The SoC will host its 19th annual School of Communication Homecoming Tailgate Party at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 13, outside of Hancock Stadium.

The tailgate party is free to all attendees. SoC students, alumni and faculty and staff are encouraged to come together to network and enjoy food and drinks from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

“There will be burgers, steak, hot dogs, and great times,” said ISU SoC Professor Brent Simonds.

SoC undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, and alumni will be attending the tailgate party. Food and drinks will also be served for free to all attendees.

The tailgate party began in 1999 with Professor Bill Semlak throwing an event to thank SoC students, alumni and faculty and staff for their hard work and dedication. The event was later recognized as an example for how to encourage student and alumni involvement through campus events. After the recognition, Semlak decided to continue the tailgate party as a yearly homecoming event.

“I told the chairperson, Dr. Long, that I would be happy to do it the next year,” said Semlak. “I haven’t worked at it for the last few years, but students and faculty have really kept it going.”

Professor John Fisk, Jay Groves, WZND and a team of SoC faculty and staff members have kept tradition going by funding the food and drinks, reserving the usual space outside of Hancock Stadium, and cooking dishes to share with partygoers. The team is hoping to see an increase attendance and Redbird pride at this year’s event.

The SoC tent will be setup right outside of the Tent Zone north of Hancock Stadium. Hancock stadium is located on 235 N. Main St.