File Photo | The Valdosta Daily TimesValdosta State's Kenny Benjamin (4) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass from Ivory Durham (9) during a game against Shorter earlier in the season.

VALDOSTA — The City of Valdosta and Lowndes County are coming together to support the Valdosta State University Blazers Saturday. 

With the big semifinal football game against Notre Dame College Dec. 8, the City of Valdosta and Lowndes County plan to “paint the town red and black” the same day.

“This is a great opportunity for the city and county to get behind the Blazers,” said Kit Strief, VSU assistant athletic director for communications. “It really shows the community support for the Blazers and what Titletown is all about.”

City and county governments ask residents and businesses to participate Saturday by hanging VSU flags or pennants, painting their windows in Blazer colors or wearing their VSU gear as a way to support this initiative.

“On Saturday, everyone is a Blazer,” Mayor John Gayle said in a statement. “We want the 2018 football team to know that we are behind them and are cheering this team on every step of the way.”

Another way Valdosta and Lowndes County residents can show support is simple: attend the game.

The game, played at home stadium Bazemore-Hyder, starts noon Saturday. Reserved tickets are $18, and general admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

“VSU is a large part of the lifeblood of athletics in this community,” Bill Slaughter, Lowndes County Commission chairman, said in a statement. “I hope the community gets behind this effort so we can cheer on the Blazers to help them bring the national championship trophy back to Valdosta.”

Katelyn Umholtz is a reporter with the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256.