MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Four new student-selected musical acts are coming this fall to Middle Tennessee State University for Party in the Grove, the pre-game tailgate in Walnut Grove that will offer plenty for Blue Raider students, alumni and fans leading up to each home football game.
The university’s tailgating tradition kicks off with Raider Walk, a chance to cheer on head football coach Derek Mason, his staff and players as they march by the Blue Horseshoe before the game as the Band of Blue plays, followed by live entertainment, food trucks, freebies and activities in Walnut Grove near Peck Hall. Then “Follow Me to Floyd” marches the party to Floyd Stadium, where fans cheer on the Blue Raiders.
“Party in the Grove is about more than what happens before a football game,” said new Dean of Students James Bridgeforth. “It is about creating an experience where our students feel connected to MTSU and to one another. Some of the best college memories are created through traditions like these, and we want Walnut Grove to be a place where students, families, alumni and friends come together and experience what it means to be True Blue.”
The party starts two and a half hours before kickoff and wraps up with the traditional march to Floyd Stadium 30 minutes before every home game. That leaves plenty of time for a stop by the photobooth, to grab a taco, some Asian street food, a popsicle or a refreshing drink at a food truck, amp up the school spirit with a True Blue custom license plate or airbrushed T-shirt, make some spin art or get a henna tattoo.
This year’s musical lineup was selected by Recording Industry students, except for the 129th Army Band, slated for the Sept. 19 Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces game. Recording Industry assistant professor Adam Caress’ students get hands-on experience working with artists’ teams and booking shows right here on campus. The course, called “Live Event Talent Booking,” was developed in 2025.
“Over the summer, the students in the class are responsible for scouting talent, pitching their preferred artists, reaching out to the artists and their booking agents, and negotiating the terms for the artists to perform at Party in the Grove,” said Caress.
Things To Know
- Raider Walk starts 2.5 hours before kickoff in Walnut Grove
- Visiting artists go on 30 minutes after Raider Walk
- “Follow Me to Floyd” starts 30 minutes before kickoff.
- Bathrooms can be found in Peck Hall.
- A Port-a-Potty station will be set up in the Grove.
- Floyd Stadium has a strict clear bag policy.
- Emerald Empire Band on Sept. 5 at 4 p.m.
- 129th Army Band on Sept. 19 at 4 p.m.
- Bully on Oct. 13 at 4 p.m.
- Edgehill on Oct. 28 at 4 p.m.
- Grace Leer on Nov. 7 at 12:30 p.m.
- Ceron Mays and the AMAYSN Band on Nov. 28 at 11 a.m.
Artists run the gamut from cover bands to up-and-coming names, and span genres from pop and country to alternative and hip-hop.
“It’s an exciting way for students to get real-world experience working with professional artists and agents while providing a valuable service for MTSU. It’s been a win-win thus far for the students and the university,” Caress said.
The lineup
• On Saturday, Sept. 5, celebrate the home opener with Raider Walk at 3:30 p.m., before Emerald Empire Band takes the stage at 4 p.m. The cover band’s high-energy set includes modern and classic hits perfect for a party. Then march to Floyd at 5:30p.m., where the Blue Raiders play the Murray State Racers at 6 p.m.
• After Raider Walk at 3:30 p.m., fans can expect a patriotic performance on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 4 p.m., when the 129th Army Band performs for MTSU’s annual Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces football game honoring service members and their families. “Follow Me to Floyd” is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. The Blue Raiders face off against the Nevada Wolf Pack at 6 p.m.
• Bully is no stranger to MTSU — frontwoman Alicia Bognanno is an alum of the Recording Industry Department. She’s returning home on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 4 p.m. with grungy melodies and raw lyrics after Raider Walk at 3:30 p.m. “Follow Me to Floyd” will close things out at 5:30 p.m. before the Blue Raiders and the Fightin’ Blue Hens of the University of Delaware go head-to-head.
• Guitar-heavy and fast-paced alt-rockers Edgehill roll onto campus on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 4 p.m., following Raider Walk at 3:30 p.m. A 5:30 p.m. parade to Floyd gets fans to the stadium with plenty of time before the Blue Raiders take on the Kennesaw State University Owls at 6 p.m.
• Grace Leer is an independent singer-songwriter whose time on the television show “American Idol” launched her into the spotlight. Expect twangy melodies and country strumming on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 12:30 p.m., ahead of the Homecoming game at 2:30 p.m. MTSU will face longtime rival Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers in what could be a nail-biting match.
• The cover band Ceron Mays and the AMAYSN Band will round out the season with a selection of soulful, groovy tunes on Saturday, Nov. 28, at 11 a.m. before MTSU squares off against the New Mexico State University Aggies at 1 p.m.
— Cat Curtis Murphy ([email protected])
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