Temple University Athletics: A Comprehensive Guide for the Engaged Owl

Temple University's athletic programs offer a vibrant and engaging experience for students, alumni, and the wider campus community. From passionate fan initiatives to diverse sporting events and dedicated support systems, Temple Athletics fosters a spirit of unity and pride, embodying the resilience and optimism of the university itself. This guide delves into the various facets of Temple University Athletics, providing essential information for those looking to get involved, stay informed, and support their beloved Owls.

Engaging the Campus Community: Events and Traditions

Temple University Athletics is committed to creating an inclusive and exciting atmosphere for everyone. Several key events and traditions are designed to foster a strong sense of community and school spirit.

One of the highlights is the CherryOn Pep Rallies, held on the Friday before home football games at the iconic Bell Tower. These lively gatherings are a fantastic opportunity for students to connect, build anticipation for the upcoming game, and showcase their Temple pride.

For every home football game, students are invited to a Free Student Tailgate located in Lot K23. This pre-game celebration is more than just a gathering; it's a full-fledged experience featuring complimentary food and drinks, music to set the mood, engaging tailgate games, and exciting giveaways. Crucially, Lot K23 is also the closest entry point to the stadium, making it a convenient and spirited starting point for game day.

A simple yet effective way to show school spirit is to "wear Cherry on Fridays." This tradition not only unifies the campus but also offers the chance to win prizes if you're spotted sporting the university's signature color.

Supporting Your Owls: Sports and Venues

Temple University boasts a wide array of NCAA Division I teams, offering students and fans the chance to cheer on their Owls in various sports. The university competes as a member of the American Athletic Conference, with a strong tradition of success in NCAA competitions.

Students can witness the excitement of men's basketball, women's basketball, volleyball, field hockey, men's and women's soccer, women's gymnastics, and lacrosse right on campus. These teams represent the dedication and talent of Temple's student-athletes.

The primary venues for these sports are strategically located to be accessible to the campus community:

Lincoln Financial Field: Home to Temple Football, this state-of-the-art stadium is also the proud home of the Philadelphia Eagles. It serves as a grand stage for the Owls' gridiron battles.
The Liacouras Center: Located on Broad Street, this arena is the primary venue for Temple Men's and Women's Basketball games. The student entrance is conveniently situated at the corner of 15th Street and Montgomery Avenue, ensuring easy access for students.
McGonigle Hall: This venue hosts the thrilling action of Temple Volleyball and Gymnastics competitions, bringing intense indoor sports action close to campus.
Temple Sports Complex: Situated at Broad and Master Streets, just a few blocks from the main campus, this complex is where Field Hockey, Men's and Women's Soccer, and Lacrosse teams compete.

Student Ticketing and Access

Temple University is dedicated to ensuring its students can experience the excitement of collegiate athletics. A significant benefit for students is their eligibility to receive one (1) free ticket to all home football, men's basketball, and women's basketball games.

It's important to note that these tickets are based on availability and are limited to one per student. The ticketing system has transitioned to a mobile-first approach. Students must claim their tickets via provided ticket links, which can be found at owlsports.com/students. This website also offers detailed instructions for downloading and managing mobile tickets.

Read also: Is Temple a Good Fit?

For first-time ticket downloads, students will need to create a new account. This account is separate from their TUportal login. To access their tickets, students will need their TUID number. Football tickets typically become available when students return to campus for the academic year, while basketball tickets are generally accessible around mid-October.

For any ticketing issues or questions, the Temple Athletics team is readily available. Students can find assistance during game weeks in the Student Center, at the pep rallies, or by visiting the Liacouras Box Center during the week.

The Wild Cherry Pass: Enhancing the Student Experience

For students seeking an elevated game-day experience, the Wild Cherry Pass offers exceptional value. For a modest price of $35, this pass provides several exclusive benefits:

Priority Seating: Guarantees the best seats in the student section for all home Football games.
Free Shirt: Includes a complimentary t-shirt, allowing students to proudly represent their Owls.
Postseason Travel Opportunities: Offers exclusive chances to travel to postseason games, including Bowl games and NCAA tournaments, should Temple teams qualify.

The Wild Cherry Pass is an excellent investment for dedicated fans looking to maximize their engagement with Temple Athletics.

Free Access to Other Sports

Beyond football and basketball, Temple students and all fans can enjoy a variety of other athletic events without the need for a ticket. Games for Volleyball, Field Hockey, Men's and Women's Soccer, Gymnastics, and Lacrosse are free for everyone. To stay updated on when and where these exciting events are taking place, students can visit owlsports.com/calendar.

Read also: Affording Temple

Weekly schedules for all sports are also posted in prominent locations across campus, including all dormitories, the Student Center, and on various TV screens throughout the university.

Bringing a Friend: Guest Ticket Information

Temple students have the opportunity to share their game-day experience with friends. For just $10, students can purchase a guest ticket for any home football or basketball game. These guest tickets can only be bought on game day at the Box Offices of Lincoln Financial Field and the Liacouras Center.

Student guests will be seated alongside their Temple student friend in the designated student sections. To ensure smooth entry, the guest will need to present their school ID along with the student's ticket.

