SkyhawkPalooza Returns To UT-Martin

Student athletes with the University of Tennessee at Martin had tents set up with all sorts of fun for the whole family.
SkyhawkPalooza is a popular annual event that takes place ahead of the football season home opener.

“It brings out all of our teams to do different activities with students, young people in the community, as well as our faculty and staff just celebrate them, celebrate the beginning of a new athletic year and it’s been pretty popular,” said Athletic Director Kurt McGuffin.

Food trucks, inflatables, and other activities lined the parking lot of Hardy Graham stadium.
Registration opened at 5:00 Thursday evening where the Skyhawk faithful could pick up a scavenger hunt card and meet Captain Skyhawk for a photo opportunity.
The first 200 kids signed up for the Captain’s Kid Club received a free t-shirt.

The band made a grand entrance at 6:00 followed by an address from University Chancellor Dr. Yancy freeman.
Squawk Talk, the university’s sports podcast hosted by Davis Gregory and John Hatler, did a live segment from the field featuring guest speakers head coach Jason Simpson, and a few student athletes.

“I think they enjoy it. It’s a little hot, but they come out, meet people. That’s part of being in a smaller community. You gotta get out and meet people especially with the transfer portal now you have new faces so you really gotta get out and meet people so they come to your games,” McGuffin says.

Also present for entertainment was balloon artist Dave Evans.
Giveaways were announced throughout the evening with prizes being as big as Skyhawk football season tickets.
Drawings for the scavenger hunt grand prizes were held at at the end.
The newest UT Martin merchandise was also rolled out for the event.