family weekend

September 09, 2019

SIU celebrating Saluki Family Weekend Friday through Sunday

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Dawg Fest ’19, featuring a Chicago party band, as well as tailgating, Saluki football and more, awaits those who attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Family Weekend.

Set for Sept. 13-15, students and their families can connect, enjoy a wide variety of special events and create special lifelong memories.

Hello Weekend and more on Friday

The fun begins on Friday and the highlight of the day is Dawg Fest ’19, at 7 p.m. at the Becker Pavilion on Campus Lake. Admission is free and the outdoor festival will feature music by the Chicago band “Hello Weekend.” The group’s high-energy performers cover everything from Bon Jovi to Lady Gaga to Bruno Mars and more.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

It’s a family-friendly evening and Sunset Concert rules apply. Essentially, that means no pets, smoking, underage drinking or glass bottles. Participants may bring single-serve drink containers. Those attending are encouraged to bring refreshments and chairs or blankets.

Activities for all ages

Students and their families are invited to participate in all kinds of special activities during the weekend. Check out the region’s unique handiworks at the Family Weekend Craft Sale, taking place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday on the first floor of the Student Center.

Families can enjoy the amenities at the Student Recreation Center at no charge each day, Friday through Sunday. The University Bookstore, located at the Student Center, will offer special promotions. Families can also enjoy games at Student Center Bowling and Billiards throughout the weekend, with special pricing featured on Saturday and Sunday.

Be sure to visit the brand-new Esports Arena as well. Located on the first floor of the Student Center, it’s a popular state-of-the-art gaming facility that just opened this fall.

Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the beauty of Campus Lake this weekend as well. Students and families can have free access to the boat rentals at the Becker Pavilion Friday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and during the Moonlight Canoe evening Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m.

Saturday is game day

The fun ramps up on Saturday. Stop by 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the main entrance of the Student Center for a doughnut and to grab your weekend schedule. You can also get a fun keepsake photo in the Big Red Chair and enjoy a campus tram tour, departing every 30 minutes.

Purchase pottery created by Craft Shop staff, paint with the glaze of your choice and watch as it is fired during the Raku Pottery Firing on the South Patio, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

One of SIU’s oldest traditions takes the spotlight at 11 a.m. on the steps of Shryock Auditorium. It’s the 84th annual Inter-Greek Council Greek Sing featuring members of the campus fraternity and sorority life community singing and dancing as they compete for the title of 2019 Greek Sing winner. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the show.

Action moves to the field

The focus shifts to Saluki Stadium and the surrounding area Saturday afternoon. The Saluki Family Tailgate is set for 3-5:45 p.m. on Saluki Row, south of the stadium. Families can enjoy complimentary snacks and a photo opportunity, courtesy of University Housing, New Student Programs and SIU Admissions. The Family of the Weekend will also be honored during tailgating and the game.

Just before the 6 p.m. kickoff, a famous SIU tradition, the Saluki Sprint, takes place. New students are invited to don their provided commemorative T-shirts and run across the football field en masse.

Then, fresh on the heels of a big victory over the University of Massachusetts on the road last weekend, the Salukis will face off against the Skyhawks of the University of Tennessee-Martin in gridiron action.

Wrap up with brunch

Bring the weekend to a close by enjoying the Family Weekend Brunch, served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lentz and Trueblood Dining Halls. Students with meal plans can host family members using their guest passes or people may purchase meal tickets at the door.

For more information

Find the complete schedule of events and all of the details about the weekend on the SIU Family Weekend website. Or, call 618/453-5714 or email familyweekend@siu.edu.