By Staff
Can’t make it to the East Carolina University-Tulsa University football game in Tulsa, Okla., today?
Not to worry. It can be viewed — for free — on a screen, a big screen, a 20-foot-by-20-foot screen that will be set up on the Washington waterfront. Plans call for the screen to be installed on the fence behind the former Maola plant on Water Street, according to Mac “Bear” Hodges. In case of bad weather, the “tailgate party” will move into the Pirate’s Grill and Pub.
Last month, the Washington City Council gave its unanimous approval for the big-screen showing to take place. ESPN will carry the game, a rematch of the 2008 Conference USA championship game, with the game slated to start at 8:15 p.m.
The high-definition, Direct TV projection system will be provided by Jason Pair with Pair Electronics, and the giant outdoor screen is courtesy of Donnie Cutler, who is organizing the event. At 6 p.m., musician Willis Gupton will kick off a pregame entertainment segment.
Gupton is known to play at little bit of everything from country to Jimmy Buffett, according to Hodges.
“I’ve heard a lot of positive comments about (Gupton),” Hodges said.
The “tailgate party” is free of charge and party-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers. Bottles will not be permitted.
“I hope everything goes well,” Hodges said. “We should get a pretty good turnout.”