Local Lions Club will treat evacuees to football game

On Fridays, it’s one of the hottest tickets in town. But for a select group of fans, it’ll be free.

The Opelika Lions Club and Opelika High School have teamed up to offer families who are displaced in the area due to what was Hurricane Gustav and may have to remain in the area until they’re allowed to return home, a chance to attend the Bulldogs game this Friday against Russell County. Both teams are 1-0.

Those that do attend the game, will also be treated to concessions, according to Lions Club president William Brown.

“Our motto is ‘We Serve’ so the Lions Club looks at this as another opportunity to practice what we preach,” said Brown.

As of Tuesday, the Lee County Red Cross reported shelters at Opelika’s Covington Recreation Center and Southern Union State Community College with 193 and 90 evacuees sheltered there respectively.

“By the time Friday rolls around, I’m sure many of the people displaced by Gustav will have returned home, but some of them may not be able to,” said Brown.

While he realizes that the people displaced by Gustav will still have some of same problems awaiting them after the game, Brown hopes that for a few hours   they’ll get to enjoy themselves.

“Sometimes, circumstances that seem bad can ultimately turn out for the better,” Brown said.