Pioneer Palooza, Sacred Heart University’s 33rd Annual Family Weekend, begins Friday, Oct. 4. Students
and their families will be able to participate in various activities over the weekend and see what SHU has to offer.
Families enjoying the Arena Concert with Mike DelGuidice during
Pioneer Palooza 2023.
Mark F. Conrad, Sacred Heart University
Registration for Pioneer Palooza began on Aug. 27 and closed on Sept. 27 at 5 p.m. Family Weekend
events include a Pioneer Firework Show, the Sacred Heart v. Norfolk State football game, an Almost Queen concert and a Champagne Continental Breakfast with SHU President Dr. John Petillo.
“It is a mixture of traditional events that always take place, and they usually always surround a home
athletic game. There is a draw for families to come, and so they are larger attended events,” said Katherine Morovich, Director of Involvement and First Year Programs.
Big Red Bingo, the Saturday night concert and breakfast with the president are annual events during Pioneer Palooza. The fireworks show, scheduled for on Oct. 4 at 9 p.m., was canceled last year due to rain but is back for 2024.
“It was a little hard to figure out Friday night. We always have our wine and cheese event, which is a pillar event that was bookended by SHU Hoops Madness. This year, we added in a fireworks show through athletics to close the loop on Friday night,” said Morovich.
SHU Hoops Madness, typically a recurring event for Family Weekend, will not take place this year due to the ongoing renovations of the William H. Pitt Center.
“I am sad, obviously, because basketball is one of my favorite sports to watch. It is okay, though, because they are getting a brand new Pitt Center,” said sophomore Sophie Seidman.
Over 9,000 people are expected to attend Pioneer Palooza. To accommodate all vehicles, families will
receive their parking designation prior to Family Weekend, based on their students’ class year.
“I think the parking situation for Family Weekend is atrocious. I think we need to be better prepared for it and utilize our spaces,” said sophomore Ryan Buchan.
Pioneer Palooza’s main event is the football game on Oct. 5 at 1 p.m. The game is free for all Sacred Heart students who are responsible for claiming their own ticket.
“The football game is sold out. It was on sale for three days before it sold out completely. We have a waitlist. People are getting off the waitlist slowly but surely, but there is not a guarantee that tickets will become available,” Morovich said.
Family Weekend is a chance for families and friends to explore the Sacred Heart community and meet faculty and staff. For some students, it is the first time they will see their parents and siblings since beginning the semester.
“I have not seen my family in a while, so I am excited to see everybody. My brother and sister have not seen all of campus yet, so it should be exciting,” said freshman Matthew Caliri.
Tickets for the Arena Show with Almost Queen: A Tribute to Queen will be available for purchase on Ticketmaster until the doors close on Oct. 5. Ticket prices range from $30 to $100.
“The concert was my favorite event last year. I am excited for the Queen cover band concert this year. Last year, I had a blast, and I cannot wait to go again,” Buchan said.
Not all parents can make it to SHU for Family Weekend, but those students can still attend Family Weekend events.
“My parents will not be here for Family Weekend. I will still be going to the dance show on Saturday to support my friends,” said junior Laura Schroeder. “My parents and I usually go to the game, but this year, they plan on coming on a weekend that is less busy.”
