January 18, 2019

Media Advisory- FFA Night at the Ballgame

Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover the 5th annual Southern Illinois University Carbondale FFA Night at the Ballgame at the SIU arena.

Approximately 430 students from 24 local high schools will be attending the special Jan. 23 event for prospective students. The evening will kick-off with a reception at the Student Center at 5 p.m. The event will then move to the arena at 6 p.m. for a group picture and welcome from Coach Hinson, before the 7 p.m. men’s basketball game tip-off against the Northern Iowa Panthers.

The theme of the event is “Denim and Dawgs,” with students receiving an event T-shirt, concessions stand pass and a ticket to the game. The event is possible due to the generosity from Dean and Cookie Campbell and the Farm Credit Illinois. Other donors include The Bank of Carbondale, Murdale Ace Hardware, Murphysboro Rural King and 710 Bookstore. Jerry Kill will present the game ball to the Campbell family during one of the game breaks.

Media are welcome to cover the welcome reception and program at the Student Center Ballroom D, from 5-6 p.m. Included in the program will be remarks by:

  • Coach John Clancy, director of operations for the men’s basketball team (to give a pre-game overview).
  • Jerry Kill, acting athletic director/former SIU football coach/special assistant to the chancellor.
  • Peyton Gehrs, coordinator of student transition and success.
  • Steve Witges, Farm Credit Illinois regional vice president.

Members of the media are also invited to cover the basketball game, with prospective students in attendance. The students will be sitting in the section directly across from the Dawg Pound. For the second year, Kaley Konopasek, a senior from Cisne high school, will be singing the national anthem prior to the game. Additionally, the first all-female Illinois FFA Major State Officers will be attending the welcome program and basketball game.

For more information, contact Susan Graham at 618/453-1764 or sgraham@siu.edu.