GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – SEC BeachFest, the Southeastern Conference’s (SEC) unofficial kickoff to football season in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach from Aug. 15-18, is now set to host ESPNU along with three former Heisman Trophy winners from SEC schools.

New to this year’s event, decorated SEC Heisman winners Herschel Walker (University of Georgia), George Rogers (University of South Carolina) and Billy Cannon (LSU) will sign autographs and interact with fans throughout the weekend.

ESPNU, ESPN’s 24 hour college sports network, will host their SEC Kickoff Special for the second year from the SEC BeachFest. Similar to last year’s inaugural event, fans are invited to the ESPNU set in the Fanzone Fueled by BP to watch Matt Schick and David Greene preview the upcoming season and interview SEC Legends. The special will air on ESPNU, Sunday, Aug. 18, at 1 p.m. EST (12 p.m. CDT).

Also, individuals wishing to participate in the SEC BeachFest Fishing Challenge should take note of the recent price changes: $120 per angler or $1,200 for a boat sponsorship.

Additional event updates include a mascot pavilion featuring Alabama’s Big Al, Auburn’s Aubie and Ole Miss’ Rebel Black Bear, and Craft Farms is set to host the Thursday practice session and Friday golf scramble. The championship round is still set for Kiva Dunes.

Other SEC BeachFest activities include appearances by 19 other Legendary Coaches and Players, FanZone Fueled by BP, alumni happy hours, 5K and one-mile fun run, free kids’ pier fishing tournament, concerts on the beach and much more. Note that the schedule of events is subject to change.

General weekend passes to BeachFest are $25 and VIP tickets are $199. VIP tickets include a meet and greet with special guests, an open bar, meal periods, snacks as well as an air-conditioned area with executive bathrooms. Children ages 10 and younger will be admitted free with a ticketed adult (one child per adult) and will only be admitted into the VIP area with a VIP-ticketed adult. As part of Sweet Home Saving, an Alabama statewide campaign taking place during the month of August, two children (also 10 and under) will be admitted free with a paying adult presenting a valid Alabama driver’s license. Guests may park to the west of Alvin’s Island near The Hangout for $5 per vehicle per day.

For more information about SEC BeachFest, special sponsor offers, tickets or to sign up for the golf and fishing tournaments or 5K, visit SECbeachfest.com.