Western Illinois University's Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) and the Athletics Department have announced the All-Student Tailgate at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 in Q Lot before the first football game of the season.
The two departments are collaborating in an effort to revitalize campus spirit and unify the student body as part of the First Four Weeks initiative.
The collaborative pre-game event, hosted on the west end of Q Lot by Western Hall and the Campus Recreation Center, will feature a live DJ, free food for students, yard games, raffles and exclusive WIU merchandise giveaways for students.
"We wanted to build something that sets a new standard for school spirit," Taylor Duncan, associate director for Student Engagement, said. "By bringing FSL and Athletics together, we are merging the passion of our student involvement with the tradition of game day to give students an unforgettable kickoff to the academic year."
All attendees are being called upon to wear their best white WIU gear to create a unified, visually striking student section for the home opener.
Beyond game-day excitement, the event will also give back to the local community through a school supply drive benefiting the McDonough County School District. Attendees who bring items such as notebooks, pencils, backpacks or other essential school supplies to the event will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win exclusive Leatherneck prize packages, gift cards and a VIP All Access Ticket for the next home game.
The pre-game festivities will reach their grand finale roughly 25 minutes before kickoff, concluding as the DJ plays the WIU fight song, "We're Marching On," to rally all students for the synchronized "March to Hanson Field" straight into the stands.
Western Illinois University Athletics is enhancing the Leatherneck football game day experience this fall with several new food, family and tailgating options designed to make game days more convenient, enjoyable and memorable for fans of all ages.
As Leatherneck fans prepare for another exciting football season, WIU Athletics is introducing new opportunities throughout the game day experience, including pre-ordered tailgate catering, food trucks, and a new Kids Zone.
New Tailgate Catering Option !!
Fans and groups looking to spend more time enjoying their tailgate and less time preparing food will have a new option this season through Sodexo.Sodexo is offering
pre-ordered tailgate catering packages that allow fans to arrange food for their game day gatherings in advance. Fans can access the ordering form through a QR code and submit their catering request. A member of the Sodexo catering team will then contact the customer directly to finalize menu selections, logistics, and billing.
On game day, the prepared food will be available for convenient pickup at a pre-determined time, allowing tailgaters to enjoy their gathering without the need to shop, cook, or grill.
The new option is especially designed with groups, families, Leatherneck Club members and longtime tailgaters in mind.
Fans can learn more and submit a catering request here:
https://form.jotform.com/26218458985707 ... hatgpt.com
Food Trucks Coming to Game Day !!
Fans will also have additional choices when it comes to game day food, with
food trucks available throughout the football season.
The food truck offerings will provide fans with another convenient way to grab a meal or snack before kickoff or during their game day experience, adding variety to the traditional concessions and tailgate options.
New Kids Zone !!
WIU Athletics is also creating a new
Kids Zone on the north side of the end zone.
The family-friendly area, sponsored by
Clock Tower Bank and Pepsi, will provide young Leatherneck fans with an additional space to enjoy game day and take part in activities designed with kids and families in mind.
The new Kids Zone is part of WIU Athletics' continued effort to make Leatherneck football games an experience for the entire family.
More Ways to Enjoy Leatherneck Football
With expanded food options, convenient tailgate catering, and a new Kids Zone, WIU Athletics is focused on giving fans more reasons to arrive early, stay longer and make Leatherneck football Saturdays a tradition.
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Scott Lawson - Board Admin
