SIU celebrating Saluki Family Weekend
Dawg Fest '19, featuring a Chicago party band, tailgating, Saluki football and more, awaits those attending SIU's Family Weekend.
Set for Sept. 13 to 15, students and their families can connect and enjoy a wide variety of special events.
The fun begins today, Sept. 13, 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.
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.
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 from 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.
The fun ramps up Saturday. 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.
The focus shifts to Saluki Stadium and the surrounding area Saturday afternoon. The Saluki Family Tailgate is set for 3 to 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.
The weekend closes with the Family Weekend Brunch, served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday 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.
Find the complete schedule of events and all of the details about the weekend on the SIU Family Weekend website.