Homecoming 2024: Relive the Moments is set for September 23-29, culminating with Redbird Football against North Dakota State on Saturday, September 28, at 2 p.m., at Hancock Stadium. Tickets, as well as tailgate and parking passes, are available at GoRedbirds.com.
Visit Illinois State’s Homecoming page for a full schedule of events.
Highlights of the week are below. All events are free and open to the public unless a fee is noted.
Sunday, September 22
Reggie Day at the Zoo canceled because of weather conditions.
Monday, September 23
NEW this year! Homecoming officially begins with a combo of two of our favorite events—the Kickoff and the Tree Lighting. Join us from 6-7:30 p.m., in Uptown Normal. Celebrate alongside President Aondover Tarhule and Normal Mayor Chris Koos as they light the trees with red and white lights. Enjoy inflatables, Papa John’s pizza, games, giveaways, entertainment, and Redbird pride. The first 500 Illinois State students to show student ID will also receive a free Homecoming T-shirt.
Tuesday, September 24
Get your tickets for the Peach Pit concert at 7 p.m., in Braden Auditorium. Peach Pit is an indie pop quartet from Vancouver featuring Neil Smith, Chris Vanderkooy, Peter Wilton, and Mikey Pascuzzi. The group formed in high school, and their first single “Peach Pit,” racked up 78 million streams on Spotify in 2016. Normal native and American Idol finalist Leah Marlene will open the show.
Tickets are $30 and $20 at Ticketmaster.com or at the Braden Box Office, located in the Bone Student Center.
Wednesday, September 25
Give the gift of life at the Redbirds Care Homecoming Blood Drive from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., in the Circus Room of the Bone Student Center. Registration is available at Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu.
Thursday, September 26
The Black Colleagues Association will hold a Virtual Scholarship Celebration at 6 p.m. (CST), via Zoom. Register by September 25 online.
Friday, September 27
Homecoming kicks into high gear with celebrations across campus. Start the morning learning about the achievements and big moments of Redbird alumni honorees at the Alumni Day Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $25. Register by emailing Juliana Nelson at jedunca@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-2495. Deadline is September 18.
Cheer for Illinois State volleyball at 6 p.m. in CEFCU Arena when they take on Murray State. In between the second and third match, see the crowning of this year’s Reggie’s marshals. Get tickets at the door or before the games at GoRedbirds.com/Tickets.
End the night at the Black Colleagues Association “Club 4.0” from 7 p.m. to midnight, Holiday Inn Bloomington-Normal. Step tutorials, food, dancing all set for Redbirds. Register online by September 20.
Saturday, September 28
The Hybrid Town and Gown 5K/1-Mile Fun Run/Walk begins at 8 a.m. at the Student Fitness Center for those taking part in person. Virtual runners can begin wherever they choose. Registration is required.
The celebration continues with the annual Illinois State Homecoming Parade, stepping 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 YouTube channel.
Alumni, family, and friends are invited for free food, giveaways, and Redbird spirit at Redbird Village 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in Horton Field House. The Black Alumni Tailgate and the Latinx Alumni Tailgate will be taking place as well in Lot U91 and Lot G53 respectively.
After enjoying tailgating, get ready to cheer for the Redbirds as Illinois State takes on North Dakota State at 2 p.m. at Hancock Stadium. Tickets are available at GoRedbirds.com.
Catch another match when the Redbird’s volleyball team takes on Belmont at 7 p.m. at CEFCU Arena. Get your tickets at the door or before the games at GoRedbirds.com/Tickets.
Sunday, September 29
End the week with the Black Colleagues Association Brunch at 10 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Bloomington-Normal. Register online or call Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586 by September 20.
Find additional information on the Homecoming webpage.
