CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois will hold its annual football media day and free kid's clinic on Monday, August 8 at O'Brien Field. The football team will take its team picture at 1 p.m. followed by media day at 1:15 p.m. A free kid's clinic will take place at 1:30 p.m. with an autograph session to follow. The events are open to the public.

Eastern Illinois opens the 2011 season on Thursday, Sept. 1 with the 100th playing of the Mid-America Classic against Illinois State. The game will be broadcast live on Comcast SportsNet Chicago. The Panthers were picked to finish seventh in the Ohio Valley Conference preseason poll as this will be long time head coach Bob Spoo's 25th and final season on the EIU sidelines.

Season tickets are available for $62 which includes reserved seating at all five home games for the 2011 season. Tickets can be purchased by calling 217-581-2106 or online at www.eiupanthertickets.com  Single game tickets are also now on sale.

The Panthers first practice of fall camp on Friday evening. The will wear full pads for practice on Tuesday afternoon with the first fall scrimmage set for Thursday, August 11 at 3:30 p.m.