Southern Arkansas University, in partnership with the City of Magnolia, the Magnolia-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, and the SAU Alumni Association, will host the 9th annual Blue & Gold Day on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, on the Magnolia Square.

The annual event brings SAU and the Magnolia community together to welcome students to town and celebrate the start of a new academic year. The event is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to wear blue and gold and join students for an evening of live music, activities, food, and Mulerider spirit.

Festivities will begin at 6:45 p.m. with live music by Chase Emerson at the Albemarle Stage. Throughout the evening, attendees will have the chance to meet student-athletes, listen to local marching bands, enjoy free food, meet SAU’s mascots, visit with local vendors and watch the SAU Rodeo Team show off their roping skills.

Students new to Magnolia will have the opportunity to connect with local businesses, organizations, and churches while learning more about the community they will call home during their time at SAU.

A joint pep rally featuring Southern Arkansas University and Magnolia High School will begin at 8:00 p.m. at the Albemarle Stage. The celebration will include special remarks from SAU President Dr. Bruno Hicks, SAU Director of Athletics Steve Browning, and Magnolia Mayor Parnell Vann, along with performances celebrating the spirit of SAU and Magnolia.

Shuttle service for SAU students will begin at 6:45 p.m. from the Reynolds Center parking lot in front of Blanchard Hall and will run continuously throughout the event.

Schedule of Events

• 3:00 p.m. –The Magnolia Square will close to traffic, and all vehicles must be moved. Jefferson Street will remain open until 5:30 p.m.
• 5:45 p.m. – Vendors may begin setting up booths.
• 6:45–7:45 p.m. – Live music by Chase Emerson at the Albemarle Stage.
• 6:45 p.m. – Shuttle service begins from the Reynolds Center parking lot in front of Blanchard Hall and continues throughout the event.
• 7:15 p.m. – Students begin arriving at the Magnolia Square and may pick up Community Cards at the pickup/drop-off tent.
• 8:00 p.m. – Joint SAU and Magnolia High School pep rally begins at the Albemarle Stage, featuring remarks from Dr. Bruno Hicks, Steve Browning, and Mayor Parnell Vann.
• 9:00 p.m. – Event ends.

For more information, contact the SAU Office of Alumni Relations at (870) 235-4079 or saualumni@saumag.edu.