A familiar football name is helping more Chattanooga-area families take part in UTC Homecoming this year.

Pro Football Hall of Famer and university alumnus Terrell Owens has partnered with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to provide 1,000 complimentary tickets.

The tickets are intended for students, teachers, school employees and their families in Hamilton County and surrounding counties.

The giveaway centers on the Mocs' homecoming matchup against Mercer University on Saturday, November 7.

Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga.

Homecoming traditionally draws alumni and longtime fans, but the ticket initiative creates another opening for young people and educators to participate.

For a student attending a college football game for the first time, the experience can leave a lasting impression.

Beyond the action on the field, it offers a look at campus spirit, local traditions and the community surrounding the university.

Owens remains one of UTC's most recognizable athletic alumni, making his involvement a natural draw for the event.

The university has framed the initiative as a way to strengthen ties with area schools and families.

The 1,000-ticket supply is limited, so eligible readers should check official UTC instructions for how tickets will be distributed.

Availability, pickup requirements and any school-based coordination should be verified before making plans.

The November 7 game is still more than a week away, making this a useful advance notice for readers planning their calendars.

Families who receive tickets should also consider downtown travel and stadium arrival time on game day.

For UTC, the effort extends the meaning of homecoming beyond returning graduates.

It invites another generation of local residents to make a connection with the Mocs.