JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Nov. 4, 2024) – During Monday's weekly football press conference, East Tennessee State University Athletic Director Dr. Richard Sander announced that Darius Rucker will attend this Saturday's home game as ETSU hosts Western Carolina.
 
Kickoff of the Blue Ridge Border Battle is set for 12 p.m. inside Bank of Tennessee Field at William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium.
 
Rucker, a three-time GRAMMY Award winner, will sing "Wagon Wheel" at the end of the third quarter on Saturday. Rucker won his third career GRAMMY Award for Best Solo Country Performance with his Diamond-certified (11x Platinum) version of "Wagon Wheel," one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time, according to a press release from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
 
ETSU started a new tradition this season by playing "Wagon Wheel" at the end of the third quarter. Fans can pick up a "Wagon Wheel" rally towel at the Food City Fan Zone before entering Greene Stadium on Saturday.
 
Rucker has sold more than 25 million albums and has recently earned four No. 1 country albums. Last December, Rucker was honored with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Rucker, the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, just concluded their Summer Camp with Trucks Tour, which featured them playing in 43 cities across the U.S. and Canada.
 
Fans can purchase tickets to Saturday's football game, by calling the ETSU Ticket Office at 423-439-3878 or visit ETSUTickets.com. Saturday is also Family Weekend on campus.
 
For more information on Buccaneer athletics, visit ETSUBucs.com.