FLORENCE – If you were near the University of North Alabama campus last Saturday, you would have noticed a lot of purple “NA Family” T-shirts. They were all part of UNA’s second annual Family Weekend, an event that allows family members to get a taste of campus life.
A signature event for UNA Family Engagement, Family Weekend aims to foster community and connection with students’ families. It featured activities across campus, a look at Bank Independent Stadium progress, lunch, a ticket to the football game against Tarleton State, gameday bags, those purple T-shirts, and a VIP tailgate.
“UNA Family Weekend has quickly become a cherished campus tradition. Connecting UNA families to campus and allowing them to connect to the university and their student’s home away from home is priceless,” said Minnette Ellis, Executive Director for University Priorities and Dean of Students. “The planning committee did an amazing job of creating events and experiences that were interactive for all in attendance.”
Organizers said they saw a 66% increase in registrations over last year. And the final tally shows that 959 family members and students made it out to the festivities this year.
The day began with check-in at CB&S Bank Arena at Flowers Hall and with samples of Turbo Coffee, a Florence coffee shop that helped sponsor the event for the second year.
Inside the arena, UNA Director of Athletics Dr. Josh Looney got the crowd fired up before offering an overview of the progress on Bank Independent Stadium, UNA’s on-campus multipurpose facility set to open in fall 2026. The talk also included a video “flythrough” of the future stadium’s look.
“We have two more years to play (football) in Braly Stadium, nine more games, and we’re excited for you all to be there,” he said.
Looney also discussed plans for the baseball stadium, set to open in March. For now, North Alabama baseball is practicing at the Florence Sportsplex and is slated to move to its new home in January. Soccer is also at the Florence Sportsplex until October, when games will move to UNA’s Cox Creek Sports Complex.
During the Family Weekend opening ceremonies, three audience members stepped up to the challenge in a 3-point shooting contest, while a few others snagged giveaway prizes. The crowd also enjoyed welcomes from Provost Dr. Brien Smith and Dean of Students Minnette Ellis.
After lunch, UNA provided a “choose your own adventure” format for families. They built their own stuffed lions, crafted friendship bracelets, toured the campus on scavenger hunt, met academic college staff, hammed it up in photos with mascots Leo and Una, toured the nursing college simulation lab, won bingo prizes, and grabbed PS4 controllers for a few games in the Lion’s Den Game Room.
“The Cole Honors College provided a creative event that allowed families to sit and interact with each other for an extended period of time,” saidNikki Yarber, Enrollment Director of the Delores and Weldon Cole Honors College. “It was heartwarming to hear families laughing and engaging in conversation as they caught up with each other.”
Following the main campus fun, families made their way to Braly Stadium for pregame activities. The UNA cheerleaders, The Roar dance team, and the Marching Pride led the pep rally, prepping the crowd for the Lion Walk – the football team’s traditional entrance. Families were then treated to a VIP tailgate in the endzone of Braly Stadium, complete with desserts, drinks, and fellowship with other families.
“Family Weekend has become a huge impact for UNA Athletics and UNA Football. With over 1,000 Family Weekend attendees for this year’s game, we saw an 88% increase from last year’s football game,” said Ben Bond, UNA Athletics General Manager for Ticket Sales & Operations. “The stands were full of families and students who are proud to be UNA Lions.
“And the addition of the on-field experience was a great opportunity and one that our students and families can talk about for years to come. We look forward to continuing the growth of this fantastic weekend.”
Yarber, also a member of the planning committee, said, “Overall, I feel blessed to be a part of our Family Weekend. This event is meeting a need that has been in place for some time: a vehicle for family members to become more engaged in their students’ lives at UNA.”
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