Oct. 2, 2008

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - A pair of weekend activities that centers on families highlight Southern Miss' football game against UTEP this Saturday set for 6 p.m., at Carlisle-Faulkner Field at Roberts Stadium.

The first activity is Take A Kid to the Game which is a NCAA initiative and presented by Coca-Cola. Kids, ages fourteen and younger, will receive a free ticket with the purchase of a full-priced adult "Top of The Rock¨ ticket ($20), to watch the Golden Eagles take on the Miners.

Southern Miss is one of more than 200 schools across the nation that is hosting a game in this campaign focused on allowing youth the opportunity to attend college football games. The Take A Kid to the Game program is entering into its 13th year in the promotion of collegiate athletics.

"Southern Miss is excited about this event where kids from the community will have a chance to be apart of our game day experience and support NCAA Football¡¦s Take A Kid to the Game program¨ Richard Giannini, athletic director said. "This gameday experience is an opportunity for children to spend quality time with a parent or role model and learn about sportsmanship that can be demonstrated on the playing field.¨

The Athletic Department and the First Year Experience Office are also offering special tickets for Parents/Family Weekend on the Golden Eagle campus. Parents / Family Weekend, a long-standing tradition, has been re-established and parents of USM students are encouraged to come experience the traditions and spirit of Southern Miss on game day.

All parents of students attending Southern Miss were mailed a special ticket offer for the game, and parents of first year students were notified of a full day of activities that includes tours, academic open houses, seminars on student success, a tailgate luncheon and a course the football game.

Tickets for this Saturday¡¦s contest between the Golden Eagles and the Miners are available and can be purchased at the Ferlise Center Ticket Office located on W. 4th Street, by calling 1-800-844-TICK, or by visiting SouthernMiss.com.