College Football Stadium to Host 9/11 Tower Climb Event Which Involves 2071 Uphill Steps

A college program has decided to host an event which honors the sacrifice of first responders on 9/11. But it is not like your typical memorial service. Instead, participants need to first sign a waiver. Then they will be put through a physical task that pays tribute to the efforts showed by hundreds of fire fighters, policeman and others who fearlessly went into those towers 24 years ago.

BYU Athletics is planning to remember the September 11th attacks with a Tower Climb at LaVell Edwards Stadium at 7 p.m. Participants will climb 2,071 steps, representing the 110 stories of the World Trade Center, to honor the bravery of first responders who sacrificed themselves to save others. Stadium gates will open at 6:30 p.m., with entry through Gate 1 only. Tickets are not required, and no additional spectators will be allowed.

Firefighters, law enforcement, military personnel, and bomb squad members are free to come and participate in full uniform and gear. But only active law enforcement members will be allowed to carry their weapons. The stadium video board will display photos of fallen heroes, and participants can pause to read their names in remembrance. This event aims to create a meaningful moment of reflection around the memory of those brave men and women. Ben Criddle shared the full details of the event on X for Cougar fans and the community at Provo. But first comes the signing of the waiver. You can find individual and minor waivers online, and they’ll also be available at the event.

Last year’s tower climb at LaVell Edwards Stadium resonated. Provo Fire Chief Jeremy Headman recalled the unity Americans felt post-9/11, remembering the pride in the nation’s collective support. Sarah McSweeny, of the 211th Aviation Battalion, shared her personal story: a college freshman on 9/11, she was inspired to serve. She described beginning in ROTC, which she couldn’t finish then, and later finding her path to military service. Meanwhile, for football fans, this is bye week for the Cougars.

BYU’s master plan to use their bye week

Following BYU’s 27-3 victory against Stanford, Kalani Sitake isn’t letting the team ease up. Now 2-0, the Cougars’ coach made it clear the bye week isn’t a break. The coaching staff has scheduled early practices, followed by a gradual slowdown before a long weekend. The plan is to maintain peak performance while giving starters rest and letting the backups focus on improvement. “We will do whatever it takes to get better as a team,” he said. “It is not a week off.”

While the Cougars haven’t broken into the AP Top 25, they’re at No. 25 in the US LMB coaches poll. This serves as motivation for a team that’s already making a statement with two dominant wins, including one against a Power Four team. With East Carolina up next on Sept. 20, BYU’s bye week feels like a strategic pause rather than a break.

Their defense is the key, having not allowed a touchdown in two games and leading the nation in scoring defense, giving up only 1.5 points per game. Stanford’s interim coach, Frank Reich, even called BYU’s defense “NFL quality,” highlighting their coverage disguises and execution. Coach Sitake expressed confidence in the scheme and talent, crediting Jay Hill’s system.

Freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier is still gaining confidence on offense. Facing Stanford, he completed 17 of 27 passes for 175 yards despite constant blitzing. He didn’t turn the ball over and ran the offense as the coaches wanted. Aaron Roderick fully supports him, stating Bachmeier is developing well and will improve further when BYU can open up the playbook. The freshman’s composure under pressure is becoming his signature.

Special teams also performed well. Kicker Will Ferrin is now perfect on field goals, and punter Sam Vander Haar pinned Stanford deep, leading to a safety. Tiger Bachmeier added a crucial 44-yard punt return. With a bye week in September, Sitake noted the staff will focus on recruiting, particularly in Utah and the West. For BYU, the work never stops, even with a break in the schedule.