For the third consecutive year, Skyhawk Palooza presented by Leaders Credit Union will serve as the official kickoff to the University of Tennessee at Martin athletic season with a jam-packed event scheduled in conjunction with the football home opener on Thursday, Aug. 27.
Admission is free for the event courtesy of title sponsor Leaders Credit Union. Skyhawk Palooza will be located in Veterans’ Park adjacent to the east entrance of Hardy M. Graham Stadium with additional support from partnerships with the Weakley County TN Chamber & Economic Development Board, Wendell Alexander Realty and Weakley Farmers Co-op. Fans wishing to stick around and enjoy the Skyhawk football season opener against Central Arkansas at 6:30 p.m. and the firework spectacular following the contest can buy tickets to the contest by visiting www.UTMSports.com/tickets.
Skyhawk Palooza opens at 4 p.m. as various food trucks will be set up around Veterans’ Park. Fans can enjoy numerous interactive tents featuring Skyhawk student-athletes with games, interactive activities and more. Additional features include face painting, pet the pony and inflatables that include a 35-foot giant slide, an 80-foot obstacle course, a jump house and a mini-slide.
Children ages 12 and under are also encouraged to sign up for the Captain’s Kids Club. The Captain’s Kids Club is a free membership program which includes various exclusive benefits, including free tickets to games, on-field opportunities and more. The first 200 kids to visit the registration tent who sign up for the Captain’s Kid Club will receive free exclusive swag while supplies last.
Steve Christmas, a famous balloon artist, with Big Balloon Nation will be on hand from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Food trucks will be open until at least 7:30 p.m. or until they are sold out.
Taking the stage at 4:45 p.m. will be Nashville-based, singer songwriter Hunt Pipkin and Band. Fans can also check out the newest 2026 merchandise at the Official Skyhawk Team Shop.
The Aviator Marching Band will make its grand entrance, leading UT Martin Chancellor Dr. Yancy Freeman onto the grounds before addressing the crowd for an official welcome. A Squawk Talk segment with Skyhawk football broadcasters Davis Gregory and John Hatler will take place at 5-5:30 p.m. with a local celebrity guest lineup.
Following the event, fans are encouraged to take their game tickets and join the Skyhawks in Hardy Graham Stadium for the football season opener against Central Arkansas with kickoff slated for 6:30 p.m. Following the contest, UT Martin will close out its 125th Celebration with a firework spectacular.
