For those Bearcats fans who were looking for more of a reason to go to the games, this is for you.

The Binghamton University Athletic Department has decided to implement something new this fall called the “Bearcat Festival of Games.” Each of Binghamton’s fall sports teams will have one home game or event with special coverage and benefits for students who go out and show their support.

Aimed at trying to introduce new fans to some of the Bearcats sports teams, this program is open to all students, whether new at the school or heading toward graduation in May.

“The Festival of Games is designed to bring out some new fans, especially from the student body, who may not have experienced BU sports before,” said Dave Simek, associate director of athletics, promotion and advertising at the Events Center.

It is never too late to start following Binghamton sports, and there is some extra incentive to start now: for every game included in the Festival of Games, there will be contests, free giveaways and free food — not just the standard carts selling juice and chips.

“It’s a great opportunity to come down and see the Bearcats and get involved,” Simek said. “Maybe we can even create a new end to the BU Zoo.”

So come on down and see our Bearcats take on rivals from both in conference and out, and see what it’s like to have a team to cheer for other than your hometown clubs.

GRAY BOX

The schedule for the Bearcat Festival of Games is as follows:

Saturday, Sept. 30: Binghamton Women’s Tennis Invitational. 9:30 a.m.

Sunday, Oct. 1: Women’s soccer vs. Albany. 1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 14: Men’s soccer vs. Stony Brook. 1 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 15: Volleyball vs. UMBC. 1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 28: Swimming & Diving tri-meet vs. Vermont and Canisius. 1 p.m.