Redbirds will rise in honor of Homecoming from October 8-14 at Illinois State University.
Redbirds Rising: Homecoming at Illinois State University will be a week of celebration and competition, fun, and excitement, and all capped off with Redbird football against Southern Illinois at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 13, in Hancock Stadium.
Visit Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu for a full schedule of events, or download the Illinois State University App and go to the Illinois State Homecoming 2018 Guide. The parade will once again be featured on Facebook Live, with more opportunities for audience interaction. Audiences can share Homecoming memories on Twitter with @ISU_Homecoming.
Highlights of the week are below. All events are free and open to the public, unless a fee is noted.
Sunday, October 7
See Reggie Redbird hang with the flamingos and fellow animals during Reggie Day at Miller Park Zoo from 1-3 p.m. Visitors can hang out with Reggie and take part in giveaways. Cost is zoo admission.
Monday, October 8
Start off Homecoming celebrating with President Larry Dietz at Kickoff with the Prez from 5-7 p.m. on the University Quad. Celebrate school spirit while enjoying entertainment, food, and overall Redbird fun. The Homecoming Court will also be announced.
Uptown Circle will be alight with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. A program by the Big Red Marching Machine and the Illinois State cheerleaders will begin at 7 p.m. in Uptown Circle.
Tuesday, October 9
Get ready…the annual Redbird Rumble will be from 7-9 p.m. in Hancock Stadium. This Homecoming favorite pits teams from across campus in crazy competition.
Thursday, October 11
President and Mrs. Dietz invite all current faculty, A/P, and Civil Service employees to a special event to celebrate service to Illinois State University. The Faculty/Staff Appreciation Luncheon will be from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Horton Field House. Registration is not required. All guests must bring a University I.D. to attend.
Friday, October 12
A sea of red will fill the room with the Alumni Day Luncheon from noon-2 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Uptown Normal. The special luncheon celebrates all alumni. The cost for the meal is $20. Contact Alumni Engagement for registration at (309) 438-2586.
The Black Colleagues Association (BCA) will welcome Kindred the Family Soul concert and after party. Tickets will be sold online only, and in advance for the concert.
Redbird Arena will see a volley of hoops and crowns on Friday. There will be free admission to watch the Redbird Women’s Volleyball take on Valparaiso at 6 p.m. for an exciting match. At 7:15, the Homecoming Royalty will be crowned, followed by the 2018–2019 Redbird men’s and women’s basketball teams diving into the annual—and beloved—exhibition known as Hoopfest.
The School of Theatre and Dance will debut a performance of the comedy farce The Liar by David Ives. Performances during Homecoming week will run at 7:30 p.m. October 12-13, and at 2 p.m. October 14.
Saturday, October 13
Alumni, residents, students, and friends will beat their feet to the Town and Gown 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, kicking off at 8 a.m. at the Student Fitness Center on University Street. Registration and payment are available at Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu/5K. There is free parking at the South University Street Garage. See run maps and find out more.
Saturday morning will be filled with pomp and circumstance as the annual Illinois State Homecoming Parade steps off at the corner of College Avenue and University Street at 10 a.m. Those who cannot make the parade can watch it live via the University’s Facebook page. See photos of past parades, this year’s parade route, live Facebook link, and more.
The rich history of Illinois State University will come alive during Homecoming through vibrant voices with a tour of the Quad, beginning at 11:15 a.m. at the Old Main Memorial Garden on the Quad, where the Founder’s Bell is located. Registration is required for the tour. Register here or call Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586.
Fans will get ready for Illinois State football with tailgating all day, with a Redbird Tent Zone for the ultimate tailgate. The week culminates with Redbird Football taking on Southern Illinois at 2 p.m. in Hancock Stadium. Get tickets for the game, and learn more about tailgates and a free shuttle.
For more information on Homecoming events, visit Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu or contact Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586 or email.
