In recognition of the impact the government shutdown has had on our local federal employees, Fairmont State University will host a Federal Employee Appreciation Day on Saturday, Jan. 19 from 2-6 p.m.

Gym 2 in The Falcon Center will be open to federal employees and their families with a bounce house, open gym, games for children and more. Tickets for the women’s and men’s basketball games against Notre Dame will also be available at no cost to those families.  

Federal employees and their families can also enjoy a hot meal with free dining hall meal tickets between 3-6 p.m. 

In addition, beginning Thursday, the Department of Athletics will be offering free admission for federal employees during upcoming men’s and women’s basketball and acrobatics & tumbling events until the shutdown comes to an end. 

“Many local families have been affected by the recent government shutdown that began in December,” said Director of Athletics Chad Fowler. “Therefore, we are pleased to offer those families free admission to upcoming athletic events on the Fairmont State campus.”

The promotion will begin on Thursday evening when the men’s and women’s basketball teams take on Urbana in Mountain East Conference action at Joe Retton Arena. Tip time for the women’s game is set for 5:30 p.m., and will be followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m.