Transportation to Home Football Games

Getting to Lincoln Financial Field for home football games is made convenient and free for Temple students, thanks to the Temple Athletic Department's complimentary transportation service. Buses begin picking up students three hours prior to game time from five key locations on and around campus:

1300 Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Johnson & Hardwick Residence Hall
The Student Center
15th and Montgomery Avenue
Ambler Campus Commuter Parking Lot

On the main campus, buses operate on a shuttle system, transporting students to and from Lincoln Financial Field leading up to the game's start. An ADA accessible bus is integrated into the shuttle service from the Student Center, ensuring accessibility for all students. It is important to note that buses will only make a single pick-up at the Ambler Campus location. After each game, buses will return students to their original drop-off points on campus.

SEPTA Subway Option

For those who prefer public transportation, the SEPTA Subway offers another viable option for reaching Lincoln Financial Field. Students can utilize the Broad Street Line, boarding at the Cecil B. Moore Station, conveniently located at the corner of Broad Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue (near the Law Bookstore). They should take the subway to the NRG station, which is situated directly outside the stadium complex. From there, it's a short walk to Lot K23 for the student tailgate. After the game, students can reverse the journey, taking the subway from NRG station back to campus. Please be aware that there is a fare for the subway, which is not covered by the University. Remember, traveling to the stadium is southbound, and returning to campus is northbound on the Broad Street Line.

The Cherry Crusade: The Heartbeat of Fan Support

The Cherry Crusade stands as the official student fan organization and the embodiment of passion for the Cherry & White. These are the diehard Owls fans who sit in the front rows of the student sections, leading cheers, painting up, and igniting the energy of every game.

Membership in the Cherry Crusade offers numerous advantages, including being the first to know about giveaways and student contests, receiving invitations to private athletic events, and gaining priority access to travel for postseason games. For new students looking to forge friendships and become deeply involved with Temple's athletic teams, the Cherry Crusade provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect and contribute to the "Nest." The collective energy of the student body is crucial, as student-athletes draw immense motivation from the support they receive.

Temple Owl Club: Enriching the Student-Athlete Experience

The Temple Owl Club plays a vital role in supporting Temple's student-athletes. Its mission is to provide the necessary resources to enhance the lives of these individuals as they pursue excellence both in the classroom and in their respective sports. The club achieves this by serving and connecting the Temple community through unparalleled experiences and upholding the university's rich traditions.

The vision of the Temple Owl Club is to cultivate the inherent greatness within student-athletes, guiding them as they strive for academic, athletic, and lifelong personal and professional achievements.

University Updates and Student Media

Temple University's commitment to its athletic programs is further evidenced by ongoing initiatives and resources designed to keep the community informed and engaged. Recent updates include the modernization of the signature Owl mark in 2023, a collaborative effort with alumnus Joe Bosack, which symbolizes strength, resiliency, and optimism. The creation of this updated mark was documented in a video, offering insight into its design and significance.

The university also has a beloved live mascot, Stella, a great horned owl who began her tenure in 2013. Hailing from Washington state, Stella's dietary preferences include rodents, rabbits, and snakes, reflecting her natural habitat.

For those interested in delving deeper into the world of Temple Athletics, student media organizations offer comprehensive coverage. OwlSports Update provides highlights of recent sporting events, WHIP Radio offers game recaps, and The Temple News delivers news and previews of upcoming games. These platforms are essential for staying connected and informed about all things Temple sports.

Internship and Experiential Opportunities

Beyond spectating and supporting, students have the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the operational aspects of collegiate athletics through internships. The world of running athletic programs is multifaceted, and Temple offers avenues for students to immerse themselves in this dynamic environment. Stories from students like Ameena, who initiated contact with Temple football to get involved, highlight the proactive spirit encouraged within the athletic department.

A Legacy of Sportsmanship and Integrity

Temple University's Division I teams have a distinguished history of success in NCAA competitions. Beyond athletic achievements, Temple's student-athletes are consistently recognized for their high level of integrity and sportsmanship. This commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, ensures that no matter the sport or venue, supporters can feel a profound sense of pride in representing the Temple Owls.

The Spirit of Temple: Cheerleading and Dance Teams

The Temple University Cheerleading Team, comprised of approximately 40 dedicated individuals, plays a crucial role in generating energy, spirit, and enthusiasm at all major sporting events, including football, men's and women's basketball, and volleyball contests. They also compete at the annual UCA Collegiate National Championship. For those interested in joining this dynamic group or learning more about their activities, contact head coach Jenna Komosinski.

Complementing the cheerleading squad is the Diamond Gems Dance Team. This talented group of athletes from across the country strives to entertain, energize, and inspire audiences at football games, basketball matches, and volleyball contests. They also participate in competitions against other collegiate dance teams. Information about the Diamond Gems can be obtained from head coach Jennifer Keller.

A Commitment to Excellence: Mission and Vision

The overarching Mission of Temple Athletics is to provide the resources necessary to enrich the lives of its student-athletes, empowering them to achieve excellence in their academic pursuits and in the highest levels of competition. This is achieved by fostering strong connections within the Temple community and creating unparalleled experiences rooted in tradition.

The Vision is to cultivate the inherent greatness within each student-athlete as they embark on their journeys toward academic, athletic, and lifelong personal and professional success. This forward-looking perspective underscores Temple's dedication to holistic development.

tags: #Temple #University #athletics #information