Are you ready for more fabulously frugal football?

As Fall of 2016 rapidly approaches, I can’t believe the words I’m about to type — I’m getting so excited for football season! Don’t get me wrong, my excitement isn’t aimed toward the NFL leagues that seem to have made it their mission in life to maim, cripple or generally behead the other players as they tackle each other like colliding asteroids while charging you an average mortgage payment for the privilege of watching it firsthand. Nope, the football that I can’t wait to watch is college football, and more specifically, the Temple Owls, as they ramp up for another amazing season.

The action and athleticism of this team are so impressive to watch in person. You just don’t have the same experience watching it on the screen at home – I’m now at the point where I have to go out and see every home game up close and personal.

The best part? In all frugal seriousness, Temple Football games continue to be among the best entertainment values for enthusiastic sports fans and their families — it’s fantastic! You want to talk about some fabulously affordable entertainment? Try this on for size – a youth (ages 14 and under) pays a ticket price of $10 on game days, and adult ticket prices start at just $20. You can’t get your family and friends into the movies at that price anymore. To top it off, in response to the incredible enthusiasm for Temple’s pregame bands a year ago, Temple will now host a live concert prior to every game in 2016. The featured group will begin 90 minutes prior to kickoff in the Temple Alumni Association’s Tailgate Village in Lot K – what’s not to love?

So let’s add this up — at these amazing prices you’re getting a live 90-minute concert, a fantastic football game, and hours of sunshine and fresh Autumn air, compared to planting yourself in a dark movie theatre for 90 minutes eating stale popcorn and feeling your tan fade. Just sayin’.

Another great reason to love it — you get a fantastic look inside Lincoln Financial Field without paying thru the nose. Pretty impressive venue. Also fabulous is the tailgating, which I find many have taken to the level of an Olympic sport. I haven’t put anything close to that much effort into a meal since the Christmas holidays, and these guys do it weekend after weekend, using nothing more than a beer cooler, a handful of knives and the 3 grills they pull out of the back of their truck. It’s like Julia Child meets McGyver.

There’s a bunch of home games on the docket, and I already have them all on the calendar – it’s a great chance to get out before colder weather starts rearing its ugly head, and there are freebies galore at every game!

Don’t believe me? Just some highlights:

Sept. 2, we’re playing Army! Not only do the first 3,000 fans ages 14 and under get a free drawstring backpack, but Philadelphia area teachers and union members are also eligible for discounted tickets.

Sept. 10, we’re against Stony Brook, with Temple T Superhero Capes handed out to the first 3,000 fans for free, and Police, firefighters and EMT’s are eligible for discounted tickets.

Sept. 24 – Homecoming, You can’t miss it! Free Rally Towels for the first 5,000 fans, and tailgating with Alumni-Owned food trucks no less. You have to love it.

Oct. 1 – Parent-Child Touchdown Toss Day, where kids ages 14 and under can score a TD on the field after the game.

Like I said, it’s football done right, and it does a wallet good. If you’re looking for some fun entertainment as we head into fall, log on to www.OwlsTix.com to get your tickets, or call the Temple Ticket Sales Office at 215204-TIXX, or just head to www.ticketmaster.com and they’ll take care of you. Go Owls, and Frugal On!

Kristen Hagopian is a Syndicated Radio Talk Show Host, Columnist & Author of Brilliant Frugal Living. She co-hosts WCHE 1520’s Morning Show, and “Dad and Daughter Talk Real Estate” with local Keller Williams Realtor John Herreid Wednesdays at 5:00P (www.johnherreid.com). She resides in Chester County with her family. You can find her online at www. BrilliantFrugalLiving.com.