TOLEDO, OH - The University of Toledo announced a new spirit campaign called "Rocket Thursdays" to encourage students, faculty, staff and all Rocket fans to wear Midnight Blue & Gold Rocket gear every Thursday.

The first "Rocket Thursday" will be on Aug. 25, the first Thursday of the fall academic semester, and continue throughout the academic year.

"UT students, staff and alumni have a proud tradition of supporting their school so we are encouraging all Rockets to show their school spirit every Thursday by wearing Rocket gear, or by simply including blue and gold in their outfit that day," said assistant athletic director for marketing, sales and fan experience Heather Lutz. "We want everyone to show the Toledo community and all of Rocket Nation how much they love their Rockets!"

Throughout the year, the UT Athletic Department will post photos of UT employees, students, alumni and fans wearing their Rocket gear on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Fans will also be encouraged to post their own photos using the hashtag #RocketThursdays. Weekly winners will be selected among photos showing the most school pride. Prizes will include tickets to UT football and basketball games, gift cards to Rocky's Locker, Rocket gear and other great prizes. One person from both the Main/Scott Park Campus and Health Science Campus will be chosen as winners.

The University also announced it will hold the first of a series of pep rallies on Thursday, Sept. 8 to promote the Football Team's home opener vs. Maine on Sept. 10. The pep rallies will take place at Centennial Mall in front of the Student Union.