Cullowhee, N.C. – Billed as the Stats Perform FCS National Game of the Week, all eyes of the Southern Conference will be upon #CatamountCountry, as No. 24 Western Carolina hosts No. 10/12 Mercer on Homecoming Saturday at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field. Catamount Nation is encouraged to Wear Purple to this weekend's game, which is the culmination of a full week of Homecoming activities.
 
The best game day atmosphere and the loudest house in the SoCon again comes to full voice on Saturday afternoon in a battle of the final two unbeaten league teams and the only two SoCon squads among the national rankings. Returning to the rankings this week, WCU (6-3, 5-0 SoCon) looks to defend its home turf in its penultimate regular-season home date against the first-place Bears (7-1, 6-0 SoCon).
 
Cullowhee is the place to be with the hottest and fastest-moving ticket in the Southern Conference to date, as two teams riding lengthy win streaks – Mercer at seven-straight and six-consecutive for WCU – vie for the SoCon title and the league's automatic berth into the NCAA FCS playoffs. Mercer has just one remaining regular-season league game after Saturday's jaunt to western North Carolina, as the Bears can secure at least a share of the title with a victory on Saturday. The Catamounts have two SoCon hurdles remaining following this weekend's monumental challenge, though a win in Saturday's matchup would put WCU in the conference driver's seat.
 
Thursday (Nov. 6) afternoon update from the Athletics Ticket Office – less than 1,000 tickets remain for Saturday's game against Mercer. Visit CatamountSports.com or call (828) 227-2401 to get your tickets om advance before they're gone.
 
Kickoff between the Catamounts and Bears is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, and will be broadcast on ESPN+ (paid subscription required) with Daniel Hooker and John Brannon III on the call. Live audio from the Catamount Sports Network begins at 1:30 p.m. with the Pepsi Tailgate Show, with WCU Hall of Famer Gary Ayers and Jeff Bryson on Saturday's call. Live stats are also available online through a link at CatamountSports.com.
 
Tickets and game day parking passes for Saturday's game against Mercer can be purchased in advance online at CatamountSports.com/BuyTickets. Please be advised that many of the traditional parking lots surrounding the stadium have sold out in advance.  
Here are the "Things You Need to Know Before You Go" this Saturday:
 
Catamount Gameday Timeline Basics (Sat., Nov. 8 - vs. Mercer)

• All on-campus parking lots open at 8 a.m.
• Tailgating officially begins at 11 a.m. (when alcohol consumption is permitted)
  • 3.5 hours ahead of kickoff, according to University Policy 103
• Gate 1 Ticket Booth opens at 10 a.m. for walk-up ticket sales and Will Call pickup
• Ticket Booths at Gates 2, 3, & 4 each open at Noon 
• On-campus pregame "CatWalk" for the football team begins at 12:05 p.m.
• The Catamount "Spirit March" to the stadium begins at 1:42 p.m.
• Stadium Gates open for all admission at 1 p.m., 90 minutes before kickoff
• Kickoff is at 2:32 p.m. on ESPN+ and the Catamount Sports Network

For more information on WCU's 2025 Homecoming activities, please visit homecoming.wcu.edu. The annual Homecoming parade through downtown Sylva is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, and includes a special Catamount Club party downtown at Lazy Hiker in Sylva. The Alumni Awards Brunch is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the Ramsey Center on Saturday morning, followed by the Alumni Tailgate and Frank's Famous Fish Fry at 11 a.m.
   
Saturday, Nov. 8 – Game Day Promotions:  

