MUNCIE, Ind. — Ball State University fans are preparing to celebrate this year’s Homecoming festivities with a theme of “Cardinals Around the World.”
The annual week of events begins Oct. 16 and culminates on Oct. 21, when the Cardinals take on Central Michigan University at 3 p.m. in Scheumann Stadium.
“Homecoming is a great way for the Ball State campus, alumni and the Muncie community to come together as one and show pride in our institution,” Michelle Johnson, senior director of alumni engagement, homecoming, athletics and reunions, said, “Our theme of ‘Cardinals Around the World’ helps us showcase all Ball State fans near and far.”
This year’s homecoming schedule has favorite traditions and new events such as the Prince and Princess program.
“Alumni are able to nominate their children and grandchildren for this exciting award,” Johnson said. “The homecoming prince and princess will ride in our homecoming parade, be recognized on the football field during halftime and earn Ball State gear.”
Homecoming week kicks off with The Taste of Homecoming, another new event. From 6-8 p.m. Oct. 16, Martin Street, between Riverside and University avenues, will be taken over by a food truck festival, live music and many more activities.
“We are excited to offer this new event that will feature various foods from around the world,” Johnson said. “Admission is free, and we look forward to having the whole Ball State community join us.”
Many of Ball State’s talented students will compete in the annual Student Scholarship Talent Search at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 in Emens Auditorium. Both category winners and the overall winner will receive a $500 scholarship from the Ball State University Alumni Association for the spring 2018 semester. Admission is free. Also new this year, Homecoming Royalty Coronation will follow the show.
Students can enjoy homecoming-themed dining at the Noyer Retreat and Woodworth dining halls from 4:30-7 p.m. Oct. 18. Bothlocations are serving a worldly menu of breakfast foods for dinner.
On Oct. 19, homecoming’s most popular event, Air Jam, will begin at 8 p.m. in Emens Auditorium. Various student organizations participate in a lip-sync competition. Tickets are $15 at Emens Box Office, starting Oct. 9.
Ball State Homecoming’s Bed Race starts at 11 a.m. Oct. 20 on Riverside Avenue. Teams of five race against the clock and against another team on a 100-yard course.
Also on Oct. 20, the All-Alumni and Friends Golf Outing starts at 1 p.m. at The Players Club on River Road in Yorktown, Indiana, and the Alumni & Benefactors Recognition Dinner starts at 6 p.m. in theAlumni Center.
Homecoming week comes to a close on Oct. 21 with a variety of ways to show off Ball State pride. The day begins with the Homecoming 5K at 9:45a.m. throughout downtown Muncie and Ball State’s campus, followed by the Homecoming parade at 10 a.m. Head to Scheumann Stadium around noon to tailgate with CharlieTown before cheering on the Cardinals at 3 p.m. Tickets are $24 in advance and can be purchased through ballstatesports.com or by calling 765-285-1474
The Homecoming Steering Committee, which comprises selected students from various majors, planned the week of eventsunder the direction of alumni association advisers. For a complete list of events and information, visit bsu.edu/homecoming. For more information, contact the homecoming office at 765-285-7051 or homecoming@bsu.edu
