Save the date!
Family Weekend
November 6-8, 2026
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We are excited to welcome you and your family to campus for a weekend of outstanding events, but most importantly, time together. This is a great opportunity for family to visit campus, engage in our campus and local communities, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Everyone in the family should plan to attend. We have something planned for all ages. Join us for the Panther Football Game, our Family Breakfast with the President and more!
2026 Schedule
Friday, November 6
Gardella Family Court, McAfee Gymnasium
MLK Jr. University Union, Grand Ballroom
Join us for a fun-filled Family Bingo Night on Friday from 7–10 PM in the Grand Ballroom and Alumni Lounge! Enjoy an evening of friendly competition, great prizes, and plenty of laughter as you play classic bingo with family and friends. Take a break to snap some memories at our photo booth and grab some refreshments while you’re here. It’s the perfect way to relax, connect, and kick off the weekend together!
EIU Lanes, MLK Jr. University Union
Come on down to the EIU Bowling Center to enjoy a few games of bowling with your family! You'll love our low-cost concession stand, friendly staff, and billiards options!
Come on down to the EIU Bowling Center to enjoy a few games of bowling with your family! You'll love our low-cost concession stand, friendly staff, and billiards options!
Saturday, November 7
Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union
Join us for a delicious morning at the EIU Family Weekend Pancake Breakfast! This special event offers families and students a chance to enjoy a hearty breakfast together while connecting with the university community. President Jay Gatrell will be in attendance, providing a unique opportunity to meet and chat with EIU's leader in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Tent City behind O'Brien Field, Spot #3
Join us for some Panther pride and good company at the Panther Family Association Tailgate! Enjoy free snacks and drinks while connecting with other Panther parents in a fun, relaxed atmosphere before the big game. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time fan, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the EIU spirit and meet fellow families. All are welcome — we can’t wait to see you there!
Join us for some Panther pride and good company at the Panther Family Association Tailgate! Enjoy free snacks and drinks while connecting with other Panther parents in a fun, relaxed atmosphere before the big game. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time fan, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the EIU spirit and meet fellow families. All are welcome — we can’t wait to see you there!
Booth Library Steps
Join the Panther Marching Band approximately 75 minutes before kickoff as they perform both traditional music and selections for the halftime show.
Join the Panther Marching Band approximately 75 minutes before kickoff as they perform both traditional music and selections for the halftime show.
O'Brien Field
Please note: If you or a member of your party needs wheelchair accessible seating at the game, please call the EIU Ticket Office at 217-581-2106 PRIOR to purchasing your tickets!
Panther Football Tickets
MLK Jr. University Union
Light up your Saturday night from 6–10 PM in the MLK Jr. Union! Grab some headphones for the Silent Disco, have your portrait drawn by a caricature artist, design your own custom street sign, and make a picture keychain to take home. Bring your friends and make it a Saturday night to remember!
Bowling Lanes, MLK Jr. University Union
Come on down to the EIU Bowling Center to enjoy a few games of bowling with your family! You'll love our low-cost concession stand, friendly staff, and billiards options!
Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union
Join us for a delicious morning at the EIU Family Weekend Pancake Breakfast! This special event offers families and students a chance to enjoy a hearty breakfast together while connecting with the university community. President Jay Gatrell will be in attendance, providing a unique opportunity to meet and chat with EIU's leader in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Tent City behind O'Brien Field, Spot #3
Join us for some Panther pride and good company at the Panther Family Association Tailgate! Enjoy free snacks and drinks while connecting with other Panther parents in a fun, relaxed atmosphere before the big game. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time fan, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the EIU spirit and meet fellow families. All are welcome — we can’t wait to see you there!
Join us for some Panther pride and good company at the Panther Family Association Tailgate! Enjoy free snacks and drinks while connecting with other Panther parents in a fun, relaxed atmosphere before the big game. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time fan, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the EIU spirit and meet fellow families. All are welcome — we can’t wait to see you there!
Booth Library Steps
Join the Panther Marching Band approximately 75 minutes before kickoff as they perform both traditional music and selections for the halftime show.
Join the Panther Marching Band approximately 75 minutes before kickoff as they perform both traditional music and selections for the halftime show.
O'Brien Field
Please note: If you or a member of your party needs wheelchair accessible seating at the game, please call the EIU Ticket Office at 217-581-2106 PRIOR to purchasing your tickets!
Panther Football Tickets
MLK Jr. University Union
Light up your Saturday night from 6–10 PM in the MLK Jr. Union! Grab some headphones for the Silent Disco, have your portrait drawn by a caricature artist, design your own custom street sign, and make a picture keychain to take home. Bring your friends and make it a Saturday night to remember!
Bowling Lanes, MLK Jr. University Union
Come on down to the EIU Bowling Center to enjoy a few games of bowling with your family! You'll love our low-cost concession stand, friendly staff, and billiards options!
