Homecoming 2022: Celebrating Red will be from October 10-16, culminating in the Homecoming football game against South Dakota 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 9
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 10
Homecoming officially begins with the Kickoff from 5-6:30 p.m. on the Quad. Celebrate alongside President Terri Goss Kinzy, 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 President Kinzy and Town of Normal Mayor Chris Koos when they light the trees around 7 p.m. 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 11
Give the gift of life at the Redbirds Care Homecoming Blood Drive in the Circus Room of the Bone Student Center from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Registration is available on Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu.
Wednesday, October 12
University Archivist April Anderson-Zorn and Barb Dallinger ’81, M.S. ’01, will lead the Retrospective of the Red: A virtual, historical discussion at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Learn little-known facts and present-day happenings. Registration is available online until the event begins.
Thursday, October 13
The Black Colleagues Association will hold the Virtual Scholarship Celebration at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Register by October 5 online or call Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586.
Friday, October 14
Homecoming kicks into high gear with celebrations across campus
Cheer for Illinois State’s Back-2-Back MVC Tournament Volleyball Champions at 6 p.m. in Redbird Arena when they take on Indiana State. During the game, the Homecoming prince and princess crowning will occur. Get tickets at the door or before the games at GoRedbirds.com/Tickets.
The ISU Black Colleagues Association Meet & Greet will be at 8 p.m. in BloNo Pizza Co. Following will be the Black Alumni Party. Register by October 5 online or call Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586.
Saturday, October 15
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, and Redbird spirit at the Redbird Welcome Tent from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
After enjoying tailgating, get ready to cheer for the Redbirds as Illinois State takes on South Dakota at 2 p.m. at Hancock Stadium. Tickets are available at GoRedbirds.com.
End the day reminiscing about campus, and seeing what’s new with the Latinx Alumni Network at the Latinx Alumni Social. The event will be held at Dr. McKay’s Bar & Grill from 7-9 p.m. Non-alcoholic beverages and light appetizers will be provided. Cash bar and the ability to order off the menu will also be available. This event is free but registration is required by October 7.
Catch another match when the Redbird’s volleyball team take on Evansville at 7 p.m. at Redbird Arena. Get your tickets at the door or before the games at GoRedbirds.com/Tickets.
Find additional information on the Homecoming webpage.
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