BC Kicks Off Football Season On Saturday, What To Know Before You Go

CHESTNUT HILL, MA — The 125th season of Boston College football kicks off Saturday when the Eagles host Northern Illinois at noon at Alumni Stadium.

The Fan Fest begins at 8 a.m. and the Eagle Walk starts at approximately 9:45 a.m. The Weather Channel forecast calls for sunshine and some clouds and a high of 82 degrees.

Ahead of the game, BC officials have highlighted some changes to gameday policies they say will lead to a "safer and more efficient gameday experience for fans."

Among the changes:

• A new Evolv detection system at the stadium gates that will allow for a more efficient fan security screening process.
• A clear bag policy has been implemented, which will provide a safer environment and expedite fan entry into the stadium.
• There will be an upgraded entrance at Conte Forum Gate C as part of the new Hoag Basketball Pavilion.
• Merchandise tent sales now are located at both Gate D and Gate E of Alumni Stadium.
• Fans are strongly encouraged to download their mobile tickets to their digital wallet prior to gameday in order to be able to access them quickly at the entry gates.

A number of improvements to concessions also are expected to bolster the fan experience at Alumni Stadium, including:

• Concession stands will only accept credit/debit cards and Student Eagle Bucks. Three cash-to-card kiosks are located in Alumni Stadium and Conte Forum.
• Additional points-of-sale, new water-only stations and new concession stanchions have been added to improve wait times.
• A new concession stand has been added on the east side of Alumni Stadium on the 50-yard line.

Officials also remind fans that Sal's Pizza and Eastern Standard Pretzel have been added as BC's new concession partners. Plus, concession items are 50 percent off until kickoff. This excludes alcohol.

While much is improved about Alumni Stadium, fans will be hoping head coach Jeff Hafley's Eagles team will be better than in 2022, when they went 3-9.

Some of the team's success will hinge on the performance of sophomore starting quarterback Emmett Morehead. The 6-foot-5 Californian started the final four games of last season and put up some impressive numbers.

Morehead threw for 330 yards and four touchdowns in a 38-31 loss to Duke in his first start on Nov. 4. He then followed that up by completing 29 of 40 passes for 330 yards and three touchdowns in a 21-20 upset over No. 17 NC State on Nov. 12.

Morehead will miss standout wide receiver Zay FLowers, who has moved on to the NFL after being the No. 22 overall pick in the NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens.

Those who can't make it to Saturday's game can watch it on the ACC Network or listen on WEEI 93.7 FM.