• HOMECOMING '25  – Western Carolina welcomes home its alumni and friends with a week-long series of activities, including the annual Homecoming Parade in downtown Sylva (Friday, Nov. 7 at 5:30 p.m.) and the annual Homecoming football game … WCU will also crown its 2025 Homecoming Nobility at halftime of Saturday's game;
• PURPLE OUT; WEAR PURPLE! – Catamount Nation is asked to wear that royal color, PURPLE, to Saturday's game against the Mercer Bears … the Catamount football team will wear its ALL PURPLE look for Saturday's matchup of SoCon unbeatens in #CatamountCountry! WCU students will receive FREE purple Thunder Stix, courtesy of Nathan Earwood Criminal Defense;
• Old North State Tailgate and Traveling Sports Circus (@ONSTailgate) – Join Mike Waddell and the traveling road show in the Field House parking lot, part of the North Carolina Sports Network;
• Game Sponsor – Harris Regional Hospital & Swain Community Hospital – the official healthcare provider of Western Carolina Athletics, hospital staff will have a special pregame tailgate on Saturday;
• "The Herd" Reunion – As WCU welcomes home its alumni from all generations, a special group of former Catamount student-athletes, nicknamed "the Herd," because of their pack mentality of  moving throughout campus during their collegiate careers, will again gather on the Ramsey Center lawn for a pregame tailgate;
• Western Carolina Baseball Alumni – WCU's annual Purple & Gold Fall College World Series culminates this week as head coach Alan Beck and his staff welcome home the long line of former Catamount baseball players with a special reunion and gathering at Childress Field / Hennon Stadium that begins with an alumni golf tournament on Friday at Sequoyah National in Cherokee, N.C.
• Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week Food Drive – Fans are asked to bring non-perishable items to Gate 1 of the stadium on Saturday for a special food drive to benefits five local and campus partner food pantries;
• Catamount Club Greek Challenge Winners – this year's winners of the annual Greek Challenge fundraising competition will be announced on Saturday.

Where to Buy Tickets / Game Day Parking: 
Purchase tickets in advance through CatamountSports.com – have the option to print OR download to your mobile phone for gate entry.
 
Where to Park: 
$20 – Single Game on game days | $15 – in advance (available until Friday evening ONLY)

Paid Parking Lots (while availability lasts): North Baseball Parking Deck / South Baseball Lot, HFR Admin Building (SOLD OUT), Field House ADA & Van Accessible (ALL ADA PARKING MUST be accompanied by verified ADA documentation for admission into the parking lots)
- Please note that the St. David's Episcopal Church Parking Lot this year is MEDIA RESERVED

Catamount Club Reserved Parking Lots (pass required): Camp Lab Festival Parking, Field House Lot, Creek Lot, and Belk Lot
- A reminder to please park within the numbered spot designated by the parking pass. Remember that the Stadium Lot is OFFLINE this season with ongoing construction to the Western Skybox

Student Tailgate Lot: Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center (tailgating spots must be reserved by student groups; the tailgate lots open at 11 a.m. on Saturday) 
 
Additional Game Day Parking Information:

• Parking lots on campus open for entry at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8 … For fans who 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 show the attendant to gain admission;  
• In accordance with University policy, tailgating that includes the consumption of alcohol begins three and a half hours before the announced kickoff time – on Saturday, Nov. 8, that time is 11 a.m. … NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE PERMITTED before the designated time;
• Tailgating activity involving grills, tents, etc., is NOT permitted within/inside the North Baseball Lot Parking Deck … Also, please be reminded to park in assigned numbered parking spots;
• Please be reminded that parking is NOT permitted along NC Hwy 107 or along the sides of Forest Hills Drive on campus … Please comply with placards and instructional signs;
• 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 in the middle of campus or behind Hunter Library on game day;   
• Catamount Club Reserved Parking Lots (parking pass required) include Camp Lab (Lot13), Belk (Lot14), Jordan-Phillips Field House (Lot12), 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 … Reminders to please park in the designated numbered spot;   
• 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, courtesy of Ingles, for each home football game this year, beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8. 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 service around campus – it is only for transportation to and from the parking lot to the stadium.
  
STADIUM CLEAR BAG POLICY: 
REMINDER – 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, excluding 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
 
Stadium cushions and seats are permissible, but note that they are restricted to 18 inches in width to fit within the standard stadium bleacher seat. Please be reminded that umbrellas are NOT permitted within the stadium per policy.
 
Please note that again that one (1) EMPTY PLASTIC WATER BOTTLE will be permitted to be carried into the stadium for use at the stadium water fountains.
 
