“We are very proud to center our 2007 football marketing efforts around the 25^th anniversary of our great stadium,” Ron Strollo, Executive Director of Athletics, said. “As a former player, I can fully attest to the true homefield advantage Stambaugh provides and the tremendous atmosphere that Penguin tailgaters and fans bring to this campus every Saturday in the fall.”

    YSU will partner with Medical Mutual of Ohio on many activities throughout the coming fall campaign.

    “Medical Mutual is a long-time sponsor of YSU Athletics and we are proud to partner with them on this exciting year-long celebration,” Strollo said.

     The 25th year activities will begin this coming March 1. Fans can log onto YSUsports.com to vote for the 25 greatest Youngstown State players in Stambaugh Stadium history and also vote for the five greatest games ever played. The internet voting will run through this summer. YSU will bring back the 25 greatest players, as voted on by the fans, to a home game this fall and the talented group will be honored at halftime. Also, a special commemorative poster will be distributed to fans at that game.

    As part of the other 25th anniversary activities, YSU will offer a Stambaugh Stadium replica figurine, which will be given away at a home game to be determined this fall. YSU will also bring back members members from the 1982 football team, the first to ever play at Stambaugh, along with players from the four NCAA National Championship squads.

    “We are very excited to involve our fans in the voting for the greatest players and greatest games through our website”, stated Rick Love, Associate Athletic Director.  “Our fans have truly made this the special place it is over the years and allowing them to have input into the celebration is important.”

    YSU’s all-time record at Stambaugh Stadium is 125-41-1. The 25-year attendance total is 2,149,390 covering 167 regular-season and playoff games.

    The Penguins are coming off an 11-3 season in which they captured the Gateway Conference Championship and advanced to the national semifinals of the playoff. Last year at Stambaugh Stadium Youngstown State was an impressive 7-1.

    YSU will open the 2007 season on Saturday, Sept. 1 playing at Ohio State. The home schedule features seven games, beginning Sept. 8 against South Dakota State. Season tickets are on sale now through the Athletic Ticket Office.