September 01, 2016
Saluki Family Weekend set for Sept. 16-18
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Saluki Family Weekend 2016, a time for Southern Illinois University Carbondale students and their families to enjoy wonderful events and create lasting memories, is set for Sept. 16-18.
The weekend includes campus tours, photo opportunities, a craft sale, brunches, recreational and artistic activities, a magic show, movies, and of course, Saluki tailgating and football. The theme is “Home Sweet SIU” and much is new for 2016.
For the first time this year, families will be able to pre-register online, allowing them to order T-shirts and purchase tickets for the football game at a greatly discounted price. Those wanting to buy shirts can order by size for $10 each and game tickets, normally $17-20 each, will be available online in advance only through the Family Weekend website for $10 each.
Families can check in (even if they haven’t registered in advance) and also pick up pre-ordered T-shirts and tickets from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 16 or 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 17 at Saluki Stadium.
Outside the stadium on Friday night there will be family night food trucks, beginning at 5 p.m., with one-quarter of the food sales proceeds going toward a scholarship for spouses of active duty military personnel. Enjoy a free outdoor showing of the family movie “Finding Dory” in Saluki Stadium at 7:30 p.m. or the next day at 2 p.m. in the Student Center Auditorium. Or, try your skills on the climbing wall at the Student Recreation Center between 7 and 9 p.m. on Sept. 17 or from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 17.
Plans for the morning of Saturday, Sept. 17, include tram tours of the campus from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free “Big Red Chair” photo opportunities at the Student Center and a Saluki Family Walk for Health beginning at 10 a.m. on the south side of the Student Recreation Center. Join campus leaders for a stroll around the beautiful campus. Or, enjoy a free beginning yoga class in the same location at the same time, taught by a certified instructor.
Then, dine at a free brunch featuring a burrito bar or vegetarian options from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center. Organizers strongly encourage online pre-registration for the brunch on the Family Weekend website. Those attending can also participate in special games.
The popular 81st annual Greek Sing will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, on the steps of Shryock Auditorium, and a variety of other activities will be offered throughout the day. You can also paint your very own masterpiece to take home. Everyone is welcome at the painting workshop at the Student Center Craft shop, in the lower level, from 3 to 5 p.m. The cost is $20 for students, $25 for family members of students or $30 for community members. Register online at http://studentcenter.siu.edu/activities/craft-shop/workshops.php.
The big Saluki Family Tailgate kicks off at 3 p.m. on Saluki Row with one and all invited to enjoy a complimentary meal and Family Fun Zone activities until 5:45 p.m. Gridiron action sees the SIU Salukis facing off against the Murray State University Racers at 6 p.m. and the evening wraps up with a free magic show featuring Jeff Kaylor at 9 p.m. in the Student Center’s Roman Room.
Students and visitors can also enjoy a family weekend brunch on Sept. 18 at the Trueblood and Lentz dining halls with tickets available for visitors at the door.
Find the complete Saluki Family Weekend schedule, additional details and online registration at www.familyweekend.siu.edu. For more information, email familyweekend@siu.edu. You can also register on the Family Weekend website to be the Family of the Weekend; the winning family receives a special prize package.
Sponsors of SIU Family Weekend include the Student Center, Extended Campus, New Student Programs, University Housing, Recreational Sports and Services and SIU Athletics.