Homecoming 2017: Building a Legacy
Illinois State University will be celebrating Homecoming from October 16-October 22. Events range from Reggie Day at Miller Park Zoo to a carnival to tailgating. Redbird football kicks off at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 21, in Hancock Stadium.
A guide for following the events is available through the Illinois State University App. The app can be downloaded free from the App Store or Google Play Store. Once the app is installed, users can search for the Illinois State Homecoming 2017 Guide.
Details of events are available online at Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu. All events are free and open to the public, unless a fee is noted.
Following are some highlights:
October 13-22
The Westoff Theatre will offer a jam-packed Homecoming week with some brilliant pieces of work by the School of Theatre and Dance. General admission is $12 for adults, $10 for students/seniors; and $10 for alumni, faculty, and staff. Plays being shown and run times can be found at Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu.
Sunday, October 15
Reggie Day at Miller Park Zoo – 1-3 p.m., visitors can hang out with Reggie Redbird and the other animals. There will be giveaways and Reggie will be available for pictures. Cost is zoo admission.
Monday, October 16
Homecoming Kickoff – 3-5 p.m. at Schroeder Plaza, a fun event for the Illinois State community featuring a sundae bar, music, and the announcement of the Homecoming Court. (Rain location: Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center).
Tree Lighting Ceremony – 6:30 p.m., Illinois State President Larry Dietz and Town of Normal Mayor Chris Koos will hold a special tree-lighting event to help kick off Homecoming with the lighting of Uptown Normal in red and white. A program by the Big Red Marching Machine and the Illinois State cheerleaders along with the lighting will begin at 7 p.m. University Galleries will provide refreshments until 8 p.m.
October 17
Faculty/Staff Appreciation Luncheon – 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., President and Mrs. Larry H. Dietz invite all current faculty, A/P, and Civil Service employees to a special event to celebrate service to Illinois State University. It is one small way for them to say thank you for all that the faculty and staff have done for the University in the past year. Registration is not required. All guests must bring a University I.D. to attend. The event will take place in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center.
October 18
Homecoming Carnival – Starting at 7 p.m., games and a performance by the Gamma Phi Circus on the first floor of the Bone Student Center.
October 19
October’s Own Concert – 7:30-10:30 p.m., student group, A Trend to Follow Entertainment, will hold its seventh annual concert. The event will take place in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center.
October 20
Alumni Day Luncheon – Noon-2 p.m., there will be a luncheon for alumni in Redbird Arena. Those wishing to attend need to contact Alumni Relations at (309) 438-2586. The cost for the meal is $20.
Hoopfest and Student Royalty Crowning – Beginning at 6:45 p.m., meet the Homecoming Court and see who will be crowned as the student Homecoming king and queen. After the crowning, watch a Redbird favorite event with Hoopfest. This free exhibit will showcase the Redbird men’s and women’s basketball teams and other interactive promotions.
October 21
Town and Gown 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk – Starting at 8 a.m. there will be a 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. This year a new 5K course will be included. For registration visit Homecoming website.
Homecoming Parade – Starting at 10 a.m., the annual Homecoming parade will begin at the corner of University Street and College Avenue. Information on road closures and parking is available on the Homecoming website. The parade will also be streamed live on the Illinois State University Facebook page for those that cannot attend.
October 22
Redbird Soccer vs. Drake – 2 p.m., end Homecoming week when Illinois State women’s soccer team takes on Missouri State. The event, which will take place in Adelaide Street Field, is free and open to all.
For more information on Homecoming events, visit Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu or contact Alumni Relations at (309) 438-2586 or email.
