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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.
Students and families may enjoy a BBQ style lunch with President Thomas Newsom and fellow families at the Crossroads in the Overman Student Center. To attend, students must RSVP in Gorilla Engage by noon on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
Cool off in the U-Club in the lower level of the Overman Student Center with a game of Music Bingo! Bring the whole family and play for a chance to win fun Pitt State prizes. This event is come-and-go.
Little ones can complete the Scavenger Hunt for Kids before cheering on the Gorillas. Registration is required at pittstate.edu/alumni.
GorillaFest is the official university tailgate before all home football games, featuring live music, food vendors, inflatables, balloon animals, splitface tattoos, face-painting, and more. All are welcome. It is sponsored by Alumni & Constituent Relations.
The Pitt State Pride of the Plains Marching Band will lead Gorilla football players and coaches along Gorilla Walk from the Plaster Center to Carnie Smith Stadium. Fans will line the pathway, and the band will play “War.” Players and coaches will touch the bronze Champions Plaza Gorilla for luck. Directly after Gorilla Walk, the band, the Pitt Cheer Squad and the Crimson and Gold Dancers will perform a pep rally in Gorilla Village for all to enjoy.
Pre-game will include the school song and the National Anthem played by the band, and of course, the unofficial school anthem: “Welcome to the Jungle." Recipients of the Alumni Legacy License Plate Scholarship will be recognized on the field before kick-off with their alumni parent(s) or grandparent(s). The Alumni Association awarded $104,000 to 208 freshman legacy students for the 2026-2027 academic year. The scholarship is funded through donations through the Gorilla License Plate program.
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: pittstate.edu/office/ticket-office/index.html
Information on the Pitt State Honorary Family initiative: pittstate.edu/honorary-family
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.
