EAST STROUDSBURG - East Stroudsburg University will debut its new field turf at Eiler-Martin Stadium with a two-sport Thursday night doubleheader to highlight the Warriors' 2008 football schedule, which was released Monday.

The Warriors will open the season under the lights at 7:30 p.m. on August 28 against Virginia Union in the only true non-conference game on the schedule. The Panthers went 9-1 in the regular season and 9-3 overall a year ago, which included an appearance in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championship game.

The men's soccer team hosts Lincoln University in the first half of the doubleheader at 4 p.m. at Eiler-Martin Stadium, which will have field turf installed this summer to give ESU's athletic teams a versatile all-weather playing surface for practices and games.

The mandated two-game PSAC crossover schedule begins on Saturday, Sept. 6 when ESU hosts Gannon in the first-ever meeting between the schools at 6 p.m. at Eiler-Martin Stadium. Gannon enters the PSAC next season, along with Mercyhurst, as part of the conference's expansion to 16 full-time members.

The Warriors travel to Clarion for their first road trip of the season for a 6 p.m. game on Sept. 13. ESU is 6-3 all-time against Clarion, including a 56-0 win the last meeting in 2005.

The PSAC East schedule opens on Sept. 20 with a home date against Shippensburg, which joins the eastern division with the addition of Gannon and Mercyhurst to the west. Kick-off will be at 1 p.m. as part of Family Weekend at ESU.

Cheyney will make the trip to ESU for a 6 p.m. start on Sept. 27. Last year's 42-6 win was the 28th straight over the Wolves and set the Division II record for consecutive victories over one opponent.

The following Saturday (Oct. 4) brings West Chester to campus for Homecoming weekend. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. to allow ESU fans to enjoy all of the festivities on campus before the game.

The Warriors will make their first road trip in a month on Oct. 11 with a conference battle at Bloomsburg, and ESU hosts Kutztown for Senior Day on Oct. 18.

Kickoff times have yet to be announced as both games are scheduled to be featured statewide as part of PA SPORTSfever's PSAC game of the week package.

The regular season comes to a close with trips to C.W. Post on Oct. 25 at 12 p.m. and Millersville on Nov. 1 at 1:30 p.m.

C.W. Post is joining the PSAC as a conference member for football and field hockey in 2008. The Warriors have played the Pioneers eight times and own a 6-2 advantage, including two wins during the 2005 season - 66-49 at C.W. Post during the regular season, and 55-28 at Eiler-Martin Stadium in the Northeast Region championship game as part of an 11-3 season.

The reincarnation of the PSAC championship game creates multiple scenarios for the season's final Saturday on Nov. 8. The East champion will travel to play the West champion, while the remainder of the conference will play a third crossover game.

ESU is scheduled to play at Slippery Rock at 1 p.m. unless either team is in the championship game. The top teams in both divisions will trade crossover opponents.

The Warriors will wrap up their spring practice schedule with the annual Spring Game this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Eiler-Martin Stadium.

2008 ESU Football Schedule

Thurs., Aug. 28 - 7:30 p.m. vs. Virginia Union
Sat., Sept. 6 - 6 p.m. vs. Gannon
Sat., Sept. 13 - 6 p.m. at Clarion
Sat., Sept. 20 - 2:35 p.m. vs. Shippensburg (Family Weekend)
Sat., Sept. 27 - 6 p.m. vs. Cheyney
Sat., Oct. 4 - 3 p.m. vs. West Chester (Homecoming)
Sat., Oct. 11 - 12 p.m. at Bloomsburg
Sat., Oct. 18 - 12 p.m. vs. Kutztown
Sat., Oct. 25 - 12 p.m. at C.W. Post
Sat., Nov. 1 - 1:30 p.m. at Millersville
Sat., Nov. 8 - 1 p.m. at Slippery Rock (or PSAC championship game)