Illinois State University will be celebrating Homecoming from October 19-25. Events range from a carnival and basketball exhibition to tailgating for the 2 p.m. Redbird Football kickoff Saturday, October 24, 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 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 18
Reggie Day at Miller Park Zoo—From 1 to 3 p.m., visit with Reggie Redbird and the other animals. There will be giveaways and Reggie will be available for pictures. Cost is zoo admission.
October 19
Tree Lighting Ceremony—5:30 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 around 6 p.m. Carriage rides by Hileman Carriage will also run during the event. University Galleries will host refreshments until 8 p.m., inviting guests to also view the final day of Alumni Spectacular, an exhibit featuring work by Illinois State alumni.
Homecoming Kickoff—6 to 8 p.m. on the Quad, a fun event for the Illinois State community with food, music, and the announcement of the Homecoming Court. (Rain location: Bone Student Center, Brown Ballroom)
October 20
Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA) The Cabinet of Dr. Galigari Showing—7 p.m. The BCPA invites Homecoming guests to enjoy an evening in Downtown Bloomington for this one-night only showing. This silent film is underscored by renowned theatre pipe organist Dennis Scott. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for youth and seniors. Tickets can be purchased through the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.
October 21
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 23
Alumni Day Luncheon—Noon-2 p.m., there will be a luncheon for alumni in the Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center. Those wishing to attend need to contact Alumni Relations at 438-2586. The cost for the meal is $15.
Pack the Arena/Hoopfest/Student Royalty Crowning—Starting at 6 p.m., begin the night watching the Redbird volleyball team take on Wichita State with free admission. Following the match, 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 24
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. Register for the race on the Homecoming website.
Homecoming Parade—Starting at 10 a.m., the annual Homecoming parade will begin on the corner of College Avenue and University Street. Information on road closures and parking is available on the Homecoming website.
Redbird Football vs. Western Illinois—Kickoff at 2 p.m., the Redbird football team takes on Western Illinois University at Hancock Stadium. Tailgating lots will open at 7 a.m. Special alumni tailgating events will start at 11 a.m. in various locations. More information is available at the Homecoming website.
The Normal Theater will also do a special showing October 23-25 at 7 p.m. of the limited release film, The End of the Tour. The film chronicles author David Foster Wallace’s revealing interview with Rolling Stone at the end of his book tour for Infinite Jest. Admission to the show is $7.
For more information on Homecoming events, visit Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu or contact Alumni Relations at (309) 438-2586 or Alumni@IllinoisState.edu.
