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Emporia State Joins KDOT's 'Fans With a Plan' Program

by Gwendolynne Larson

Emporia, KS (08/26/2024) — Emporia State University and the Kansas Department of Transportation are teaming up to help every fan get home safe after athletic and other events on campus that include alcohol.

'Fans With a Plan' is a dynamic initiative designed to educate students, parents, faculty, and the wider Emporia community about the importance of making advance plans for safe transportation if they choose to consume alcohol at ESU events.

"Emporia State cares about the safety of our students and everyone in Hornet Nation. 'Fans With a Plan' is a great resource for our community," said ESU President Ken Hush.

The partnership is being launched now to coincide with the opening of the 2024 ESU football season. The first home game is Thursday, Aug. 29, against Washburn University. Live at the Hive tailgate area opens at 4:30 p.m.; kickoff is 7 p.m.

During this yearlong initiative, fans are encouraged to pledge not to drink and drive, and to use a designated driver or rideshare app if they choose to consume alcohol at events.

"Emporia State is proud to partner with the Kansas Drive To Zero Coalition and invite all attendees at our events to join Hornet Fans With A Plan," said Emporia State Vice President/Director of Athletics David Spafford. "Wherever you plan to watch or listen to a Hornet game, if you plan to drink, have a plan to arrive and return home safely by designating a sober driver or using your favorite RideShare app."

KDOT's "Fans With A Plan" program has partnered with a variety of sports and entertainment venues statewide including football, basketball, soccer, motorsports and concerts. The plan has been embraced by everyone from athletes to administrators to fans as part of the effort to prevent serious injuries and traffic deaths associated with impaired driving in Kansas.

KDOT, Bureau of Transportation Safety Behavioral Safety Manager Gary Herman said, "We're excited for the partnership with Emporia State and the opportunity to connect with their fan base with a reminder that planning ahead for a sober driver is always the right choice. We're appreciative of their prominent ride-share accommodation at 15th & Merchant on campus and comprehensive communications support."

NOTE TO MEDIA: ESU Athletics is sending the same release to its sports media contacts. Some outlets will receive from both ESU News and Athletics.

About Emporia State University

Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its institute and seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library and Information Management & Library and Archives, Science & Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.

As the sole public university in Kansas to be recognized as a College of Distinction for eight consecutive years, ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.

For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.

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