(WARRENSBURG, Mo.) – The first official flyover by the U.S. Air Force’s B-2 Stealth Bomber at University of Central Missouri, will be the highlight of UCM’s annual Military Appreciation Day at the first home football game of the season on Thursday, Aug. 31, following Get the Red Out.

The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command at nearby Whiteman Air Force Base will honor military personnel and veterans with the flyover preceding the kickoff of the UCM Mules against Pittsburg State Gorillas football game at 7 p.m. in Audrey J. Walton Stadium.

Military personnel, veterans and their dependents will received free general admission to the game with a military ID or UCM Command Pass. Brig. Gen. John J. Nichols, commander of the 509^th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, will participate in the coin toss to open the game, with welcoming remarks by President Chuck Ambrose.

The B-2 flyover is a distinct honor for UCM according to Jeff Huffman, director of UCM’s Military and Veterans Success Center.

“The Air Force receives an amazing number of requests for B-2 flyovers each year,” Huffman said. “The requests are prioritized according to pre-set protocols that consider military necessity, visibility for recruiting and public relations, and events such as professional and regional university athletic events.”

Huffman added that flyovers at regional university athletic events are rare, and UCM is excited that this request has been honored.

“It will be an impressive event,” Huffman said. “They will fly over the Friendship Tower and the stadium at an altitude lower than we are used to seeing when they are flying overhead during the week.”

Prior to the game, military personnel, veterans and their dependents are invited to enjoy a barbecue at the UCM Military Appreciation pregame tailgate at Selmo Park, located just south of the stadium, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Entertainment and activities will be available for the entire family, including games and face painting.

Admission is free with a military ID. Reservations are appreciated, but not required, and may be made online at ucmo.edu/tailgate. Parking will available just west of the stadium on Washington St., and tailgate guests may walk past the stadium and the Friendship Tower to the Selmo Park location.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the UCM Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

Also prior to the event, UCM will celebrate the Mules home opener with the annual Get the Red Out street fair from 4 to 6:30 p.m.