When the Owls run out onto Lincoln Financial Field in the season opener against Navy on Aug. 31, they will be sporting new uniforms and helmets that reflect a reinvigorated interest in Temple’s football tradition.

The new helmet and uniforms resemble those used during the Wayne Hardin era from 1970 to 1982, a time in which Temple was once ranked 17th in both the AP and UPI final polls.

“The 2007 uniform brings us back to the most successful team period in the history of Temple football,” head coach Al Golden told the media at the Mid-American Conference media day on July 25.

But the Owls don’t want to only remember Temple’s glory days; this season they want to make history.

The following are some of the recent changes and new efforts that are bringing attention to the Owls this season.

Inaugural MAC season

After playing as an affiliate league member for the past two years, Temple football became a full member of the Mid-American Conference in 2007. The Owls were picked to finish sixth of seven in the MAC East Division — following Ohio, Kent State, Akron, Miami and Bowling Green — in voting conducted by the MAC News Media Association. While still new to the conference, the Owls already stand out; Temple signed the highest-rated recruiting classes in the MAC in both 2006 and 2007.

Eight of Temple’s 12 games this season will be MAC games, and half of these will be at home.

Aug. 31: “Mission Possible”

Spearheaded by former head coach Wayne Hardin, the “Mission Possible” initiative seeks to fill every seat in Lincoln Financial Field on Aug. 31 against Navy.

Promotions include:

• Chances to win a one-year lease on a new Chevrolet or Nissan, a two-year lease on a new Subaru, and free tuition for one Temple student for a semester;

• Live music, clowns, face painters and an appearance by the Mummers;

• A coin toss featuring football legends and alumni from Temple and Navy;

• Military and Union Night: All active members receive tickets for $5 with identification card.

Increased television coverage

In addition ESPNU coverage of the Navy (Aug. 31), Army (Sept. 29) and Penn State (Nov. 10) games, Temple also will benefit from increased exposure provided by the Mid-American Conference’s syndication package with ESPN Regional Television (ERT). Two additional Temple games, against Bowling Green on Sept. 22 and Miami-Ohio on Oct. 20, will be televised on myphl17 in Philadelphia as part of the package that will be carried in 34 markets and reach more than 24 million households. Temple’s game at Connecticut will also be an ESPN Regional telecast and aired in Philadelphia on 6ABC.

Getting to the games

Buy single, three-pack and full season tickets at www.owltix.com; discount ticket plans are available for faculty, staff and recent graduates (2002–2007). Students can order the 2007-08 Wild Cherry Sports Pass for $50, which includes season football and basketball tickets and a T-shirt.

Home football games are at Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia, the last stop on SEPTA’s Broad Street subway line. On home game days, Temple will run buses to the Linc from the Student Center, the 1300 Residence Hall and Johnson Hardwick starting two hours before kickoff, and return buses after the games.