“Downtown Bound” in Downtown Hammond

HAMMOND-  Strawberry Stadium is clearing out and excitement is high, and Downtown Hammond is the place to be.

This year, on Oct. 23, the Downtown Development District is hosting Downtown Bound, also known as Take it to the Tracks, the Southeastern Louisiana University homecoming post-game celebration.

Downtown Hammond awaits Homecoming night. Photo by Ivana Ellis.

“The event is a chance for fans of Southeastern and McNeese State who attended the game to celebrate with friends, grab a bite to eat and catch some great live music at eight different venues, all within walking distance of each other,” said Melissa Griffin, event coordinator of the Hammond Downtown Development District.

For 2010, participating vendors:

• Cate Street Pub will have music by Todd O’Neill performing rock, country and originals from 10 p.m.–2 a.m. Free t-shirts will be available to the first 50 guests who bring in Southeastern Homecoming game ticket stubs.

• Cate Street Seafood Station will have DJ Johnny Five playing 80s, 90s, Top 40 and Dance hits outside the restaurant. Also available will be sushi served inside the restaurant until midnight and 10 percent off any bill with proof of the ticket stub beginning at 9 p.m.

• La Carreta will have music by Guy Parent from 7–10 p.m.

• Mariner’s Inn will be offering one free house beverage with the purchase of an entrée, burger or sandwich.

• PJ’s Coffee will be offering a free drink up-size with a ticket stub.

• Rotolo’s Pizzeria will offer a free appetizer per table.

• Tope la restaurant will have a free appetizer with the purchase of two entrees or by bar only, a buy one well drink or house wine, get one free with the game ticket stub. There also will be live music that night.

• Tutti Frutti will be open late this night with 20 percent off deals to those with the game ticket stub.

Downtown Bound took a few months to organize and should be an exciting experience, according to Griffin.

“We’ve been attending the Southeastern Homecoming planning meetings since about July/August,” Griffin said. “We made contact with the downtown merchants in late August to request for their participation. Promotional items have been in place since the beginning of October.

“This particular Saturday evening will be exceptionally interesting.  There will be music that will suit almost any taste, plus sweet treats and special deals if you bring your ticket stub.  We’re looking forward to a great night to stroll around beautiful Downtown Hammond and the perfect way to celebrate Lions football.”

Griffin is not the only person interested in Homecoming night.

“I do plan on attending the homecoming game, and I plan on going because it’s the climax of homecoming week,” said Nicholas Robert, a junior at Southeastern.

Robert also stated Downtown Bound sounds like something he would be interested in attending because he likes going to the restaurants in downtown Hammond and hearing live music.

Alice Gibson, a health studies instructor, also looks forward to game nights.

 “I am a two-time alumni from SLU and also a current faculty member. I am also an athletic committee member and season ticket holder,” Gibson said.

She was also interested in the restaurant discounts and entertainment that will be taking place downtown. Gibson also mentioned enjoying time spent in downtown Hammond with friends.

During Homecoming week, Oct. 18-23, at Southeastern, the campus will be hosting events all week. Taking place on Homecoming day will be events like “Decorate your tailgate” contest judging at noon and the Homecoming parade at 3 p.m. with entertainment in Friendship Circle beginning at 1:30 p.m. Pre-game activities start at 5:40 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium, where kick-off will take place at 6 p.m. against McNeese State University.