HAMILTON, Ont. – McMaster Athletics is giving fans the opportunity to get closer to the action this season with the launch of its Marauders Game Day Experience Programs, offering groups, youth teams and community members unique ways to become part of game day.

Available across football, soccer, basketball and volleyball, the programs go beyond watching from the stands and give participants the chance to experience Marauders game day from the sidelines, court and field.

Whether it's a team celebration, school outing, corporate event or a day with friends and family, groups can take advantage of special ticket pricing and exclusive experiences while cheering on the Marauders.

Anthem Buddies

Young Marauders fans can take centre stage alongside McMaster student-athletes during the national anthem.

Available for soccer, basketball and volleyball, Anthem Buddies gives participants the opportunity to walk onto the field with the soccer team or join basketball and volleyball athletes on the court following warmups before standing alongside the Marauders for the anthem. The experience is available for children up to 13 years old.

Marauder Ball Crew

Get a behind-the-scenes look at game day by joining the Marauder Ball Crew for football or soccer.

Participants help keep the game moving by providing footballs to officials from the sidelines or retrieving soccer balls from behind the goals. The program can also count toward volunteer hours for high school students, with participants receiving a pre-game briefing before getting into position for the game.

Basketball Court Crew

Be part of the action from courtside as a member of the Marauder Court Crew.

Participants assist with court sweeping throughout McMaster basketball games, helping clean up sweat spots and keep the playing surface dry and ready for competition. The opportunity is available to participants ages 16 and older and can count toward high school volunteer hours.

Volleyball 3-Ball Court Crew

Experience Marauders volleyball from one of the closest seats in the house by joining the 3-Ball Court Crew.

Participants ages 14 and older operate the three-ball system during McMaster volleyball games, distributing volleyballs to players and helping maintain the flow of the match from designated positions around the court. The experience can also be used toward high school volunteer hours.

Experience Marauders Game Day, Together

Several experiences can be combined, giving groups the opportunity to build an even bigger Marauders game day. Anthem Buddies can be paired with Ball Crew or the Volleyball 3-Ball Court Crew, subject to availability.

Groups attending McMaster Athletics events can also take advantage of discounted group ticket rates, including 15 per cent off for groups of 16 to 25 and 20 per cent off for groups of 26 or more through the Anthem Buddies program.

From standing alongside Marauders student-athletes during the national anthem to helping keep the action moving from the sidelines and court, the Marauders Game Day Experience Programs offer fans a new way to connect with McMaster Athletics.

Bring your crew. Wear the maroon. Cheer on the Marauders.

For more information about Marauders Game Day Experience Programs and group opportunities, contact tickets@mcmaster.ca. and check out program page.