WEST POINT, N.Y. – A revamped fan-fest area laden with child-friendly entertainment and a carnival-like atmosphere will greet Army football fans visiting Black Knights Alley this year.

The expanded area located in front of Michie Stadium will feature live music, interactive fan games, giveaways, autograph and photograph booths with cadet-athletes, interactive athletic activities with cadet-athletes, inflatable activities for kids, face-painting, military hardware displays and food and beverages, among other things. In addition, “Dusty the Clown” will be available throughout Black Knights Alley giving away balloons and offering free face-painting services to youngsters.

Local radio station WHUD (100.7 FM, Peekskill, N.Y.) and popular on-air personality Mike Bennett will provide live remote drop-ins from Black Knights Alley for two hours each week (beginning four hours prior to kickoff) and serve as a lead-in to the Army Football Tailgate Show with Rich DeMarco and Bob Outer. The 90-minute Army Football Tailgate Show will originate from Black Knights Alley each week and feature interviews with fans, Army staff members, honored guests and visiting dignitaries.

Prior to the New Hampshire game on Sept. 6, Bennett’s regular morning show will be broadcast live from Black Knights Alley, starting at 9 a.m.

The Hudson Valley band Replica will perform in Black Knights Alley prior to the Temple game from 4-7 p.m., while fellow Hudson Valley group Hudson Blue will participate in the Black Knights Alley festivities for each of Army’s remaining five home games, starting three hours prior to kickoff.

Approximately two hours before kickoff each week, Black Knight Walk will take place, with Army’s football team members and coaches parading through the heart of Black Knights Alley en route to the team locker room in preparation for the approaching game. Fans are encouraged to attend this recently crafted tradition to help support the Black Knights.

“We have made a strong commitment to transform Black Knights Alley into a must-see destination for families and their children on a West Point football game day,” stated Bob Beretta, senior associate athletic director for external operations. “Our goal is to create a fan-friendly environment where our guests can gather before the game and enjoy some of the unique opportunities West Point offers. We will have athletes from three of our intercollegiate athletic programs greeting fans in Black Knights Alley each week, signing autographs and participating in interactive sporting activities.

“We feel it is extremely important to reach out to our fans and help provide the level of entertainment at Black Knights Alley that we feel they will receive once heading inside Michie Stadium each week. This promises to be a special location for our guests, particularly the younger fans that come out to support our football program. We hope the experiences and memories they gain will last a lifetime.”

The new-look Black Knights Alley, which will be open to the public three hours prior to kickoff each week, will debut against Temple on Aug. 29. Guests will be welcome in the Alley beginning at 4 p.m. that afternoon. The Alley will span the length of Michie Stadium along Mills Road.