Saturday marks the first game of the season for the Trojans, and also the first Downtown Troy Tailgate.

Shuttle buses will carry passengers for free and make a circuit from local hotels to Troy University to Downtown from noon to 4 p.m. during the Downtown Tailgate experience.

“The shuttle service makes it so easy for everyone to take part in our tailgating event on the square in Troy,” said Leigh Anne Windham with the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.

The City of Troy and the Chamber are hosting the series of tailgating events that is in its second season.

“Last year was our first year and it really caught on,” Windham said. “We invite families and college students and even fans from the opposing team to come downtown and pop up a tent or picnic on the square.”

Downtown merchants and restaurants will be offering game day specials, just like last year. And live music is returning, as well, beginning with K&W Acoustics Saturday.

There are even some new efforts this year to expand on the experience.

“We are going to have a TV viewing area for people to watch some of the afternoon games before Troy’s kickoff,” said Will Thompson with the City of Troy. “This year is going to be even better than last.”

Thompson said the Downtown Troy Tailgate events are a great way to promote the relationship the city enjoys with the university and offers people an opportunity to enjoy the downtown area in a unique way.

“Students, non-students, people from Troy, people from out of town – we’d love to have everyone with us,” Thompson said.

“There is a lot to take advantage of downtown and we are thrilled about having the Downtown Troy Tailgate for a second year.”