Saluki Football Announces 2026 Game Day Themes

CARBONDALE, Ill. – Five home games. Five unique opportunities to celebrate the Saluki community.

SIU Athletics unveiled its 2026 football promotional schedule, highlighted by Family Weekend, Southern Illinois Day, Homecoming on ESPN, a Blackout Cancer awareness game and Military Appreciation Day.

The slate of game themes adds to an exciting home schedule for the Salukis, who will welcome Southeast Missouri, Youngstown State, Illinois State, UNI and South Dakota State to Saluki Stadium this fall.

Sept. 12: Family Weekend vs. Southeast Missouri - 6 p.m.

No. 16 SIU opens its home schedule with Family Weekend when the Salukis host Southeast Missouri State. The annual campus tradition will welcome families from across the region to experience a full Saluki game-day atmosphere while supporting SIU students. It's also the War for the Wheel against the cross-river rival Redhawks. The Salukis will look to keep the wheel in Carbondale after beating SEMO last year in Cape Girardeau. All fans are encouraged to wear maroon for our Maroon Out. Show your #MaroonMade spirit with your maroon Saluki gear! Game Sponsor: Banterra Bank.

Oct. 3: Southern Illinois Day vs. Youngstown State - 4 p.m.

The Salukis will celebrate the people, businesses and communities that make Southern Illinois unique during Southern Illinois Day. The Penguins enter the season ranked No. 9 with the reigning Walter Payton Award-winning Beau Brungard at quarterback. Fans from throughout the region will be recognized as SIU honors its deep roots across the area. More information yet to come on how you can best represent your hometown! Game Sponsor: IBEW Local 702

Oct. 17: Homecoming vs. Illinois State - Time TBD

One of the biggest weekends of the year returns to Carbondale as the Salukis host Illinois State for Homecoming. The Redbirds finished as runner-up in last year's national championship game and begin the season ranked No. 4 in the country. Alumni and friends of SIU will return to campus for a weekend of celebration, and the matchup will receive national exposure with the game slated to air on ESPN. Wear white for our annual White Out. Let's show a national TV audience what it means to be a Saluki! Game Sponsor: IBEW-NECA

Oct. 24: Blackout Cancer vs. UNI - 1 p.m.

The Salukis will once again use the power of sport to raise awareness in the fight against cancer. Fans are encouraged to wear black as Saluki Stadium transforms into a blackout environment for a game dedicated to honoring survivors, remembering loved ones and supporting those currently battling the disease. The game will honor those who have battled cancer and their loved ones. Game Sponsor: SIH Foundation

Nov. 14: Military Appreciation vs. South Dakota State - 1 p.m.

SIU closes its home schedule by honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Military Appreciation Day will feature special recognitions throughout the game as the Salukis welcome one of the top preseason teams in the country, South Dakota State, to Saluki Stadium. It will be an entire day of incredible military support and appreciation, including special promotions for veterans and active duty military. Game Sponsor: SI Roofing

Pick a game: saluk.is/fbtickets
Pick two or three games: saluk.is/fbminiplans
Watch all season: saluk.is/footballseasontickets

Call 618-453-2000 or visit the Arena Ticket Office during regular business hours for more information.