Family Weekend
Begin Your Year Strong
Family Weekend is the first big event of the year for students and their families and this year is the same day as the first home game for our Lion Football team.
2026 Family Weekend
Family Weekend is the year’s first big event for Lions and their families! We invite you to join us for a fun-filled day with a service project, photo scavenger hunt, Lion athletic events, time with your student, and tons of Lion Spirit!
September 12
General Check-in
10 a.m. to noon
Rayburn Student Center Club (Next to Chick-fil-A)
Agenda 2026
Be sure to download the Accelevents App – sent via email after registration.
Scavenger Hunt
Throughout Family Day we will have a photo scavenger hunt competition. Get the official list at check-in! Be sure to tag @etamunsfp on Instagram to be entered to win exclusive gear! Winners will be announced via Instagram Live the following week – prizes can be picked up by your Lion student.
Pep Rally
7:30 p.m.
Memorial Stadium
Join Lions Athletics and the Office of Student Engagement at Memorial Stadium for a pre-game kick-off event like no other!
Check-In
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Rayburn Student Center – The Club
General Check-In for all guests is located at the Rayburn Student Center. We will also be hosting various crafts for all ages.
Makerspace Open
House: Hands-On
Innovation and
Demonstrations
The Jimmy and Sherroll Shirley Makerspace
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Ag/ET 125
The dock doors will be open so students and their families can easily enter from the main walkway between the Student Center and Ag/ET.
Planetarium Showing
9:15 to 10:30 a.m.
McFarland Science Building
We will be hosting three 10-minute shows starting at 11:30, noon, and 12:30. Seating is limited and each demo will begin promptly at the start time.
Pancake with the Pan-Hellenic Council
10 a.m.
F-Halls Sorority Row in the courtyard
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast and great company! Join the Panhellenic Council for pancakes, fellowship, and a chance to connect with fellow students and families.
Dolly Parton-Inspired Family Reading Celebration
10:30 a.m. to noon
David Talbot Hall Of Languages
Inspired by Dolly Parton's extraordinary commitment to childhood literacy and family reading, the Department of Literature and Languages will fill our lounges with picture books for families to browse and read together. Stay for one story or several! Sign up to hear about future picture book events and get a free picture book!
BINGO and Nacho Bar
12 to 2 p.m.
SPUR
Enjoy an exciting game of BINGO with fun prizes and a nacho bar (We will have shuttles running that will take you over to the Spur if you don't want to drive from the back of the student center by the Lion statue starting at 11:30 a.m., and it will be going back and forth until 3 p.m.)
Family Weekend Movie
2 p.m.
RSC Innovation A&B
Michael
Tailgate Options
IFC Tailgate
2 p.m.
Student Tailgate Area
Family Weekend Tailgate
3 p.m.
Student Tailgate Area
Alumni Tailgate
3 p.m. (Concert is free. Alumni
Association members enjoy
free food. Non-Members $20.)
Lakeside Pavillon
The fun starts at 3 p.m. with a live concert by The Blandelles, followed by the Alumni Tailgate at 3:30 p.m. Come early, grab a bite, catch up with fellow Lions and enjoy the Family Weekend atmosphere before cheering on the Lions.
Honors College Tailgate
3 – 6 p.m.
Student Tailgate Area
Victory Walk
3:45 p.m.
Meet Behind the Visitor Stands at Memorial Stadium
Gates and Kid Zone
Open
5 p.m.
Memorial Stadium
Lion Football vs Northwestern State
6 p.m.
Memorial Stadium Gates Open 5 p.m.
Come cheer on the Lions as they take on Northwestern. Look for the discounted ticket link in your Family Day confirmation email.
football tickets
Discounted Tickets
We are offering a special 60% discounted sideline reserved ticket to members of the Lion Family! Cheer loud and be proud this Family Weekend!
Premium Options
Free Food, up-close views, and the best experience on gameday! Take a look at our Endzone Loges and Touchdown Terraces located in the South Endzone.
Parking
Buy your tailgate spot for the Lions home opener against Northwestern State today!
FAQs to Plan Your Visit
Is there a registration fee, and what does that include?
Who can attend Family Weekend?
This is an ideal time for families of all students to experience East Texas A&M. We invite parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, grandparents and anyone else in your family to join us for an exciting day!
Can I register on-site?
YES! Please arrive to the Rayburn Student Center between 9 a.m. and Noon.
Please note: Family Day T-shirt can be purchased in the Etamu bookstore located in the student center.
When is the registration deadline?
The online registration deadline ends at noon on September 11. However, you can register onsite at the student center in the club from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Do I have to check in for Family Weekend?
Yes! You will need to check in to get your Family Weekend packets with all your materials for the day.
Can my student check in for our family?
Yes, your student can check you in and gather your items. Please make sure your student brings their East Texas A&M Lion Card (student ID).
Where should I stay for Family Weekend?
There are several hotels in Hunt County and Hopkins County to suit your needs! Commerce, Greenville (approx 14 miles from campus), and Sulphur Springs (approx 20 miles from campus) all offer accommodations that are a short drive to campus.
Where can I park during Family Weekend?
Family Weekend is on a home football game weekend, and VIP parking is available for purchase, or you are welcome to park anywhere outside of Lots 1-4. Tailgating and VIP parking spot links were sent to registrants via email.
I have another question that was not answered here.
For any additional questions, please contact [email protected]
I have a family member who needs special accommodations. Who should I contact?
If the accommodations are for athletic events, contact [email protected]. Please indicate on the registration form if any member of your family has dietary restrictions. If a family member requires special accommodations, please email Marcus Hawkins at least 10 days in advance to ensure reasonable accommodation can be provided for each event.
Contact Us
- New Student and Family Programs
- 903.886.5088
- [email protected]
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011
