A large and festive crowd of ETSU students and fans gathered Wednesday night at the site of the planned ETSU football stadium for a special bonfire and pep rally.

As part of the event, a new Bucky mascot was introduced to the crowd as the ETSU Marching Bucs provided the music for the evening. The Buccaneers will return to the football field for the first time since the 2003 season on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m., when they face the Kennesaw State Owls.

For more on the game, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the football link.