will be given away to the first fans through the gates on both the East and West concourses;
•     The "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band, WCU Dance Team, and Catamount cheerleaders' pregame march to the stadium begins at approximately 2:45 p.m.;
•     At halftime, WCU will recognize its annual Homecoming Alumni Awards recipients on the field while also crowning the first WCU Homecoming Nobility in a special ceremony;
•     The "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band will perform their show to the East Side stands with an encore presentation following Saturday's game.