Ball State University’s 93rd Homecoming is just around the corner, with festivities beginning Monday, October 14.
With the theme “Let the Good Times Soar,” Homecoming Week will cap off with the Cardinals taking on the Toledo Rockets in a Mid-American Conference matchup at Scheumann Stadium at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 19.
“Homecoming 2019 will showcase some of Ball State’s most treasured traditions,” said Michelle Johnson, senior director of alumni engagement, homecoming, athletics and reunions. “From the Bed Race to Air Jam, the week provides excitement and spirit that is showcased throughout the entire community.”
The Homecoming Week schedule is as follows:
Monday through Thursday, October 14-17
- The Homecoming Village Food Truck Festival will feature music and interactive games on October 14, from 6-8 p.m.
- The 35th annual Student Scholarship Talent Search will begin at 7:30 p.m. October 16 in Emens Auditorium. Each category winner will receive a $500 scholarship, with an additional $500 scholarship to the overall winner courtesy of the Ball State Alumni Association.
- The homecoming-themed dining experience for students, complete with a themed menu and giveaway, will take place at Woodworth Complex, beginning at 5:30 p.m. October 17.
- Air Jam will have student organizations participating in dance and lip-sync competitions. One of homecoming’s most popular events, Air Jam will begin at 7:30 p.m. October 17.
Friday, October 18
- Alumni and friends will gather at the Players Club for an afternoon of networking and golf.
- The 40th annual Bed Race will begin on Riverside Avenue at noon. Each team consists of five people – four pushing the bed and one riding it. Plaques will be given for first place in each division, as well as a trophy for the best-dressed team.
- Ball State University will dedicate the newly constructed four-story, 165,000-square-foot Health Professions Building at 3 p.m. The $62.5 million structure features classrooms, laboratories, offices, a resource hub, simulation labs/suites, and clinical spaces.
Saturday, October 19
- In the Chase Charlie 5K, students and alumni will join the exciting atmosphere as they run through campus along the parade route. The race will begin at 8:45 a.m. at Muncie City Hall.
- The traditional Homecoming Parade will begin at 9 a.m. at Muncie Central High School and will follow the regular route through campus. University organizations and businesses throughout the Muncie community will show off their floats, cars, bands, and even horses.
- At 11 a.m., after the Homecoming Parade, the University will break ground on the new Multicultural Center, east of Bracken Library. The $4 million, approximately 10,500-square-foot facility will open in 2020.
- The tailgate prior to the football game will feature Reunion Row and CharlieTown for Ball State alumni, beginning at noon. You may provide your own lunch and beverages at Reunion Row or stop at CharlieTown for food trucks and entertainment.
- At 8 p.m., the comedy show “Whose Live Anyway?” will feature the current cast members of the Emmy-nominated show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” at Emens Auditorium.
“We look forward to hosting students, faculty and staff, the Muncie community, and alumni from both near and far,” Johnson said. “There are events for all audiences to enjoy. We hope ‘Let the Good Times Soar’ brings together both new and familiar faces as we celebrate our Ball State pride.”
The student Homecoming Steering Committee planned the week’s events under the direction of alumni association advisers. For more information, visit bsu.edu/homecoming or contact the homecoming office at 765-285-1083 or homecoming@bsu.edu.