Arkansas Tech University Family Day 2026 Set for September 19
Arkansas Tech University is excited to announce that Family Day 2026 will take place on Saturday, September 19, at the campus in Russellville. This beloved tradition dates back to 1924 when it was first celebrated as “Dad’s Day” at what was then known as the Second District Agricultural School.
Since those early days, Arkansas Tech has continued to honor families who support ATU students. Each year, a special day is set aside to acknowledge and celebrate the vital role that family members play in the lives of students.
The day’s activities will kick off at 9 a.m. with a fun doubles pickleball tournament open to families and students at the Clary Pickleball Courts and the Campus Recreation Center in the Ferguson Student Union. Anyone interested in participating can find registration details and more information through an online form.
Following the pickleball tournament, a 5-kilometer run/walk will start at 10:30 a.m. from Mullens Plaza outside the Ferguson Student Union. Registration is also available online for this event.
As the afternoon approaches, families of current ATU students can pick up free tickets to the ATU Family Day football game beginning at 3 p.m. These tickets will be available at the Parent and Family Relations tent on Centennial Plaza, which serves as the tailgating location outside Simmons Bank Field at Thone Stadium. There are 250 complimentary tickets, and they will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
For those wishing to buy additional game tickets, they can do so through the university’s sports website.
At the same time, the ATU Parent and Family Relations will offer a free tailgating meal, featuring pulled pork sandwiches and sides for all current students and their families. This meal will be served in the Centennial Plaza lawn area.
Families considering ATU for their prospective students are invited to visit the future students’ tent from 3 to 6 p.m. Here, they can take campus tours and learn about the academic and campus life at ATU. More details and registration for this portion of the event are available online.
The highlight of the day will be the football game at 6 p.m. as the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys take on the Ouachita Baptist University Tigers. The ATU marching band, known as “Arkansas’ Band of Distinction,” along with the ATU dance team and coed cheer team, will perform during both the tailgate party and the game.
For more information on ATU Family Day, interested individuals can visit the ATU website.
