CEDAR CITY, Utah -- Southern Utah's annual Watermelon Bust featuring the 2017 Thunderbird athletic teams is set for Saturday, August 19, at Eccles Coliseum.

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with autograph availability running from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Fans are asked to enter through the east and west entrances of Eccles Coliseum, located near the Harris Athletic Administration Building.

To help ensure everyone in attendance has a chance to meet all of the players and head coach Demario Warren, student-athletes may only sign posters. Posters and schedule cards will be available for free to fans.

Other attractions include music and games, along with appearances by Thor, the Southern Utah cheerleaders and the Southern Utah dance team. There will also be free ice cream for fans.

Restrooms will be open at Eccles Coliseum, which also provide water fountains for cooling off.

ThunderKids members can pick up their 2017-18 membership packets at Watermelon Bust. New memberships be will be available as well.

Season tickets and other plans for the 2017 campaign are on sale now at TBirdTickets.com, by calling 1-435-586-7872 or in person at the Centrum Arena Ticket Office (351 W Center St.), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

The 2017 Watermelon Bust is presented by America First Credit Union with support from Sub Zero Ice Cream and Yogurt, Lin's Fresh Market and Cedar View Pediatric Dentistry.

For more information on Thunderbird athletics, follow the Thunderbirds on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "SUUThunderbirds."