Long lines, scorching turf and dripping brows lined Faurot Field on Sunday afternoon for Football Fan Day.

Endurance and patience became valuable in the heat, whether it be standing on the 75-yard-long line waiting for autographs or sitting in lawn chairs.

“It feels great — everybody is just out here having fun,” freshman wide receiver Marcus Lucas said. “The (fans) don’t have to come out here and support (us), but they do. They take time out of their days and spend their hard-earned money to come watch us do what we do. It’s a huge deal to have just a day dedicated to them.”

Freshman players such as Lucas are all relatively new to the experience of receiving attention from fans and the media. Some of the fans were also new to being up close and personal with the players they see on national television every week.

“It’s great to get out here and see all of these different players in a different light (rather) than seeing them on TV,” Freshman Logan Stiles said. “You see these big guys out there in shoulder pads hitting everybody. On days like today, you really get to see their personality. It’s an awesome experience for everybody.”

Gale Hill, a season ticket holder for 20 years, said it’s great to get to meet the players, both new and old.

“It’s a lot of fun (to) get a lot of autographs and see and meet the players, some new players and obviously the veterans coming back,” Hill said.

Residents from outside of Columbia also ventured to Fan Day to get a glimpse of the players. Lisa Gard, a season ticket holder for the past three seasons, will have to commute with her family from Kansas to watch the Tigers during the season.

“This is a great opportunity to come over and get to see all of the cool football (players), cool colors, and get out of Lawrence,” Gard, said. “We’ve lived there for the last 3 years. It’s a shame that we have to venture this far to watch good football.”

Standing outside for an hour and a half baking on the turf might be a bit overwhelming for some and gratifying for others, but it’s all done for one reason at Football Fan Day: to give back to the community that supports the student-athlete. ​ “It’s always been a great atmosphere here,” Coach Gary Pinkel said. “We’re appreciative of the fans and feel that this is an honor to be a part of.”