Today@Sam Article

Home
...

See SHSU’s First Home Game And More During Bearkat Family Weekend

Sept. 10, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

Sam Houston State University is playing its first home game against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors on Saturday. The Rainbow Warriors will be facing a stadium packed with students and their families who have come to support the Kats during Bearkat Family Weekend.

Presented by the Dean of Students Office, Bearkat Family Weekend is an annual event that brings Bearkats and their families together on SHSU’s main campus in Huntsville for a weekend of fun and SHSU pride. Some of the weekend’s events required pre-registration, but there are many activities on and off campus for families to enjoy even if they missed the registration deadline.

Monday – Thursday, Sept. 9 - 12

Bearkat Family Weekend Early Check-In

(Registration Required)
Lowman Student Center – Room 114
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Students or registered guests can pick up purchased items including a t-shirt and wristband, breakfast ticket and a lunch ticket.

Friday, Sept. 13

Bearkat Family Weekend Check-In

(Registration Required)
Lowman Student Center – Room 114
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Students or registered guests can pick up purchased items including a t-shirt and wristband, breakfast ticket and a lunch ticket.

Home Away From Home

Farrington Building – Room 116
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Stop by and meet the Global Engagement Center staff. They will have snacks, freebies and information about the services they provide for study abroad and international students.

LSC Kat Club Games and Activities

(Wristband Access Only)
Lowman Student Center Kat Club (first floor)
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The Kat Klub invites Bearkat families to partake in some fun and games. The Klub is offering free play for billiards, table tennis, video games, tabletop games, bowling and a coloring sheet station. Tabletop games include: Jenga, dominoes, cards, chess, checkers and Connect 4. Time may be limited to 30-minute increments when busy.

Library Treasure Hunt

Newton Gresham Library
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

A treasure has been hidden inside the library, and guests will need to learn all they can about the library in order to get it. Join the faculty and staff of the Newton Gresham Library for a fun activity that will help students learn what they need in order to use the library’s wide array of resources and support.

Silent Disco Hosted by Campus Activities & Traditions

Lowman Student Center – Room 320
2 – 4 p.m.

Silent disco is a unique and immersive party experience where participants can listen and dance to music through wireless headphones rather than speakers. Students are encouraged to grab their parents and show them how Bearkats do silent disco.

College Classroom Experience

Lowman Student Center Theater
3 – 3:45 p.m.

Experience what attending a college class is like at SHSU. The First-Generation Center & First Gen Advisory Board is providing Bearkat Family Weekenders the chance to get the full Bearkat student experience as one of SHSU’s esteemed professors conducts a typical class lesson.

Student Organization Fest

Frank Parker Plaza
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Head out to Frank Parker Plaza, located at the center of campus, to engage in activities hosted by Student Involvement: Leadership & Service. Student organizations will have tables set up around the plaza ready to share how students can join and interact with their peers in various types of organizations.

Friday Night Picnic

(Pre-sale Ticket Required)
Frank Parker Plaza
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Come-and-go

Enjoy a picnic dinner on Frank Parker Plaza, in the center of the beautiful SHSU campus, while enjoying an acoustic concert from Houston’s J.B. Barnett. Barnett's original music is a fusion of soulful melodies with catchy, witty and inspiring lyrics. He also plays a multitude of covers and is often compared to the likes of Jack Johnson, John Mayer and Jason Mraz.

Picnic Menu:

Hawaiian BBQ pulled pork (or) chipotle citrus pulled chicken - served on a Hawaiian Roll
Relish trays (onions, jalapenos, pickles)

Macaroni & cheese

Luau Lava Baked Beans (Hawaiian style, little sweet, BBQ, pineapple and a little spice) (regular baked beans available by request)

Sugar cookies & sunset lemon cookies

Beverages: Bottled water & canned Pepsi products
Catered by Aramark

Faculty Recital, Boyce Jeffries, Percussion

Gaertner Performing Arts Center – Recital Hall
7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Each semester, the School of Music hosts recitals to celebrate the work of musicians and showcase the vibrant, diverse talents of distinguished faculty members. This recital is open to the public with free admission. For more information, contact the School of Music at 936-294-1360. For a full calendar of events for the College of Arts & Media visit shsu.edu/camevents.

Bearkat Soccer vs Southern University

(Ticket Required)
Pritchett Field Complex, 1302 19th St., Huntsville, TX 77340
7:30 p.m.

The Bearkat Soccer team will be taking on the Southern University Jaguars as they continue working toward their ultimate goal of reaching the Conference USA championships. SHSU students can attend the game for free; families and other Bearkat Soccer fans can purchase tickets through this link.

Saturday, Sept. 14

College Fair

Lowman Student Center Collaborative Lounge and Atrium
8 – 9:30 a.m.

