CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois athletics will participate in the national NCAA Take A Kid To A Game Day promotion this Thursday, Nov. 19, when the Panthers host Tennessee State on ESPNU with a 5:30 p.m. kickoff at O'Brien Field. Children ages 12-and-under will receive free admission to the game when accompanied by a paying adult. 13th-ranked EIU won a share of the OVC championship on Saturday and can win the title outright with a win on Thursday evening.

Advance tickets can be purchased by calling (217) 581-2106 or in-person at the Lantz Arena ticket office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Entering its 15th year, the Take A Kid to the Game (TAKG) program provides NCAA® member institutions a national grassroots program that is easily implemented at NCAA Football and men's and women's basketball games. This nationally-recognized program encourages adults to take children to collegiate athletic contests. Institutions participate by signing up online, selecting an official TAKG game, and offering free or discounted tickets to children fourteen and under when accompanied by a paying adult. The TAKG program allows institutions an opportunity to introduce area youth to its athletics programs as well as the college or university while also boosting attendance. Adults and children, learn about games in your area by doing a "search by state" for games that will be taking place in your community.