Exciting Times Ahead for WKU Football Fans!
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Football season is heating up and so is the excitement surrounding WKU Football! On Thursday, the team revealed their brand-new Big Red helmets, which will make their debut on October 10 during the highly anticipated Red Out game against UTEP at Houchens-Smith Stadium.
A Splash of Red
The special helmets are designed to celebrate WKU’s beloved Hall of Fame mascot, Big Red. Fans can look forward to seeing the players donning bright red jerseys, red pants, and the flashy red helmets adorned with decals that resemble Big Red’s cheeky eyes. The black facemask on these helmets represents Big Red’s mouth, making for a playful, yet fierce look on the field.
This upcoming game is particularly special as it marks the return of WKU’s red helmets, which have been missing from the lineup since the mid-2000s. Though fans got a sneak peek of these helmets on July 25 during the helmet rotation announcement, now it’s confirmed: the red is back!
Dress Code: Red, Red, Red!
The excitement doesn’t stop there! For the Red Out game, fans are encouraged to arrive dressed in their finest red gear. To make the event even more festive, 5,000 specially designed red towels will be handed out to attendees. So, if you’re heading to the game, don’t forget to wear your red!
Big Red Helmets Through the Years
Sure, these new helmets are turning heads, but this isn’t the first time WKU has experimented with Big Red-themed heads. In fact, the team has sported a variation of Big Red helmets only three times prior to this announcement. They first introduced Big Red helmets on November 12, 2022, during a triumphant 45-10 victory over Rice, featuring a quarterback decal. Last season, the Hilltoppers showcased a total of seven distinct Big Red logos that were custom-designed for their specific position groups. All of that creativity has gotten quite the buzz; indeed, the release of those uniforms racked up over 11 million impressions on social media!
Last season’s uniform reveal even generated a whopping estimate of over $1 million in media exposure through social media and earned media! That’s impressive for any college football program!
Big Red: The Heart and Soul of WKU
No conversation about WKU football is complete without mentioning the star of the show: Big Red! This iconic mascot made its debut back in the fall of 1979, designed by a WKU student named Ralph Carey. Known for its lovable furry appearance and signature moves—like the belly slide and belly shake—Big Red truly embodies the Spirit of Western. The mascot celebrates its birthday on December 1, so mark your calendars!
What’s Next? Tickets and More!
As of now, WKU Football boasts an overall record of 3-2, with a recent spark of success coming as they sit at 1-0 in Conference USA play. The game against UTEP is set to kick off at 7 p.m. CT on October 10, and you can catch all the action live on ESPNU.
If you’re looking to grab your tickets to this exciting game, they’re available for purchase now! Don’t forget, apparel featuring the new Big Red eyes decal is also up for grabs at the WKU NIL Store!
For the latest updates, fans can stay connected through social media channels by following @WKUFootball on Twitter and Instagram or liking their Facebook page. Don’t miss out on what looks to be an amazing night at Houchens-Smith Stadium!
