TALLAHASSEE, Fl. (WTXL) - For the Florida A&M football program, the excitement for the upcoming football season has been building ever since December when the University announced that Willie Simmons was coming home to coach the Rattlers.
Fans so excited that even though we're over two months out from kick-off, premium seats at Bragg are already sold out. The Investing in Champions Campaign? Set to hit over $1,000,000 dollars for the first time in school history.
"When Dr. Eason and I first talked about the job, both of our eyes kind of sparkled at the opportunity to come here and do something special," said Simmons. "This fan base, these alumni, this student body, they're waiting for FAMU to get back to the glory days and I think with the excitement we've been able to bring with the spring game turnout, with the various speaking engagements that we've had throughout the state of Florida. even up into Georgia, I can see a change in the mindset of Rattler Nation. This is an exciting time, and we want to make sure we continue to capitalize on it."
It's an exciting time for the Orange and Green and one look at the facilities will tell you that. There is new fencing around the practice field, the locker room has had work done, and now the latest project? Installing new AstroTurf inside Bragg.
"Our standard here is excellence, and that's excellence in everything," added Simmons. "That's excellence in how we perform on the field, in the classroom, but also to me that's excellence in how we take care of our student athletes. We want to be able to put them in the best facilities we're able to put them in. I think you look across this campus and you're seeing upgrades in every form and I think that's a testament to the job of Dr. Robinson, his leadership with the University and the commitment we have to making FAMU rise."
The Rattlers open the 2018 season at home against Fort Valley State on September 1st.
