By Ball State University Communications—
MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University will celebrate its 99th Homecoming Oct. 13–18, as Cardinals everywhere are invited back to campus to take part in a week of pride, tradition, and community spirit.
This year’s Homecoming theme, “Rev the Red,” highlights the energy and excitement that alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends bring to Ball State each Fall. The celebration culminates Saturday, Oct. 18, when the Cardinals face Akron University at 3:30 p.m. in Scheumann Stadium. Tickets are available on the Ball State Athletics website.
“Homecoming is one of our University’s most cherished traditions,” said Ashlee Anderson, senior director of student and young alumni engagement at the Ball State University Foundation. “From time-honored events like the Bed Race and Parade to newer favorites such as the Food Truck Festival, Homecoming is a celebration of Cardinal spirit that unites generations of alumni and friends.”
This Fall’s Homecoming schedule is as follows:
Friday, Oct. 10
- Noon–4 p.m.: Department Decorating Contest (judging across campus)
Monday, Oct. 13
- 5–8 p.m.: Homecoming Food Truck Festival, Brown Family Amphitheater
Tuesday, Oct. 14
- 7:30 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m.: Homecoming Movie Night — Cars, Pruis Hall (free and open to the public)
Wednesday, Oct. 15
- 10 a.m.–3 p.m.: Homecoming Blood Drive, Pruis Hall; register online here
- 5:30 p.m.: Campus Dinner, North Dining Hall
Thursday, Oct. 16
- 7:30 p.m.: Air Jam & Royalty Coronation, Emens Auditorium; tickets available at the Emens box office
Friday, Oct. 17
- Noon: 46th annual Bed Race, Riverside Avenue
Saturday, Oct. 18
- 8:45 a.m.: Chase Charlie 5K Run/Walk, starting at Muncie City Hall and finishing on Riverside Avenue
- 9 a.m.: Homecoming Parade, beginning at Muncie Central High School and continuing through downtown and campus
- 9 a.m.: Alumni Parade Viewing Party, The Village; email homecoming@bsu.edu to register
- 1:30 p.m.: CharlieTown Tailgate, Alumni Center
- 3:30 p.m.: Ball State vs. Akron football Game, Scheumann Stadium; purchase game tickets on the Ball State Athletics website
Alumni & Campus Festivities
In addition to the week’s signature events, Homecoming features activities hosted by academic colleges, affinity groups, and alumni organizations. Reunion Row and College Corner will return outside the Alumni Center on gameday, creating opportunities for alumni to reconnect with classmates and organizations.
The 2025 Homecoming Steering Committee, composed of Ball State students under the guidance of Alumni Association advisers, has once again coordinated this year’s events.
For more information, visit bsu.edu/homecoming or contact the Homecoming Office at 765-285-1408 or homecoming@bsu.edu.
About Ball State
Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State University is one of Indiana’s premier universities and an economic driver for the state. Ball State’s 20,000 students come from all over Indiana, the nation, and the world. The 790-acre campus is large enough to accommodate first-rate facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports, but our welcoming campus is small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University.
