By Brooke Frederickson, assistant director of communications for University Athletics

The annual U Fan Fest will be held Saturday, Aug. 29 from 5-7 p.m. at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The event is free to the public and will feature representatives from all 18 Utah varsity teams.

Fans can participate in interactive games and will have photo and autograph opportunities with Utah student-athletes. There will be performances from band and cheer in the south end zone, including a Red Thunder drum performance. The gymnastics team will have a handstand competition on the fountain in the south plaza.

The first 1,000 fans will receive a Homecoming rally towel from the Alumni Association, which will also sponsor a photo contest. A variety of academic departments and colleges will be participating in U Fan Fest for the first time, bringing new activities and giveaways to the event.

The bookstore will be set up on the south plaza and will feature the 2015 Ute Proud Under Armour shirt and other new merchandise, and the ticket office will be open for single-game football ticket sales. ESPN 700 and Bill Riley will be broadcasting live from the event. Concession stands will be open with food available for purchase and food trucks will also be parked on the concourse.

Fans may park in the west parking lot and should enter through the main west gate of the stadium.