LONDON, Ont. - Fans attending Western's Homecoming game against the Queen's Gaels on Oct. 2 at 1 p.m. at TD Waterhouse Stadium are encouraged to make noise when Western's defence is trying to stop the Gaels offence.

"Crowd noise can be a factor," said Western football head coach Greg Marshall. "Last year with a minute and a half to go (in the Yates Cup final in Kingston), the crowd was into it. When we completed a long pass and had a first down, we got seven yards on the next first down but had a guy go offside; then it was first (down) and 15 after that and then (former quarterback) Michael (Faulds) went down."

When Western is on offence, the Mustangs urge the crowd to be silent to allow them the best opportunity to communicate and select the right play, or make audibles and changes to plays at the line of scrimmage.

"We may have to deal with the noise as well," Marshall said referring to the expected sell-out, which has only standing-room tickets available.

To purchase any of the remaining tickets, fans can call 519 661.3090 or order the standing-room seats HERE.

The Gaels are wary of how much the crowd noise could be a factor. This is their first trip to Western since 2007, a 26-20 overtime Gaels win in the Mustangs' home opener.

"We have talked about it (the anticipated loud crowd noise)," Queen's Gaels head coach Pat Sheahan said. "You hope to score early to get crowd out early."

“It’ll be an interesting challenge and you need to have experiences like this for the development of the team,” said Sheahan. “There could be times when it’s hard to hear a play but the best way to fight it is to play well early and take the crowd out of the game.”

Marshall knows the importance of this game for the team - a game which could solidify home-field advantage for the playoffs with a win and help to instill confidence in his players returning who have lost five of the past six meetings with the Gaels, including two of the only three meetings between the teams at TD Waterhouse Stadium. Western has just defeated Queen's once since moving from the old J.W. Little Stadium, a 50-27 win on Oct. 22, 2005, under then head coach Larry Haylor.

"Since I've been back here at Western, there have been some great games with Queen's," Marshall said. "The last two were outstanding university football games, unfortunately we came out on the short end."

"But our guys don't forget easily. We're hungry, but we have to make sure we temper it too. Queen's is a good football team."