OXFORD, Miss. -- Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt and the Rebel football team will join the marching band, spirit groups and special guests for a pep rally, Thursday, Sept. 17 prior to the 2009 home opener.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. CT in the south endzone of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

Nutt and numerous key Rebels will address the crowd along with Athletics Director Pete Boone and several other guest speakers. There will also be a special video presentation on the stadium’s HD videoboard.

The “Pride of the South” Marching Band, Cheerleaders and Rebelettes will perform, and leaders from the Cardinal Club and other student groups will present some new gameday elements.

Select lucky fans will have the opportunity to win prizes through “extra-point” and other contests on the field. The Rebel Shop will also be on hand selling the latest Ole Miss apparel and merchandise.

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m., and the public should enter through Gates 1-4 and 31. Fan seating for the pep rally will be in sections S3 through S9.