Homecoming 2023: Redbirds Reign is October 9-15, culminating in the Homecoming football game against Indiana State at 2 p.m. at Hancock Stadium. Tickets 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, October 8
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 while enjoying interactive Redbird fun. Zoo entrance fees apply.
Monday, October 9
Homecoming officially begins with the Kickoff from 5-6:30 p.m. on the lawn at Tri-Towers. Celebrate alongside Interim President Aondover Tarhule, Reggie Redbird, and Coach Brock Spack with free food and entertainment by WZND Fuzed Radio, along with a special appearance by the Big Red Marching Machine.
The annual tree lighting ceremony in Uptown Normal will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join Interim President Tarhule and Town of Normal Mayor Koos when they light the trees around 7 p.m. The red and white lights will be glowing every night through the holidays, and University Galleries will have an extended opening for the night in honor of its 50th anniversary.
Tuesday, October 10
Give the gift of life at the Redbirds Care Homecoming Blood Drive in the Circus Room of the Bone Student Center from noon-5 p.m. Registration is available at Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu.
Wednesday, October 11
University Archivist April Anderson-Zorn and Barb Dallinger ’81, M.S. ’01, will lead Homecoming Reign: A virtual history tour at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Explore the history of one of ISU’s most celebrated traditions and learn how Redbirds have reigned during Homecomings of the past. Registration is open online until the event begins.
Thursday, October 12
The Black Colleagues Association will hold a Virtual Scholarship Celebration at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Register online by October 5 or call Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586.
Friday, October 13
Homecoming kicks into high gear with celebrations across campus. Start the morning learning about the achievements and the reign of Redbird alumni honorees at the Alumni Day Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Registration is open through September 27.
Stop by the Virto Center for the School of Art’s Glass Pumpkin Sale starting at noon (open until sold out).
Cheer for Illinois State volleyball at 6 p.m. in CEFCU Arena for the Black Out Belmont game. Get tickets at the door or before the games at GoRedbirds.com/Tickets.
The ISU Black Colleagues Association is hosting A Night with J. Ivy at 7 p.m. in the Brown Ballroom. Take in the art of the Grammy award-winning spoken word poet who has commissioned work with Beyonce and Kanye West. Register by October 5 online or call Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586.
Saturday, October 14
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 Facebook page.
Alumni, family, and friends are invited for free food, giveaways, Reggie’s Kid Zone, and Redbird spirit the new Redbird Village, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., in Horton Field House. Illinois State students can also stop by Reggie’s Tailgate to catch Chris and Kim Acoustic Duo along with free food, prizes, photobooth, and more.
After enjoying tailgating, get ready to cheer for the Redbirds as Illinois State takes on Indiana State at 2 p.m. at Hancock Stadium. Tickets are available at GoRedbirds.com.
Catch another match when the Redbird volleyball team takes on Murray State at 7 p.m. at CEFCU Arena. Get your tickets at the door or before the game at GoRedbirds.com/Tickets.
Sunday, October 15
End the week with the Black Colleagues Association brunch highlighting the group’s 2023-24 scholarship recipients. Register online by October 5 or call Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586.
Find additional information on the Homecoming webpage.
