TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — After three years away, an unofficial Troy student section is coming back, but this time in an official capacity.

The Fortress is returning to Troy under the leadership of the Student Government Association (SGA) with Troy University Athletics acting in an advisory role.

“The Fortress for a long time has been an unofficial student section for a number of years with Troy alumni and a lot of the younger siblings, and the next generation of Troy students that are here on campus are excited to bring the Fortress back as the official student section of Troy Athletics,” said Deputy Athletics Director Dan Heck.

Some potential incentives for Fortress members include free merch, discounted tickets, transportation for away games, and access to practices. However, those in Athletics want the fun to continue over to gameday.

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“We want to have theme nights,” said Abby Bruner, a graduate assistant in the Troy Athletics marketing department. “The students will be able to dress up; we also want the students to be all together on the bleachers so they can talk to their friends, hang out, meet new people, and cheer all together instead of being spread across the arena.”

While the Fortress will try to make appearances at the Vet this season, the group hopes to be fully up and running for the sports in Trojan Arena.

“We’re especially looking at basketball season as being that starting point and more themed games, but our official game is actually this Friday,” said Mackenzy Rhea, an SGA Senator At-Large. “It’s the volleyball game for home [conference play] opening weekend, and it’s a volleyball game partnered with UAC, but we’re also going to officially start the student section in the bleachers instead of in the normal seats”

If you are interested in joining the Fortress, go to its Instagram at the_fortress_troy for more information.