Family Weekend will feature an 89 percent increase in attending families and involvement of campus departments compared to last year, Kim Turner, assistant director of student activities, said.

Turner said she had been planning this year’s Family Weekend since spring, along with Student Activities Coordinators Brad Thompson and Brett Philips.

She said she wants every family to enjoy their experience at TCU.

“We are just really hoping that they’ll fall in love with TCU like their students have,” Turner said.

Last year, 464 families registered for Family Weekend, which added up to 1,410 people. This year, however, 806 families registered, which equaled 2,668 people .

Despite those large figures, Turner said she thinks that number is probably low because it does not include families who did not register.

Families who did not register can still enjoy many different free Family Weekend events, Turner  said.

Families start off their weekend experience on Saturday morning by visiting the check-in booth at the Brown-Lupton University Union Auditorium.  Event tickets, information packets and a schedule of events can be picked up there from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

To formally welcome all families, an opening reception will be held outside of 1873. The reception allows families to mingle while enjoying refreshments and a performance by the TCU Jazz Band.

A picnic lunch will be held Saturday on the Clark Hall lawn.  The event will feature a live band, face painters and balloon artists.

Turner said the picnic is one of the most exciting events planned for the weekend.

“It’s a fun time for TCU families to get together and celebrate TCU spirit right before the football game,” she  said.

Before the football game against Portland State, families are welcome to attend pre-game festivities at Frog Alley.

Families can enjoy inflatable games, sponsor booths and appearances by the TCU Band and spirit teams.

Students involved in spirit programs are also happy about having their families come see them support the Frogs.

“I’m excited for my parents and grandparents to come out and see me perform,” TCU Band member and sophomore music education major  Kara Kazyaka  said.

This year, Turner  said, she also focused on getting departments involved in open house events.

Throughout the weekend, families can tour their students’ departments, learn about their classes and meet faculty and staff.

Other weekend events include the Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Gallery in Sid Richardson , Moudy art exhibitions and free admission to various museums throughout the district. The Family Weekend website lists all participating museums.

Student Body President Jackie Wheeler said activities throughout the city are essential for Family Weekend.

“[The activities] allow families who are not from the area to experience the city their child is living in,” she said.

To close out the weekend, families can attend Sunday Mass in the BLUU Ballroom. TCU Catholic Community  will lead the service.

Immediately following the service, families who purchased an all-access pass can enjoy Sunday brunch at Market Square in the BLUU.

Wheeler said Family Weekend will once again prove the amount of effort TCU puts into its programs.

“It’s what TCU does,” she said. “TCU always goes the extra mile for every single student.”

Wheeler also expressed her excitement for this weekend’s events.

“I’m hoping everything will run smoothly,” she said. “We’re hoping to create a family bonding atmosphere that families will enjoy with their student.”

Family Weekend Schedule

Check-In: Friday, Sept. 23, BLUU Auditorium, 1:30 – 6 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 24, BLUU, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Opening Reception: Friday, Sept. 23, Outside 1873, 4 p.m.

Picnic Lunch: Saturday, Sept. 24, Clark Hall Lawn, 11:30 a.m.

Portland State Football Game: Saturday, Sept. 24, Amon G. Carter Stadium, 1 p.m.

Sunday Mass: Sunday, Sept. 25, BLUU Ballroom, 10 a.m.

Sunday Brunch: Sunday, Sept. 25, Market Square, 10:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.

For the full schedule, visit www.familyweekend.tcu.edu