Before or after getting breakfast, students and their families can stop by the lounge and atrium on the first floor of the Lowman Student Center to meet and interact with representatives from whichever of SHSU’s eight colleges their Bearkat calls home. The event may include college dean’s faculty, staff members and student organizations related to specific colleges or areas of study.

Welcome Breakfast

(Pre-sale Ticket Required)
Lowman Student Center – Orange Ballroom
8 – 10 a.m. come-and-go

The SHSU Alumni Association is hosting a fun kick-off to Saturday's activities while offering the most important meal of the day. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and learn about exciting opportunities supported by the Alumni Association, including: eligibility for the coveted SHSU Tuition Draw (24 hours of in-state tuition) as well as engagement opportunities for current students through the Student Alumni Association. A Bearkat spirit gear giveaway (valued at $50) will be drawn every 15 minutes during breakfast. The event will also feature special guest welcomes from SHSU administrators.

Breakfast Menu:

Belgian waffle topped with crispy chicken tenders

Southern style cheesy eggs

Hash brown potatoes

Savory, warm, orange maple syrup

Beverages: Coffee, orange juice, water

Catered by Aramark

Photos at the Chair

Sammy’s Huge Chair, outside the western entrance of the Lowman Student Center
8:30 – 11 a.m.

Families can stop by Sammy’s Huge Chair for a commemorative Bearkat Family Weekend photo. Pictures will be available for online gallery download after the event. The link to the photo gallery will be posted to the Bearkat Family Weekend page once the gallery is complete.

Photos Outside of Austin Hall

Austin Hall
8:30 – 11 a.m.

Families can stop by Austin Hall for a photo to commemorate Bearkat Family Weekend. Photos will be available for online gallery download after the event. The link for the photo gallery will be posted to the Bearkat Family Weekend page once the gallery is complete.

Bingo

(Wristband Access Only)
9 – 11 a.m.

Bearkat Family Weekenders are invited to join the Student Government Association for competitive bingo. Participants will have the chance to win some amazing prizes and are guaranteed to have a ball.

Life on the Houston Farm

Sam Houston Memorial Museum Complex
1836 Sam Houston Ave, Huntsville, TX 77340
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Step back in time with the Sam Houston Memorial Museum & Republic of Texas Presidential Library to learn about the university's namesake. Walk the actual property once owned by Sam and Margaret Houston. Visit with costumed historical interpreters to learn about life on the Houston Farm and Texas in the 1850s. See the Houston family home, known as the Woodland Home, on its original site and the Bear Bend Cabin, reported to be Sam's hunting lodge; and the Houston Mercantile in the Roberts-Farris Cabin, representing the Maryville, Tennessee store of the early 1800s that Sam worked in when he was a young man. Then tour the Memorial Museum (free admission during this time) and view the permanent exhibits of the museum, including the largest collection of Houston artifacts and memorabilia anywhere. https://samhoustonmemorialmuseum.

LSC Kat Club Games and Activities

(Wristband Access Only)
Lowman Student Center Kat Club (first floor)
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Bingo hosted by Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL)

(Wristband Access Only)
Lowman Student Center Orange Ballroom
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Bingo with FSL will be an energy-charged atmosphere with bingo, prizes and entertainment. Bearkats and their families are invited to enjoy the game and learn more information about how students can find their community, earn service hours and develop leadership skills by joining the FSL community.

On-Campus Lunch

(Ticket Required)
Old Main Market
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Students who have meal plans do not need a ticket. Guests who do not wish to use their ticket to dine at the buffet, multi-station style markets may choose to use their $10 lunch ticket, as a voucher towards $10 value of food items at any open retail food concept on campus. No cash back or credit will be given if the full value of the voucher is not redeemed. Anything costing over the $10 balance will be paid by the customer. Retail food concepts on campus scheduled to be open on this day are Chick-fil-A, Freebirds World Burrito and Pastabilities. Ticket/voucher will only be available for redemption Sat., Sept. 14, 2024, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and will expire after this time.

Honors Ice Cream Social

(Honors Students Only)
Lowman Student Center – 241A
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Honors students are encouraged to bring their families to the Lowman Student Center to cool off with some ice cream. The faculty and staff of the Elliot T. Bowers Honors College are looking forward to meeting their students’ supporters, sharing ice cream and playing games.

Bearkat Alley

Zone 2 Lot 12
4 – 6 p.m.

Bearkat Alley is the official tailgate area during football season. The Department of Campus Activities & Traditions hosts a variety of organizations and departments that tailgate together near Bowers Stadium. Enjoy an abundance of food, giveaways and Bearkat Spirit. Bearkat Alley is located in Zone 2 - Lot 12, also known as the coliseum lot. Bearkat Alley entrance is free for all students, parents and fans.

Bearkat Family Weekend Block Party

(Wristband Access Only)
Zone 2 Lot 12
4 – 6 p.m.

SHSU students and their families are invited to come out and enjoy food, fun and experience Bearkat pride at the official Bearkat Family Weekend tailgate. There will be cornhole, covered seating for wristband guests and live music by Rodell Duff.

