Football is underway and Family Day will be taking place tonight at the first Lions’ home game.

“Family Day is an annual event that the Division of Student Affairs throws to invite everybody’s family to the first home game,” said DSA student worker Austin Rogers.

For students and family members who are registered for the event, check in is at 2 p.m. The Family Day package includes food at the tailgate party, admission to the game and a T-shirt. For those who did not meet the registration deadline on Friday the 16th, Family Day still has plenty to offer.

“There will a photo booth, there will be T-shirts, there will be tailgating and games,” said Rogers.

There will also be the Lion Walk starting approximately two hours before kickoff.

The Lion Walk is a tradition that started 14 years ago in 2002 when the football season returned. All of the football players and coaches make their way through Friendship Circle to greet tailgaters before entering Strawberry Stadium. Cheerleaders will also be performing in front of Pottle Hall.

Leading up to the game’s kickoff, fans are led by the Spirit of the Southland marching band, the cheerleaders and the Lionettes into the stadium for pregame entertainment.

“We’re going to do Storm 30,” said Rogers. “Storm 30 is 30 minutes before the game where everybody does a parade around Friendship Circle and then they walk onto the football field.”

Rogers believes anyone new to the school this year should come out to Family Day.

“It’s a great way to meet people just like you who are just starting school and haven’t been with their families for a while,” said Rogers.

The Lions will be playing against the Northwestern State University Demons and kickoff starts at 6 p.m. Students who present their student ID at the game will get free admission.

Family Day Schedule is check in at 2 p.m., campus walking tour at 2:30 p.m., Lion Walk with football team in Friendship Circle at 3:30 p.m., band, cheerleaders and Lionettes performances in front of Pottle Hall at 5:00 p.m. and Storm 30 where fans follow the band from Friendship Circle into Strawberry Stadium.