Pittsburg State University will welcome families, supporters, and friends to campus for Family Day 2026 on Saturday, Sept. 5, with a variety of activities designed to celebrate the Gorilla family and create lasting memories. 

11 a.m. - First-Gen Pinning Ceremony  
Governors Room, upper level of the Overman Student Center 

During this event, first-generation students will be recognized with a Pitt State pin and be offered the opportunity to honor up to two people who helped support their journey. Students must register in Gorilla Engage in order to participate. 

11:30 a.m. - Lunch with the President  
Crossroads, main level of the Overman Student Center 

Enjoy a free BBQ style luncheon with President Thomas Newsom and fellow families at the Crossroads in the Overman Student Center. 

To attend lunch, RSVP in Gorilla Engage by noon on Tuesday, Sept. 1. 

1:30 - 3 p.m. - Music Bingo in the U-Club 

Cool off in the U-Club with a game of Music Bingo! Bring the whole family and play for a chance to win fun Pitt State prizes. Event is come-and-go.  

3 to 4 p.m. - Scavenger Hunt for Kids 

The little ones in the family can complete the Scavenger Hunt for Kids before cheering on the Gorillas. Registration is required at pittstate.edu/alumni. 

4 to 6:45 p.m. - GorillaFest in Gorilla Village 

GorillaFest is the official university tailgate before all home football games, featuring food vendors, live music, inflatables, balloon animals, splitface tattoos, face-painting, and more! Sponsored by Alumni & Constituent Relations 

5:30 p.m. - Gorilla Walk and Pep Rally 

The Pitt State Pride of the Plains Marching Band leads Gorilla football players and coaches along Gorilla Walk from the Plaster Center to Carnie Smith Stadium. Fans begin lining the pathway, and the band plays “War.” Players and coaches reach up to touch the bronze Champion Gorilla for luck. Directly after Gorilla Walk, the band, the Pitt Cheer Squad and the Crimson and Gold Dancers perform a pep rally in Gorilla Village for all to enjoy. 

6:40 p.m. - Pre-game 

Pre-game includes on-field tunes (school song, national anthem) played by the band, the cheer team running across the field with huge flags, and of course, the unofficial school anthem: “Welcome to the Jungle” — it's quite a spectacle!  

7 p.m. - Game time 

Pittsburg State Gorillas vs. the Emporia State Hornets. Festivities will face the east stands for this game and will include recognition of the 2026 Honorary Pitt State Family and a performance by the dance team and band. 

Buy Football Tickets here.

Information on Pitt State Honorary Family here.

Tickets  

Tickets may be purchased online at pittstate.edu/tickets, in person at the new university ticket office at 306 N. Broadway, or by calling 620-235-4796. Students who wish to sit in the student section will be admitted free by using the CORQ app.