GWU Defending Big South Conference Champions Open 2023 Season on Saturday at Appalachian State

Fans Invited to Celebrate by Wearing Red and Black, Follow the Action on ESPN+ or Runnin’ Bulldog Sports Network

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb enters the 2023 season as defending Big South Conference Football Champions and will open on the road against Appalachian State on Saturday, Sept. 2, at 3:30 p.m.  

To celebrate the Runnin’ Bulldogs first game, GWU President Dr. William M. Downs has announced that the University will observe College Colors Day on Friday, Sept. 1. The 19th annual national recognition day celebrates the passion, spirit, and joy of the collegiate sports experience by encouraging fans to wear their team’s favorite gear. Red- and black-clad Runnin’ Bulldog fans participating in College Colors Day are also asked to share their school spirit on social media using #CollegeColorsDay along with #SkoDawgs.  

“We want Bulldog Nation to join together this Friday, fully decked out in their best red and black, to usher in an exciting season of fall sports at GWU,” said Downs. “As our team preps for its first clash with the Mountaineers since 2018, the campus and our community should have some fun getting hyped and ready for Week 1 of the college football season … can’t wait!”  

Fans, who cannot attend the game in Boone, N.C., can follow the action via the Runnin’ Bulldog Sports Network, available on The Varsity Network app or online at gwusports.com/listenlive. The game will also be on ESPN+ and WGNC AM 1450/FM 101.1. For more football news and updates, follow @GWUFootball on Twitter/X or @gwufootball on Instagram.  

The home opener is Sept. 9 against in-state foe Elon University in Spangler Stadium during Family Weekend. Fans can still purchase season tickets for all home football games at gwusports.com. Single game tickets are also available. Fans interested in joining the Bulldog Club can sign up via the links at gwusports.com.  

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.