Two hundred fourteen days since the initial announcement, it’s finally official: Middle Tennessee is a full-fledged member of Conference USA after 13 years in the Sun Belt Conference, and a citywide celebration, “Paint the Town Blue,” marked the occasion on July 1.

MTSU fans filled the Sam’s All American Grill at the Stones River Mall to overflowing for the historic first-day event to celebrate the university’s new membership in C-USA.

Coaches and administrators were overjoyed at the turnout, and MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said that the university and the surrounding community are collaborating in a great partnership.

To learn more about the celebration, visit mtsunews.com/c-usa-paint-the-town-blue-day-2013 or goblueraiders.com.