March 27, 2008

SIU Day planned at Busch Stadium, Wrigley Field

by Kathy Dillard

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The SIU Alumni Association once again invites Southern Illinois University Carbondale Salukis to take side in one of the premier rivalries in American sports – the Cardinals versus the Cubs.

The association hosts its 24th annual SIU Day at Busch Stadium on May 3 in St. Louis, and its 31st annual SIU Day at Wrigley Field on Sept. 20 in Chicago. Both games feature the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs.

SIU Alumni Association members may attend a pre-game social before the May 3 game at the St. Louis Hilton at the Ballpark. The social is from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The game begins at 2:45 p.m. Association members receive a Pavilion Box game ticket and enjoy a buffet featuring hamburgers, hotdogs, grilled chicken sandwiches, cole slaw, baked beans, chips, cookies and brownies for a total of $55 per person. Tickets for the buffet reception only are $30 per person.

SIU Day at Wrigley Field begins at 10 a.m. with a pre-game social at the Cubby Bear Lounge, owned by SIUC alumnus George Loukas. After the social, guests will cross the street to Wrigley Field. Game time is 12:05 p.m. Cost is $35 for a Terrace Reserved Outfield section ticket and one beverage at the Cubby Bear. A meal featuring chicken breast sandwiches, hot dogs, brats, corn on the cob, chips, cole slaw and potato salad is available for an extra $12 per person.

Only SIU Alumni Association members are eligible to purchase tickets. Members may buy a maximum of two tickets for the Busch Stadium SIU Day beginning April 3. Members may buy a maximum four tickets for the Wrigley Field SIU Day beginning April 17. Tickets are available from the SIU Alumni Association office at 618/453-2408 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Central Standard Time, or by visiting www.siualumni.com. There will be no cancellations or refunds.

Membership in the SIU Alumni Association is open to alumni, students and friends of SIUC. Annual individual membership is $40. Life membership is $500, with installment plans available. Student members pay only $15. To join the SIU Alumni Association, call 618/453-2408 or log onto www.siualumni.com.