On Sept. 23 in front of the Alumni Center, FAU will hold its annual pep rally to celebrate the home opener for the Owls football team.

This year’s rally, which comes two days before the Owls’ game against North Texas, holds a special meaning, as it marks the start of the team’s final four games at Lockhart Stadium.

On Sept. 16, Florida’s Board of Governors approved the Owls’ proposed on-campus stadium, which is scheduled to be completed sometime during the fall 2011 semester. The stadium will be located across the street from the Alumni Center.

“This pep rally marks a new milestone for FAU,” said student body president Ayden Maher. “It’s a good feeling to know that we will have a stadium to call our own.”

The rally will begin at 7 p.m. with the football team and band marching down the Breezeway and making their way to the Alumni Center. The festivities will include food, music, and giveaways of shirts, posters and magnets.

“We already have over 400 confirmed guests on Facebook,” said Maher. “All the coaches, including Howard Schnellenberger, will be there.”

Before the start of the football season, FAU held its annual bonfire. More than 3,000 attendees were estimated to be at that event, and even more are expected at the rally, according to Maher.

“Oh, I’ll be there for sure,” said senior business major Chris Caldaro. “Who would turn down a chance for free food and Owl march?”