Eastern Michigan University students, staff, faculty, and alumni joined their fellow Eagles for TRUEMU Night at Comerica Park on July 25.
The Detroit Tigers took on the Los Angeles Angels starting at 6:40 p.m. that Tuesday as EMU fans showed their support for the university community. For every ticket sold through the Tigers-EMU ticket page, $5 went toward the EMU Student Emergency Fund.
The fund is dedicated to helping students through financial difficulties that might impact their ability to remain enrolled in college. Attendees who purchased tickets through the page also received a one-of-a-kind, co-branded Tigers-EMU Paws bobblehead.
“I bought tickets for me and all of my friends. I had no idea the Tigers would have an EMU-themed night, but I’m really happy we found the link, and we’re all really excited to be here,“ EMU freshman Vivian Mergler said.
Before the game started, EMU guests had the opportunity to attend a gathering at the stadium. The pre-game event was hosted by the EMU Office of Alumni and Donor Engagement and held at 5:30 p.m. on the stadium’s third level. The event included free snacks and one free beverage per person.
“I was invited to accept the check for the Student Emergency Fund alongside James Smith, Connie Ruhl Smith, Walter Kraft, and Alex Simpson,” EMU student government Vice President Ameera Salman said. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to represent Eastern. As a baseball fan, I enjoyed watching the game and the pre-game festivities! It was so great to see the collaboration between EMU and the Detroit Tigers.”
EMU was among the first universities to have themed nights with Detroit professional sports teams. The university has not only partnered with the Detroit Tigers, but also the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons. Other universities that offer college nights include the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, and more.
The Tigers lost 7-6 in Tuesday night's game, but that didn’t stop EMU supporters from having a good time.
“I feel great knowing that I helped support Eastern,” student Nick Matykowski said. “Although the Tigers had lost against the Los Angeles Angels, I had a great time watching the rally they put on. Being able to see all-star caliber players like Shohei Ohtani face-off against my hometown team was something I will never forget.”
Matykowski is a recent EMU transfer student. He looks forward to attending more EMU events in the future.
“I’m looking forward to more EMU events. I think it’s great to allow students the opportunity to experience fun, public events such as this one,“ Matykowski said.
The Tigers next take on the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday in a straight doubleheader for the final two games of the three-game series. The first game begins at 1:10 p.m. with the next game following shortly after.
