BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—The Samford football team will open the 2015 season and the Chris Hatcher era by hosting Central Arkansas tonight at 6 p.m. at Seibert Stadium.
 
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN3. In addition to the ESPN3 broadcast, the game can be heard locally on WVSU-FM 91.1, or worldwide on the internet at www.samford.edu/wvsu.
 
The Bulldogs return seven starters on offense and seven starters on defense from a team that finished 7-4 overall and 5-2 in Southern Conference play last season. Among the returning starters on offense are the team's leading rusher (Denzel Williams), passer (Michael Eubank) and receiver (Karel Hamilton). On defense, the team returns its leader in tackles (Justin Cooper).
 
The Bears return eight starters on defense and five starters on offense from a squad that went 6-6 overall and 5-3 in the Southland Conference.
 
Thursday night's game marks Chris Hatcher's first game as Samford's head coach. Hatcher comes to Samford with a record of 121-57 in 15 years as a head coach at Valdosta State, Georgia Southern and Murray State. He led Valdosta State to an NCAA Division II national championship in 2004.
 
Samford and Central Arkansas are meeting for the first time ever in football. The game marks Samford's first game against a Southland Conference opponent since hosting Southeastern Louisiana in 2013.
 
Season tickets and single-game tickets are on sale now. Fans can purchase season tickets through the athletics website at www.samfordsports.com/tickets, by calling 205-726-DOGS (3647) or by visiting the ticket office on the third floor of the Pete Hanna Center.