By: Michelle Johnson—
This year’s Homecoming festivities at Ball State University will include new entertainment in the Homecoming Village and family-friendly tailgating in addition to traditional favorites such as Air Jam, bed race and the football game.
With the theme “The Greatest Show on Turf,” this year’s week of events begins Sept. 28 with Homecoming Village and culminates Oct. 3 when the Ball State Cardinals take on the Toledo Rockets at 3 p.m. in Scheumann Stadium.
“Homecoming is a great way for the Ball State community, alumni and the Muncie community to come together as one and show pride in our university,” said Michelle Johnson, director of homecoming and athletic programs. “We’re excited to continue with annual traditions our students, faculty and alumni have come to know and love.”
Monday, Sept. 28: Kicking off festivities will be the return of the Homecoming Village at 7 p.m. Located on Martin Street between Riverside and University avenues, this free, public event will feature new attractions, including aerial acrobats, stilt walkers and fire performers along with food trucks and other entertainment.
Tuesday, Sept. 29: Select students will compete in the Student Scholarship Talent Search at 7:30 p.m. in Emens Auditorium. Winners will be chosen from six categories covering music and freestyle acts; each will receive a $500 scholarship. The overall winner will receive an additional $500 scholarship toward spring 2016 tuition. The Talent Search is sponsored by the Ball State University Alumni Association and Student Government Association. The faculty/staff royalty coronation will take place at the conclusion of the event.
Thursday, Oct. 1: The popular lip-sync competition Air Jam will start at 9 p.m. in Emens Auditorium, where the student royalty coronations will take place. Tickets cost $10 and are available at the Emens box office beginning Sept. 21.
Friday, Oct. 2: The Bed Race will start at noon on Riverside Ave. Check-in for an all-alumni golf outing is from noon to 1 p.m. at the Players Club, 6610 W. River Rd. Register online.
Saturday, Oct. 3: In its third year, the Homecoming 5K Run/Walk will start at 9:45 a.m. at Muncie City Hall and follow the same route as the Homecoming Parade, which will begin at 10 a.m. Runners or walkers interested in participating should contact the homecoming office. The 5K ends on Martin Street next to Scotty’s Brewhouse. A free shuttle service will be provided from the Emens circle drive to city hall.
The Cards are expected to attract a large crowd for Saturday’s game against the Toledo Rockets. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. Tickets are free for students; $17 for adults and $10 for youth and are available through ballstatesports.com or calling 765-285-1474. Pre-game festivities include CharlieTown, a family-friendly tailgate located on the west lawn of Alumni Center that begins at noon. Register online.
The Homecoming Steering Committee, which comprises selected students from various majors, plans the week of events under alumni association advisers.
Michelle Johnson, is director of homecoming and athletic programs. Contact her at mrjohnson@bsu.edu or 765-285-1083.
