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Published November 6, 2025

MONROE, La. – ÇàÇà²ÝÊÓƵ will host South Alabama University for the final home football game of the 2025 season on Saturday, November 15. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. in Malone Stadium. Prior to the game, ÇàÇà²ÝÊÓƵinvites the public to take part in the SGA Family Tailgate and the 40th Annual Don Weems Chili Cook-Off. See below for details of each event.

Family Day Tailgate at The Grove, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.ÌýÌý

The ÇàÇà²ÝÊÓƵStudent Government Association (SGA) is hosting the Family Tailgate from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in The Grove next to Malone Stadium. SGA will be providing free food and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. The day will include the pre-game Hawk Walk and Pep Rally, a photo booth, and tastings from the Chili Cook-Off. Pre-registration is not required, but please RSVP for the Family Day Tailgate at Ìý Also, students will be able to purchase discounted game tickets for their family members at the ticket office prior to the game. Ìý

40th Annual Don Weems Memorial Chili Cook-Off from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.ÌýÌý

The 40th Annual Don Weems Memorial Chili Cook-Off will be held Saturday, November 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Pecan Grove on the campus of The University of Louisiana Monroe, next to Malone Stadium. Cooking begins at 9:00 a.m. and public tasting begins at 12:00 p.m. Winners will be announced at 1:00 p.m. at the Student Grove stage.Ìý

The cook-off is open to the public, with teams having a maximum of six members. Teams must supply their own equipment, and all chili must be cooked from scratch on site. Prizes will be awarded in both open and student divisions. There will also be a People’s Choice Award.Ìý

Those wishing to taste and judge can purchase a tasting wristband, which provides one tasting of all participants’ chilis for $10 and includes one vote for the People’s Choice Award. Additional votes can be purchased for $2 for one, $5 for four, or $10 for 10.ÌýÌý

To register to compete in the Chili Cook-Off or to purchase a tasting wristband, visit /alumni/chili-cook-off.html. The link also includes cook-off rules and parking instructions. Anyone with questions can also contact the ÇàÇà²ÝÊÓƵAlumni Association at (318) 342-5420.ÌýÌý

Since 1984, the 31 Ambassadors & Alumni Association have been hosting the Chili Cook Off. The event was started by Tom Deal, Frank Elkin III and Don Weems. Alumni, community members, faculty & staff, and student teams compete in the Open and Student divisions for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place of each division.ÌýÌý