Homecoming at Illinois State University has been a century in the making.
Homecoming 2021: 100 Years will be from October 11-17, culminating in the Homecoming football game against North Dakota State at 2 p.m. at Hancock Stadium. Tickets are available at GoRedbirds.com.
Visit Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu for a full schedule of events. The parade, featuring the 125th anniversary of Redbird football, will once again be featured live on the Illinois State University Facebook page. 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 10
Get in the Homecoming spirit with a Reggie Redbird visit at Miller Park Zoo from 1-3 p.m. Bring a camera to catch a photo of the kids with Reggie. Zoo entrance fees apply.
Monday, October 11
Homecoming officially begins with the Kickoff from 5-7 p.m. at Brown Ballroom (LOCATION UPDATE). Celebrate alongside President Terri Goss Kinzy, Reggie Redbird, and Coach Brock Spack with food and live entertainment from Sweet Water, along with a special appearance by the Big Red Marching Machine.
The tree lighting ceremony is canceled. Don’t forget the red and white lights will be glowing every night through the holidays, and the special window production showing the history of Homecoming will be displayed throughout the week.
Tuesday, October 12
Give the gift of life at the Redbirds Care Homecoming Blood Drive in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration is available on Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu.
Wednesday, October 13
University Archivist April Anderson-Zorn and Barb Dallinger ’81, M.S. ’01, will lead the Virtual Historic Tour: Reggie Redbird at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Learn little-known facts and present-day happenings. Register online by noon the Monday prior to the tour.
Thursday, October 14
The Black Colleagues Association will hold the Virtual Scholarship Celebration at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom with the return of DJ Vince Adams. Register by October 6 online or call Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586.
Friday, October 15
Homecoming kicks into high gear with celebrations across campus.
Starting at 9 a.m., the Wonsook Kim School of Art annual glass pumpkin sale will take place in the Ropp Agriculture Building parking lot, rain or shine, until 6 p.m. or until the last pumpkin is sold. The sale features a wide variety of hand-blown, glass pumpkins in all shapes, colors, and price ranges. Cash or check only for purchases.
The Multicultural Center Dedication and Ribbon Cutting will be at 2 p.m. at the new center’s location at 301 South Main St. Learn more.
Join artist and alumna Caroline Kent at 3 p.m. in the University Galleries, 11 Uptown Circle, for a Gallery Walk with the Artist. Kent will walk through her exhibit, Caroline Kent: What the stars can’t tell us, and discuss her work. No reservations are required.
Redbird Arena becomes center stage with Pack the Place Redbird Volleyball game at 6 p.m. Following the game will be the crowning of the Homecoming prince and princess. A crowd favorite wraps up the event with the Hoopfest: Basketball Exhibition at 7:30 p.m.
The ISU Black Colleagues Association Meet & Greet will be at 7 p.m. in Hancock Stadium Club. Register by October 6 online or call Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586.
Saturday, October 16
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 for 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 Facebook page.
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.
Find additional information on the Homecoming webpage.
