For the third consecutive year, Skyhawk Palooza presented by Leaders Credit Union will serve as the official kickoff to the UT Martin athletics 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 held in Veterans Park adjacent to the east entrance of Hardy M. Graham Stadium with additional support from partnerships with the Weakley County Chamber and Economic Development Board, Wendell Alexander Realty and Weakley Farmers Co-Op.
Current faculty and staff and each member of their immediate household will receive a $10 voucher good at the food trucks or the official Skyhawk Team Shop. Faculty and staff may also request two complimentary tickets to the game and purchase additional tickets for $12 each.
Registration for these vouchers was to be completed by the end of the day on Aug. 24. Vouchers and tickets can be obtained at the Chancellor’s Office, Room 326 Hall-Moody Administration Building, on Tuesday, Aug. 25; Wednesday, Aug. 26; or by lunchtime on Thursday, Aug. 27.
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 age 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 to 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 Sr. 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 from 5 to 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 M. 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 anniversary celebration with a fireworks spectacular.
