Several special events to celebrate family values are on the agenda Saturday, Oct. 1, when our football team hosts a crucial Ohio Valley Conference game against Murray State at 1 p.m. in Tucker Stadium.

Our Golden Eagles take the field at the first home game of the season Sept. 8.

The game marks Tech's 29th annual Parents and Family Day, with a special invitation to the families of Tech students. In addition, the game is being billed as Faith and Family Day and national Take a Kid to the Game Day.

"This day has been created to celebrate family values and time together as a family," says Athletics Director Mark Wilson. "We have many activities planned to add to the fun family atmosphere, and we're encouraging churches and families to attend and enjoy some time together."

Athletics is contacting every student, as well as the families of all freshmen, with invitations to the event. A special tailgate party will be held in honor of the families, including a $5 lunch sponsored by Chartwells (students can use their meal plan cards). The meal includes BBQ brisket, chicken Philly sandwiches, beans, coleslaw, potato salad, chips, dessert and Pepsi products. Pregame activities get underway at 10 a.m., when Regions Bank Tailgate Park opens. Lunch service begins at 10:30.

CAMPUS FAMILY DAY EVENTS Chemistry faculty and students will conduct hands-on events for children at the tailgate park from 10 a.m. to noon. Kids will have the chance to make their own "slime," stress balls, and balloon models of atoms. The following departments and offices will be open from 10 a.m. to noon to greet visitors: * Engineering – all departments * Nursing (Jere Whitson Bldg.) * Sociology and Political Science (Daniels 309) * Women's Center (Pennebaker 203) Music and Art will dedicate the Maurice Haste Rehearsal Hall, an ongoing renovation project of Bryan Fine Arts 101, at 11 a.m.

Also planned for the tailgate park will be activities for kids, live music from local band Legacy, and a performance by the Golden Eagle Marching Band.

For Faith and Family Day, all area churches have been encouraged to attend with specially priced group discount tickets available.

For Take a Kid to the Game Day, fans can get a free youth ticket with the purchase of each adult ticket.

Many campus departments plan to host open house Saturday morning, and student organizations and residence halls will be giving tours (see sidebar).

The first Golden Eagle home game this season drew 7,524 fans and provided an outstanding atmosphere in Tucker Stadium, says head coach Mike Hennigan.

"The crowd was great for the Lambuth game and our players really enjoyed playing in that atmosphere," he says. "It makes a big difference when we have a loud and enthusiastic crowd."

Tech defeated Lambuth University 52-10, and the night was capped with a long and colorful fireworks show. Tech's second Thursday night game, Oct. 13 against Tennessee State, will also end the evening with fireworks.

Game tickets may be purchased in a variety of ways. They're available through the TTU online ticket system, and the tickets can be printed from a home computer. Tickets can also be ordered by phone at 3940, at the Eblen Center ticket office weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or at the ticket booths at Tucker Stadium on game day. Students get in free with a valid Eagle card.