BELLEVILLE — More than 2,700 fans and university staff filled the stadium Saturday at Lindenwood University-Belleville for the college's first-ever football game.

They braved humidity and rain to see history in the making as the Lindenwood-Belleville Lynx took on the Avila University Eagles from Kansas City, Mo.

"I'm hoping to see the first victory," said Mike Thompson, who drove 1.5 hours from Potosi, Mo., to see the game. His son, Aaron Thompson, is No. 37, a linebacker for the Lynx.

"I'm excited for them, the first game ever," he said. "It's history in itself ... I won't miss my son's first college football game."

Thompson did get his wish as the Lynx won 43-37.

When fans walked in, they were given maroon and gray pom-pons and rally towels striped like the field.

Megan Lengerman, of Belleville, was looking forward to a good game.

"I know they've been working hard and I'm excited to see this field," she said.

The black-clad Lynx players stood out against the unique maroon and gray-striped field.

"It's something to see," said Dawn Sipes, of Bunker Hill, who came to see her sophomore daughter cheer for LU-B. She was joined by her husband, Danny Sipes, and their other daughter, 13-year-old Amanda.

"This is good for Belleville," said Danny Sipes, as he looked at the stands filling with fans wearing maroon and black.

Game programs could be purchased, as well as a clear plastic ponchos with a Lindenwood-Belleville design.

LU-B students were given free season tickets for the football games. The public could purchase general admission tickets for $10 or sideline seats for $15.

Sergio Garza drove 19 hours from Mission, Texas, to see his son Christian Garza, No. 65, play offensive line for LU-B.

"Just for him, just for that baby," he said, while pointing to his son's photo in the game program.

Martha Garza, Christian's mother and Sergio's wife, was wrapped in a Lindenwood poncho, in anticipation of the rain that would fall during the second quarter. But her mood didn't seem dampened: "We love the field, everything."

Christian's girlfriend, Cinthia Garcia, also made the long drive. She hoped for a "good game."

Sergio Garza said he only had visited the school one other time, when the field was under construction. "It's so beautiful," said the proud father. He said he hopes to visit Belleville for as many games as possible. "I wish I could live here. It's beautiful."

The LU-B Lynx mascot walked around the stands, encouraging fans to cheer, giving high fives and even hugging some children.

When the Lynx were the first to make it on the scoreboard, with a touchdown during the first quarter, the stadium started to get loud. Fans cheered and stomped their feet and the pep band started to play.

Belleville Mayor Mark Eckert was ready for the rain with a Lindenwood umbrella.

"I'm here because it's good day for Belleville," he said. "I couldn't be more proud of what this school is doing for the community."

Contact Maria Baran at mbaran@bnd.com or 239-2460.

Contact Maria Baran at mbaran@bnd.com or 239-2460.