FREE event at Saluki Stadium will kick off 2024 SIU Football season
By Jim Beers
CARBONDALE – The 2024 SIU Saluki Football Season will kick off tonight August 22 with the annual “Saluki Football Fan Fest” being held at the Southern Illinois University’s Saluki Stadium. The FREE event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at approximately 7:30 p.m.
The evening will feature FREE ice cream, courtesy of Prairie Farms and SIU football players and Saluki Cheerleaders will be on hand to interact with both kids and adults who attend the very popular night of fun and enjoyment.
Parents will be able to visit the Brown Dawg Kid’s Club tent and sign their children up to join the 2024-25 Kid’s Club for FREE! Membership includes a FREE Kid’s Club T-shirt and carries with it several other advantages to members.
Some of those perks include FREE ticket to a 2024 Saluki Football game on November 23 when the Salukis host the Murray State Racers. At that game, Kid’s Club members will get to come down on the field and form a tunnel from which the Saluki Football Team will enter the field during the pre-game festivities.
Kid’s Club members will also get a FREE ticket to a Saluki Basketball game later in the year at which time they will come to the floor and help great the Dawgs.
During Fan Fest the Saluki Shakers and Saluki Mascots will be on hand to interact with kids and adults. There will be an obstacle course and flag football on the field. Soccer players will be available to interact with attendees.
The usual “bouncy House” will be available as well as a corn-hole game and “pop-a-shot” basketball activity. SIU Football players will serve several stations which involve the kids in football activities. The “LIVE” Saluki Mascots will also be at the event to greet guests.
Kids of all ages are encouraged to attend as well and Saluki Fans of all ages. Season ticket holders will be able to check out their seats for the season and those who would like to purchase season tickets will be able to do so!