The Catamount Club: 

• The Purple Zone (pregame only; requires RSVP): Located on the Ramsey Center Patio – is open from Noon until 2 p.m. to qualifying Catamount Club members; 
• Paws Porch (requires a game ticket and appropriate credential): Located on the patio of the Jordan Phillips Field House; doors open at 2 p.m., 30 minutes before kickoff; 
• Catamount Corner (requires a game ticket and appropriate credential): Located on the Northwest patio of the Ramsey Center; opens at 2 p.m., 30 minutes before kickoff; 

 ON GAME DAY: 

• WCU Athletic Ticket Office: (828) 227-2401 – phone lines open at 9 a.m. until Noon 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 and for Will Call pickup – please note that the Gate 1 ticket booth is located just outside the construction fencing on the West Side of the stadium;
• Ticket sales at all other gates begin at Noon at Gates 2, 3, and 4; 
• All stadium gates open to the public at 1 p.m. ... Gate 6 for Player Pass also opens at 1 p.m. when the stadium gates are opened;

 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 the WCU Chancellor's Office can pick up tickets at Will Call at Gate 4; 
• WCU Football Player's Guest, as well as Dance/Cheer guests, will utilize Gate 6  ... 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 1 p.m. when the stadium gates are open; 
• Football Recruits: Northeast Concourse, enter the Southeast doors of the Ramsey Center. Arrivals after 1 p.m., please go to Gate 6; 
• All Other WCU Recruits: Gate 6; 
• High School Coaches: Present valid ID card to any ticket booth and receive up to TWO free admission tickets ... Pick up tickets from any ticket booth -- NOT the school's player pass location.

  TICKET PRICES - (purchase in advance online - limited seats remain as of Thursday afternoon): 

• Chair Back Reserved: Adult $37 Youth (Ages 3-12) $27 – Sections DD, JJ, KK, LL; 
• Bench Back Reserved: Adult $32, Youth (Ages 3-12) $22 Sections JJ, MM 
• Bleacher Reserved: Adult $32, Youth (Ages 3-12) $22 Sections D, E, F, J, K, L 
• General Admission: Gameday $23 Adults and $18 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 WCU student section; note that there is a $3 service charge on student guest tickets purchased with credit cards) 
• Children 2 and under do not need a ticket.

 - Please note – there is a transaction fee charged on each ticket when using a credit card 
 
PLAYER PASS/HIGH SCHOOL COACHES/COMPLIANCE

• Player pass is located near Gate 6;
• Those who are on the player pass list must show a photo ID to pick up their tickets … Once player pass tickets are picked up, the individual MUST enter the game;
• High school coaches can pick up their two complimentary tickets from any ticket booth - not at the player pass entrance;

Catamount Merchandise: 

• The WCU Bookstore will have merchandise stands on both the east (behind Section GG near Gate 4) and west side (near Gate 1, in the Pit) of the stadium for the purchase of Catamount merchandise;
• 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. Fans can also purchase online by visiting bookstore.wcu.edu. 

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 … Those with tickets for the East Side (press box), please consider entering the stadium on the East Side, and vice versa for those with tickets on the West Side;
• Be sure to enjoy a variety of traditional stadium fare at the Catamount Dining concessions stands, proudly serving ice-cold Pepsi products, bottled water, and Gatorade – or other vendors include the Wood Fire Grill and a hydration station on the West Side of the stadium. On the east side of E.J. Whitmire Stadium, fans can get Ben's Backdraft Barbecue, Chubby Chicks (various food choices), Sunset Slush (Italian ice), and a longtime staple, Betty's Funnel Cakes; 
• Western Carolina students will be able to use their declining balance with their CatCard ID at the football stadium concessions stands – it does not apply to alcohol or the other vendors that have sales points at the stadium on game day, only the Catamount Dining concessions stands at WCU home football games only.
• Alcohol will be available for purchase in both the east (behind Section FF) and west concourses (behind Section II) of the stadium. Beer, wine, cider, 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 two (2) alcoholic beverages per valid ID with the ID holder present at the time of transaction. Sales will begin when the 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 … Please drink responsibly.