Western Carolina University will host a series of events celebrating students’ families for its annual Family Weekend starting on Sept. 19.
The highlight of the weekend is the home game against Samford on Saturday. The kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. The doors to the field will open 90 minutes before the game. Fans can get their tickets online. For the general public, tickets are $18 to $37, and for students, admission is free. This is third home game for the Cats and in the past two years WCU have beat Samford.
Parking for the game is at the North Baseball Parking Deck / South Baseball Lot. Visitors can also use the free shuttle and park on the millennial side of campus.
The three-day series of events starts on Friday with a social gathering at the Central Plaza that includes live music, refreshments, DIY crafts and a photo shoot with the university mascot, Paws, from 5 to 7 p.m.
That night, the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center will host a live performance of “Hamlet, Prince of Denmark” at 7:30 p.m., with tickets available online to purchase. For adults, tickets are $25, for ages 65 and up, tickets are $20, and for children and non-WCU students, tickets are $15.
Saturday’s events start with the Legacy Pinning Ceremony from 10 to 11 a.m., celebrating students whose families have also attended WCU. Before the game families can enjoy tailgating around campus and getting excited for the game with Samford.
The weekend will conclude on Sunday, with a rafting trip to the Nantahala Outdoor Center organized by WCU’s Campus Recreation Center, starting at 10 a.m. Tickets are available to purchase online for $40 per person at a discounted price when purchased through the Campus Recreation Center.
“Visiting our son at college fills us with an overwhelming sense of pride to see him thriving in his own world, surrounded by friends and building his independence day by day,” said Deborah and Mike Saiani, parents of WCU student Dom Saiani, who will be making a trip to Cullowhee for Family Weekend.
