MELBOURNE, Fla. (Football) – Florida Tech will host Stetson University in the Panthers’ inaugural football game on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013 at 7 p.m. at nearby Pirate Stadium in Palm Bay. Less than 100 miles separates the two universities who will meet on the gridiron for the first time.

“I think this game really fits both schools well,” Head Coach Steve Englehart said. “We are both going through some of the same challenges of starting a program. We recruit some of the same kids from the state of Florida. Furthermore, this is a game that can turn into a great in-state rivalry for years to come.”

The game will mark Stetson’s second since it last took the field in 1956. Previously, the Hatters played for 48 years, mounting a 155-127-27 (.545) record. Starting in Fall 2013, they will compete in NCAA Division I’s Pioneer League under Head Coach Roger Hughes.

As a football-only member of NCAA Division II’s Gulf South Conference, FIT is scheduled to play 10 regular-season games starting next fall. Six of the contests will be against fellow GSC members Delta State, North Alabama, Shorter, Valdosta State, West Alabama and West Georgia.

The Panthers are currently preparing for their inaugural 2013 season by holding practices and intrasquad scrimmages this fall. The next intrasquad scrimmage open to the public is this Saturday, Oct. 6, at 5 p.m. at Palm Bay High School’s Pirate Stadium. Admission is free. Live audio and stats will be available through the Panthers’ GameCentral portal at FloridaTechSports.com/live.