AZUSA, Calif. – With a crowd of more than 4,000 expected for Azusa Pacific’s Sept. 5 home opener vs. the University of San Diego, university officials have decided to move the game to nearby Citrus Stadium on the campus of Citrus College.

In addition to the change of venue, kickoff for the game also adjusts to 6:30 p.m.

In recent years, Cougar home games on Labor Day weekend have become increasingly crowded with the arrival of all students along with the parents of new students on campus for orientation activities. As a result, Cougar Stadium has become increasingly stressed in its capabilities to host the ever-growing numbers of attendance for home games on this specific weekend.

Citrus Stadium, a lighted facility that features a recently-installed Field Turf surface, is conveniently located approximately 300 yards east of Cougar Stadium and is walking-accessible from the Azusa Pacific campus. In spite of the close proximity of the 2 schools and their football facilities, this is the first time Azusa Pacific has ever used Citrus Stadium for an official contest.

The Sept. 5 game vs. San Diego, the 42nd meeting between the longtime rivals, is the first of 6 home games scheduled for the Cougars’ 2009 campaign. Following the USD contest, the Cougars head out on the road for 2 games and then return home for 3 consecutive contests, all at Cougar Stadium, beginning Sept. 26 with the first-ever visit to Southern California by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Azusa Pacific closes out the season with 2 of its final 3 games at Cougar Stadium, vs. Western Oregon University for a homecoming contest on Oct. 24 and then with another first-ever visit from Langston University (Okla.) on Nov. 14.

Click here to view the Cougars’ entire 11-game 2009 schedule.