General Questions
Where can I find hotel information?
Visit the Abilene Visitors’ Bureau website for information on local hotels and lodging accommodations.
Are meals provided?
The only meal provided as part of the Family Weekend package is the tailgate before the Saturday evening football game.
Families are welcome to enjoy lunch after Chapel in the campus center food court or the World Famous Bean.
As part of the Family Weekend package, special discounts will be available at local eateries and restaurants with Family Weekend name badges (list of participating locations provided in your Family Weekend packet). Enjoy a taste of Abilene with your student!
For more information on Abilene restaurants, visit the Abilene Visitors’ Bureau website.
Do I need to check in for Family Weekend?
Yes! Check in at the Student Life Den in the lower level of the McGlothlin Campus Center on Friday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. There, you will receive your Family Weekend packet, which includes your event tickets, schedules, maps and more. Stop by, grab some cool Wildcat gear (while supplies last) and start your weekend the right way!
What does a tentative schedule look like?
Friday, September 17
6 a.m.-10 p.m. Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center
Pool hours: 4:30-7:00 p.m.
10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Check-In
McGlothlin Campus Center, Wildcat Den
11 a.m. Chapel
Beauchamp Amphitheatre
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch in the Bean
6 p.m. Hangout on the Hill
8 p.m. Freshman Follies Show
Abilene Civic Center, doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 18
8 a.m.-10 p.m. Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center
Pool hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Check-In
McGlothlin Campus Center, Wildcat Den
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Family Photos
Jacob’s Dream
11 a.m. Freshman Follies
Abilene Civic Center, doors open at 10:30 a.m.
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch on Your Own
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Residence Hall Open House
Various locations
4-5:30 p.m. Tailgate
Shotwell Stadium parking lot
6 p.m. ACU Football vs. Texas-Permian Basin
Wildcat’s Stadium
8 p.m. to EOD Hangout on the Hill
Sunday, September 11
8 a.m.-2 p.m. Church and Lunch with Your Student
2-11 p.m. Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center open
Pool hours: 3-5 p.m.
Where can I purchase tickets for Family Weekend?
Be sure to go to our Family Weekend Marketplace and check out all of the activities available to you and your student.
Freshman Follies
Can I buy Freshman Follies tickets at the door?
Yes, but space is very limited. In order to ensure your admission to the show, purchase your tickets as part of a Family Weekend package beforehand.
Can I buy Freshman Follies tickets without buying a Family Weekend package?
Yes, you can purchase individual tickets through acustupro.com.
Do I need to buy a Freshman Follies ticket for my student?
If your student is in the Freshman Follies show, you do not need to buy them a ticket. If not, they will need to buy their own ticket beforehand.
Can I buy tickets for more than one Freshman Follies show?
A Full Weekend package includes a ticket to both the Friday and Saturday show.
Football Game and Tailgate
Do I need to buy a football game ticket for my student?
No, current students get in free with a valid ACU Student ID card.
Do I need to buy a tailgate ticket for my student?
Yes. At checkout, there is an option to purchase additional tailgate tickets.
Band Students
My student is in the ACU Big Purple Marching Band. What is the band's schedule for Saturday, September 18?
10-10:45 a.m. Percussion and Colorguard rehearsal at Wildcat Stadium
11 a.m.-12 p.m. Full Band rehearsal at Wildcat Stadium
4:45 p.m. Tailgate Performance (South endzone of Wildcat Stadium)
5:45 p.m. Pregame Performance
6 p.m. Kickoff
Does the band do anything on Friday, September 17?
On Friday, the band has rehearsal at Wildcat Stadium that begins at 11:15 a.m., and goes until 12:30 p.m. Parents are welcome to come to that rehearsal.
Band Director’s Note
On Saturday, parents are welcome to come to the rehearsals; percussion and Color Guard at 10 a.m., and full band rehearsal at 11 a.m.
During the game, the Big Purple is stationed in the stands in sections 101, 102, and 103 of Wildcat Stadium. There are General Admission seats directly behind us.
Double-check the schedule with your student in the band. Start times can change depending on athletics, if the game is televised, etc. Come and have fun!