Head football coach Howard Schellenberger was thrilled that his vision of providing on campus football for the Owls was finally a reality. Dressed in a white FAU cap and red suit jacket, Schellenberger challenged his team to defend their new home in tomorrow’s opener vs Western Kentucky, and he was confident they would do so.

“This generation of players will carry us to the next level and set the standard,” said Schnellenberger. ”We need to win tomorrow so we can all celebrate.”

A bronze life-size statue of the coaching legend was on display inside the stadium.

Shortly before departing with his team to prepare for the game, Coach Schnellenberger was given a special gift  by Student Body President Ayden Maher that fired up the crowd. It was a blue t-shirt that said “The House that Howard Built” and will be distributed to students before the game.

The mood at the event was festive, with the cheerleaders, mascot, and marching band on hand to entertain the red and blue clad fans. Maher claims that 9,000 students are expected to attend tomorrow’s inaugural game. Given the recent influx of new students it comes as no surprise.

According to Robert J. Stilley, Board of Trustees Chair at FAU, the school has received twice as many applicants for enrollment since news of a new stadium was announced and he explained why.

“Students want the traditional college experience,” said Stilley. “And with this stadium they have it now.”

The financial impact that FAU stadium will have on the city of Boca Raton will be massive.

“This is truly a magnificent stadium and we are proud to be standing in “The House that Howard Built”,” said Susan Whelchel, mayor of Boca Raton. “It is an economic engine that will drive the city of Boca Raton.”

Each game will bring in an estimated $1.8 million for the city according to Athletic Director Craig Angelos.

“We are excited to now play football in paradise between these beautiful palm trees,” said President Saunders.

It was Mayor Whelchel, though, who drew the largest applause of the night with her promise for tomorrow’s game.

“As a collective city body, we will shut down all the roads in Boca tomorrow that do not come into FAU,” said Whelchel.