“Fire it Up” will be the theme of Illinois State University’s Homecoming 2008 celebration, Oct. 13-19. The campus community, Bloomington-Normal, alumni and friends will help “Spread the Red” during events and activities marking the University’s 88th Homecoming.
A longstanding Illinois State tradition, Homecoming celebrates the University’s past and present with student activities, reunions, a 5K run, a parade, exciting football action and the official unveiling of the new Illinois State University Alumni Center. For a complete listing of activities and events, along with registration and ticket information for selected events, click on Homecoming.
Also available for your perusal is the Homecoming YouTube video, a collage of events and Homecoming revelers from Homecoming 2007.
The following is a brief listing of Homecoming 2008 events. Events listed below are free of charge unless otherwise indicated. Some events require advance registration.
Saturday, Oct. 11
10 a.m.-1 p.m., Children’s Discovery Museum – Uptown Normal
Reggie Day at the Children’s Discovery Museum
Help spread the red in the Museum paintwall, meet ISU athletes and Reggie Redbird, go on a redbird hunt, have your face painted, and much more at this fun family event. Special discount rate of $3 per person for this event. Register for the event by clicking on Redbird Day.
Monday, Oct. 13
9-11 a.m., 1-3 p.m., Illinois State University Alumni Center
Alumni Center Tours
Tours available of the new facility Monday through Friday.
10 a.m.-4 p.m., BBC Activity Room
“Give the Red” Blood Drive
Sponsored by Faculty/Staff Wellness & Peer Educators
Make an appointment online at blood drive or call 438-8845.
Tuesday, Oct. 14
6:30 p.m., Hancock Stadium.
Recreation team competition events
Wednesday, Oct. 15
6 p.m., Prairie Room, Bone Student Center
Dream Dorm Do-Over
Read about the event by clicking on Do-Over.
7 p.m., Horton Fieldhouse
Carnival
Contact the University Program Board at 438-8814 or by clicking on Redbird Spirit for registration information.
Thursday, Oct. 16
4:30 p.m, Meet at the front of Hovey Hall
Walking Tour of Uptown Normal
This guided tour will feature changes underway and plans for the future. The tour lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours.
7 p.m., Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center
Salsa Magic
Contact the University Program Board at 438-8814 or by clicking on Redbird Spirit for registration information
Friday, Oct. 17
All Day — Uptown Normal and Downtown Bloomington businesses
Redbird Walk
Homecoming weekend is the perfect opportunity to enjoy great discounts at your favorite restaurants and stores. Please visit Redbird Walk for a complete listing of discounts at participating businesses.
Noon-7 p.m., Bone Student Center
Homecoming InfoCentre
Noon-2 p.m., Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center
Homecoming Luncheon
$15 per person; Registration is open.
6 p.m., begins outside of the Southside Dining Center between Colby & Hamilton residence halls
Torchlight Parade
6-8 p.m., Milner Library, Main Floor
Opening Reception for Alexander Hamilton: The Man Who Made Modern America
National Endowment for Humanities Traveling Exhibit
No charge or advance registration required.
7 p.m., Horton Fieldhouse
Hoopfest
A fun filled non-stop evening that includes the first look at the 2008 men’s and women’s basketball teams, 3-point and slam dunk contests, scrimmages and other special surprises. Admission is free.
8 p.m., Concert Hall, Center for Performing Arts
Prism Concert
For ticket information, contact the CPA Box Office at 438-8321.
8:15 p.m., North Entrance of Redbird Arena
Bonfire/Pep Rally/Fireworks
No charge or advance registration required.
*Crowning of student King and Queen will be at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 18
All Day — Uptown Normal and Downtown Bloomington businesses
Redbird Walk
Homecoming weekend is the perfect opportunity to enjoy great discounts at your favorite restaurants and stores. Please visit Redbird Walk for a complete listing of discounts at participating businesses.
7 a.m.
Town and Gown 5K Run
Click on 5K for more information and to register.
7:30-11:30 a.m., Bone Student Center
Homecoming InfoCentre
Stop by before or after parade step off for refreshments and to catch up with your Illinois State colleagues, alumni and fans.
9:30 a.m., Corner of College Avenue and University Street
Homecoming Parade Step Off
11 a.m., Parking Lots and Redbird Tent Zone
Pre-game Tailgating
11 a.m., Redbird Tent Zone
Spread the Red Tailgate Tent
Hosted by Alumni Association and open to all faculty, staff, students and retirees. Snacks and beverages provided; cash bar available.
2 p.m., Hancock Stadium
Redbird Football vs. Missouri State
For tickets, call (309) 438-8000 or visit GoRedbirds.com.
7-10 p.m., Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main
Alumni Center Unveiling…A Red Carpet Event
Advance registration required and available by clicking on Unveiling.
Sunday, Oct. 19
1 p.m., Adelaide Street Soccer Field
Women’s Soccer vs. Indiana State
Tickets available at the field.
