SIU’s Family Weekend will deliver soccer, shared recollections and enjoyable

Prepare for 3 days of Saluki pleasure as Family Weekend 2026 rolls into Southern Illinois University Carbondale Sept. 11-13, with soccer, tailgating, and a ton of enjoyable occasions and actions for everybody.

“Saluki Family Weekend is one of our favorite traditions at SIU because it gives students the opportunity to share their Saluki experience with the people who have supported them every step of the way,” mentioned Charles Walker, interim director of New Student Programs. “It’s also a great way for families to experience the excitement, tradition, and spirit that make SIU such a special place. Whether they’re cheering on the Salukis at the football game, enjoying the tailgate, or participating in activities across campus, we look forward to welcoming families back to Carbondale and creating unforgettable memories together.”

The weekend launches on a solemn be aware beginning at 5:45 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, with the annual 9/11 Saluki Stair Climb at SIU’s Banterra Center. This yr’s stair climb commemorates the twenty fifth anniversary of 9/11 and the War on Terror and pays tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, assault. The occasion is free and open to the general public, however registration and a waiver are required. Learn extra and register right here 9/11 Saluki Stair Climb webpage.

Be certain and cease by the Family Weekend Welcome Station, from midday to 4 p.m. on Sept 11 on the Student Center garden. Here guests can study every part about occasions throughout the weekend, get instructions, map out their actions, and meet up with previous and new Salukis. The Student Programming Council (SPC) will deliver a night of laughter, competitors, household enjoyable and a take a look at of abilities with “Every Game Show Ever” at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11 within the Student Center Auditorium.
SIU college students, households and supporters are invited to attend, and no advance tickets are required. Billed as “The Ultimate Interactive Comedy Game Show,” the competitors will rework the auditorium right into a high-energy, interactive sport present expertise that includes comedy, viewers participation, competitors and prizes. The present places a playful spin on acquainted favourite sport exhibits.Time to get artfulThe Craft Shop within the Student Center is sponsoring a two-day Family Weekend Craft Sale that includes arts, crafts and one-of-a-kind creations. The sale, within the Student Center’s first-floor Art Gallery,  will run from 10 a.m. to five p.m. Friday, Sept 11, and 10 a.m. to three p.m. on Saturday, Sept 12. Admission is free. All are welcome on the Saluki Tie-Dye drop-in workshop from midday to 4 p.m. Sept. 11-12 on the Craft Shop, situated on the decrease degree of the Student Center. A restricted variety of pre-printed screenprint patterned Saluki T-shirts will likely be obtainable together with a wide selection of colours, together with Saluki maroon and black. The value is $25 ($20 for SIU college students). All ages are welcome, and individuals can deliver as much as three extra gadgets to Tie-Dye. Pre-registration is recommended however not required.Get prepared for soccer.

What’s Family Weekend with out soccer? The Saluki Family Tailgate is 3-5 p.m. Sept. 12 on the Saluki Row apply subject, south of Saluki Stadium. Tailgate with New Student Programs in SIU model with Smokin’ K’s BBQ, a photograph sales space, Saluki swag, giveaways, video games and actions. Food service begins at 3 p.m. and continues till the meals is gone.

The tailgate is sponsored by New Student Programs, Achieve Program, Health and Wellness Promotion Services, University Housing and the Student Recreation Center. Register for tailgate.

At 6 p.m. the Salukis face regional rival Southeast Missouri State University at Saluki Stadium within the “War for the Wheel.” This is the 94th assembly between the 2 groups. Buy discount tickets online utilizing the promo code “FAMILY” upfront for $15 every. As at all times, SIU college students are admitted at no cost.

The 2026 Saluki Family of the Year legacy and non-legacy households will likely be acknowledged throughout halftime of the sport. Experience the Saluki Sprint! New college students are inspired to participate in SIU’s long-standing custom of welcoming college students to the Saluki Family. All new college students are invited to “sprint” throughout the sector at Saluki Stadium earlier than kickoff! Register online. Students will meet on the south entrance tunnel at 5:30 p.m. to choose up their Saluki Sprint T-shirt, with the dash beginning at 5:50 p.m.

Sunday’s actions
There are a wide range of faith services and celebrations on Sunday, Sept. 13.Close out Family Weekend with a Saluki Family Brunch from 10 a.m. to midday on the SIU Alumni Association’s Guida-Moller Family Alumni Center Tent at Woody Hall. The brunch will function choices from Sunny Street Cafe, music, Saluki swag, giveaways, and a large Plinko sport the place households can win thrilling prizes. The brunch is hosted by New Student Programs, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and Student Engagement. Students must register their relations to attend the brunch.Other Saluki Family Weekend enjoyable contains:Saluki households can dine at Trueblood and Lentz Dining Halls all weekend for $9 per meal, plus tax, payable on the eating corridor entrance by credit score or debit card solely. Please be aware that money isn’t accepted.The 11th Rocky Ledges 5K/10K Trail Fun Run/Walk on Sept. 12. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. with the 10K occasions beginning at 8:30 a.m. and 5K occasions at 9 a.m. The occasion is open to people and groups of all ages on the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center.

Looking for a calming different to the soccer sport? Enjoy a peaceable night on Campus Lake with your loved ones from 5 to 7 p.m. Take within the scenic views, spend high quality time collectively on the water, and expertise one among SIU’s most stunning outside areas at Becker Pavilion. The Student Recreation Center is providing complimentary use of its services all weekend, and the outside Saluki pickleball/tennis courts and trails at Touch of Nature are open and free as effectively.Sharp Museum will host a dialogue by Kelly Fisher-Bishop on the photographic work of the late Ray Howk, an SIU Carbondale alumnus, at 1 p.m. on Sept. 12 within the museum auditorium. Find the whole schedule of occasions and particulars on the Family Weekend website.Family Weekend sponsors embody SIU Credit Union, Regions Bank, Banterra, and Drury Inn Marion.