The Florida State athletics department announced on Friday an elevated game day experience for the football team’s October 31 home contest against Clemson. Fans will experience an entire day of celebrating our nation’s military, FSU legend Peter Warrick, a variety of Halloween-themed elements and unforgettable stadium presentations.
Dubbed Operation Garnet Storm, the festivities will include multiple Halloween candy giveaways, Military Appreciation, a patriotic-themed halftime show by the Marching Chiefs, and the Garnet Hour extending through the second half. Garnet Hour features two brand-new elements for Doak Campbell Stadium through partnerships with industry-leading companies SkyWorx and CrowdSync.
“Operation Garnet Storm is a comprehensive campaign to provide our fans a one-of-a-kind experience in Doak Campbell Stadium,” interim director of athletics Bruce Warwick said. “We are excited to enhance our many traditions while also creating new memories with elements that are making their Doak Campbell Stadium debut. From the moment they arrive until after the game, fans will have opportunities to engage, interact and enjoy Saturday night in Tallahassee.”
Fan Fest, featuring Trunk or Treat and additional activations from FSU Athletics partners, begins on Langford Green at 3 p.m. In addition to the giveaways, the Seminole Sports Network pregame show featuring Jeff Culhane and special guests airs live from Langford Green beginning at 3:30 p.m. A variety of food trucks and a Seminole Sports pop-up are also on Langford Green.
Inside the stadium, concession stands will have candy for fans in costume, and a punch card will be available. Once the punch card has been filled, it can be redeemed for a hot dog or nachos combo during the second half. There will also be a special Halloween-themed drink and special pricing on 12-ounce beer. FSU students will receive special rates at concession stands before the game and in the second half.
The game ball will be delivered via a pregame parachute jump by the USSOCOM Para-Commandos from MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. The national anthem will feature the joint FSU/FAMU ROTC color guard and March-On with enhanced pyrotechnics, and Florida State will be led out on the field by three players carrying the American flag, POW-MIA flag and FSU flag. The first half will feature multiple recognitions of veterans, current service members and leadership, as well as videos of FSU football players with ties to the military.
During the first quarter, Peter Warrick will be recognized with the National Football Foundation On-Campus Salute in honor of his upcoming induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Warrick, who was a two-time Consensus All-American and still holds the FSU career record with 32 receiving touchdowns, will be FSU’s 12th College Football Hall of Famer when he is officially inducted during the NFF Annual Awards Dinner in December.
The Marching Chiefs halftime show will begin with a patriotic tribute before a cohesive transition into Garnet Hour inside and outside of Doak Campbell Stadium. Incorporating the Marching Chiefs, videoboards, stadium lights and FSU’s first-ever drone show, Garnet Hour will set the tone for the second half. The third and fourth quarters will continue the Garnet Hour theme with light shows and student participation while elevating fan-favorite traditions. Fans will also have the opportunity to participate in a synchronized light show at the start of the fourth quarter.
Fans can take advantage of a special Buy Week offer until Sunday at 11:59 p.m. during FSU’s open date in the schedule this weekend. Tickets start at $75 for the Oct. 31 game against Clemson and $25 for the Nov. 21 matchup with NC State using the promo code BUYWEEK. Tickets are available at Seminoles.com/tickets.
Operation Garnet Storm Timeline
Noon – Parking lots open
3 p.m. – Ford Fan Fest on Langford Green and Coca-Cola Tailgate Village at Howser Green open
3 p.m. – Trunk or Treat on Langford Green
4:45 p.m. – Legacy Walk at Heritage Tower/Gate K
5 p.m. – Doak Campbell Stadium gates open, concessions specials and Trick-or-Treat available
Pre-game – USSOCOM Para-Commandos parachute jump, Marching Chiefs performance, Spear Plant
1st half – Military Appreciation t-shirt giveaway for FSU students, military and law enforcement recognitions on the field, Peter Warrick NFF On-Campus Salute
Halftime – Marching Chiefs performance, Garnet Hour begins, drone show, synchronized light show
3rd quarter – Stadium light activations, Allstate Field Goal Kick contest, Trick-or-Treat concludes
4th quarter – Eastbound & Down, Engine video with enhanced pyrotechnics, drone show, synchronized light show