Bearkat Football vs Hawai’i

(Tickets Purchased Separately on Athletics Website)
Bowers Stadium
6 p.m.

Football Ticket Information:

Please note that general admission football tickets are in the student section on the east side of the stadium. If you wish to sit alongside your student where they already have a free ticket, this is what you should purchase.

If you prefer a different seating option, other than general admission, and want your student to sit with you you will need to purchase them a ticket in your seating section.

You will receive a receipt for your tickets upon checkout. All football tickets will be digital tickets delivered to the email address provided at checkout two weeks prior to the listed game date. For questions or issues regarding football tickets, contact the Bearkat Ticket Office at 936-294-1729.

You do not need to purchase a football ticket for your student, as students have free admission to all SHSU athletic events with ticket download.

Any football ticket questions should be directed to Montel Gardner, ticket sales manager, mxg221@shsu.edu or 936-294-3220.

If you require ADA seating please contact Montel Gardner directly, so that he may assign you the appropriate seating.

To ensure that all guests have a safe and enjoyable experience at Bowers Stadium, we have implemented a clear bag policy for the 2024 football season.

Approved items for entry include:

1-gallon plastic freezer bag

12" X 6" X 12" clear plastic bag

Clutch with wrist strap (no larger than 4.5" X 6.5" X 1")

Prohibited items:

Backpacks

Fanny packs

Camera cases

Chairback seats

Outside food and drink

Artificial noise makers

Concealed weapons

Umbrella

Diaper bags

Strollers

Any other items deemed dangerous or inappropriate by game staff

Post BFW Football Game Drone Show

Bowers Stadium
9:30 p.m. (subject to game end time)

Stay through the end of the Bearkat Family Weekend Football Game to watch the first-ever SHSU Drone Show.

Sunday, Sept. 15

LSC Kat Club Games and Activities

(Wristband Access Only)
Lowman Student Center Kat Club (first floor)
3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Off-Campus Activities

Huntsville State Park

(Wristband Access Only)
Fri., Sept. 13 – Sun., Sept. 15
565 Park Road 40, Huntsville, TX 77340
6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

The Huntsville State Park will extend free entry ($7 value, per person) to Bearkat Family Weekend guests with wristbands. Camping would require reservation and fee.

From the Huntsville State Park website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/huntsville

Lose yourself among the majestic trees and natural beauty of the East Texas Pineywoods. Rent a canoe, explore our trails or just relax by the lake. We are a short drive north of Houston, in the Sam Houston National Forest.

Things to Do:

At Huntsville State Park, you can camp, hike, bike, picnic, fish, swim, paddle, geocache and study nature. We have 21 miles of trails, playgrounds, a bird blind and nature center.

Alligators live in the park; read our alligator safety tips.

On the lake:

Enjoy water activities on the 210-acre Lake Raven:

Fish for crappie, perch, catfish and bass. We have a boat ramp, fishing piers and fish cleaning stations. We allow motor boats, but at idle speed only.

Swim in our designated area from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (no lifeguards). Read our swimming safety tips before you swim.

Rent a kayak. Self-service kayak rentals are available near Raven Lodge.

Bearkat Course – Bearkat Family Weekend Special

Bearkat Course
457 I-45, Huntsville, TX 77340
Friday, Sept. 13 – Sunday, Sept. 15
7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Parents can play for the student rate on the three days of Bearkat Family Weekend, the cost is $35 for 18 holes with a cart. Starting times can be made up to one week in advance by calling 936-294-4653.

City of Huntsville Tourism – Visit Sam Houston Statue

7600 Highway 75 S, Huntsville, TX 77340
9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Fri.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat.
11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun.

Visit the world’s tallest statue of an American hero that offers a great perspective of Huntsville. "A Tribute to Courage," the Sam Houston Statue was designed and constructed by artist David Adickes. He dedicated the statue to the City of Huntsville on October 22, 1994. It is the world's tallest statue of an American hero at 67 feet tall on a 10-foot sunset granite base. Within the Visitor Center, you will find an assortment of visitor information including unique videos, brochures, maps and a friendly Texas ambassador to help plan your day. Also check out our souvenir Gift Shop full of Texas treasures, collectibles and memorabilia.

Orange You Glad You Are A Bearkat

Huntsville Downtown Square
Saturday, Sept. 14
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The City of Huntsville’s Main Street Program and Downtown Business Alliance invites Bearkats and their families to downtown Huntsville to enjoy great shopping and snacking. Participating businesses will offer orange treats. Come out and see our beautifully decorated Sam Houston window displays.

- END -

This page maintained by SHSU's Communications Office:

Director of Content Communications: Emily Binetti

Asst. Director Content & Social Media: Emilee White

Communications Manager: Mikah Boyd
Telephone: 936.294.1837

Communications Specialist: Campbell Atkins
Telephone: 936.294.2638

Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu