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Join us September 12-13, 2025, for Family Weekend!

FAMILY WEEKEND REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!  

Schedule of Events 

Family Weekend consists of events that are free and others that require admission.  We want your experience to be truly memorable. We kindly request that you let us know you’re attending our free events so we can plan accordingly.   Your RSVP helps us prepare a fun and welcoming experience for all our students and families. 

We’re excited to celebrate Family Weekend with you—see you soon! 

Friday, September 12 

2025 USA Cycling Collegiate Track Nationals 

Location: Indy Cycloplex- located on Marian University’s campus 

Time:  Races start at 6pm, but we recommend arriving by 5:30 to purchase food and find a seat.  

Cost: Free 

Get ready for an unforgettable start to Family Weekend! We’re thrilled to kick-off the weekend’s festivities with USA Cyling Collegiate Track Nationals, hosted at the Indy Cycloplex—home to one of the nation’s renowned velodromes. And it’s on Marian University’s campus!  

Whether you're a longtime cycling fan or have never been to a race before, this event promises thrills, speed, and high-energy fun for all. Watch elite athletes from around the country compete on our world-class track. 

Admission is free! Bring the whole family and enjoy an exciting evening filled with cheers, races, and community. Concessions and beer for those 21+ will be available for purchase—so grab some dinner, find a great seat, and soak up the action! 

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience a national-level sporting event right here on campus. You might even see future Olympic athletes competing. It’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend!  And don’t forget to wear your MU gear!   

 

Saturday, September 13 

Mike Holman Marian Mile 

Location: Allison Mansion 

Time: Registration/Check-In begins at 8:00am with the race starting at 9am. 

Cost: $30 with proceeds going to Marian’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams 

The Mike Holman Marian Mile will be a fast, downhill finish road mile through the beautiful campus of Marian University. This point-to-point race will finish directly in front of Historic Allison Mansion.  

This event is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. There will be separate Elite and Open divisions. Proceeds from the event will go directly to support the Marian University Cross Country program. Automated, chip-timing will be used during the event.  
 
In addition, participants who register for the event will receive an event t-shirt (unisex sizing) a and coffee provided by Founders Grounds Coffee and donuts from Jack's Donuts after the event. An included event shirt will only be guaranteed to those that register before September 1, 2025. Additional event shirts may be available on a limited basis for purchase. Come support the Knights and join us on Saturday, September 13th at 9am for this special event! 

Registration link: https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Indianapolis/TheMikeHolmanMarianMile 

 

Family Fun 

Location: The Quad 

Time: 11am-12:45pm 

Cost: Free 

Facepainting, inflatables, and outdoor games are available for you and your family!  Join us for fun on the quad for this free event. Picnic lunch available for purchase. 

 

Picnic Lunch 

Location: The Quad 

Time: 11am-12:45pm  

Cost: $11 

Come soak up the sunshine, enjoy a picnic lunch with all the fixings, and relax to the sounds of a live band on the beautiful campus lawn. It’s the perfect way to spend time with your student, connect with other families, and enjoy the vibrant energy of campus life. 

Skip the line! You can pre-purchase lunch for just $11 or pay on-site. Students with a Marian meal plan do not need to pre-purchase lunch.  They can use their meal plan. Either way, bring your appetite—we’ll have plenty of picnic favorites waiting for you! 

 

Knightro’s Alley 

Location: The Quad 

Time: 11am-12:45pm 

Cost: Free 

Gather your loved ones and join us in Knightro’s Alley for family friendly activities, highlighting our incredible academic programs and amazing student success resources.  Knightro’s Alley has something for everyone and is a free event.  

 

Family Tailgate 

Location: Amphitheatre Lot 

Time: 10am-12:45pm 

Cost: $30 

Don’t miss a picnic lunch on the quad, music, and fun at this year’s tailgate!  Whether you purchase a tailgating parking pass or just enjoy the experience, this is one event you don’t want to miss!  

Single-game tailgating parking passes are available for purchase and are subject to limited availability. Once purchased, you will receive an assigned space number, and a tailgate pass sent via email prior to game day.  Drivers must display the parking pass to access lots.  Glass bottles, staked tents, charcoal grills, fire pits, and kegs are prohibited. A typical size tent is 10 x 10. Tailgate lots open at 11am and there is no overnight parking. 

Purchase your single-game tailgating spot by visiting: https://www.marian.edu/athletics/m-club/tailgating 

 

Cooling Station 

Location: Mother Theresa Hackelmeier Memorial Library 

Time: 11am-1pm 

Cost: Free 

During Family Weekend, the Library will be open as a designated cooling station for guests who need a break from the heat. Stop in to cool down, rest your feet, and grab a cup of water—all are welcome! It’s a great spot to recharge before heading to the game. 

 

Marian vs. Defiance Football Game 

Location: Ascension St. Vincent Field 

Time: 1:05pm 

Cost: $8 if purchased in advance, $10 if purchased day of 

Get ready for an epic home game as the Marian Knights take on Defiance University.  Kick-off is at 1:05pm  

Save 20% and register in advance for a reduced rate of $8. Tickets will be emailed to you.  

Advanced Purchase General Admission: $8 

General Admission at the gate: $10 

Reserved Seating: $12 

MU students and children under 5 free 

This is a ticketed event. Note: Students can access the game for free with their student ID.  MU students do NOT need to purchase a ticket unless they want reserved seating. 

 

Champion Zone  

Location: Ascension St. Vincent Field 

Time: 11:30aam-end of game 

Cost: $35 if over 21; $20 if under 21 

Enhance your game day experience with access to Marian University’s Champion Zone! Meet Marian families under our covered tent located near the end zone.  Large screens ensure you never miss a moment of the big game.      

The Champion Zone is open prior to kick-off and throughout the game.  

Champion Zone Admission (over 21): $35 

Champion Zone Admission (under 21): $20 

 

Family Mass Location: Bishop Chartrand Memorial Chapel 

Time: 15 minutes following the end of the football game 

Cost: Free 

Meet our campus chaplain, Fr. Rick Martignetti, and join us as we celebrate Family Mass.  

 

Marian v.s. Mount Vernon Nazarene Volleyball Game 

Location: Arena and Convocation Center

Time: 6 p.m.  

Cost: $5, Marian students are free with their student ID 

 

Ideas to Enhance Your Family Weekend Experience 

Family Tours 

Ask your student to take you on a tour of their favorite places on campus. See where your student studies or their favorite place to relax. 

  

EcoLab Tours 

Did you know that Marian University is the home of the Nina Pulliam EcoLab?  Bring your tennis shoes and explore.  

Reach Out to Us

Marian University
3200 Cold Spring Road
Indianapolis, IN 46222-1997
(317) 955-6000

admissions@marian.edu COMadmissions@marian.edu

Learn More About Marian

Get in touch and we'll talk to you soon. #GoKnights⚔️

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Notice of Nondiscrimination: Marian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities in the selection of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students. Placement rates are gathered from data collected from graduates within six months of graduation. Students may make a complaint to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education. Marian University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana.