Homecoming week is right around the corner! This year, Ball State will be hosting a variety of traditional and new events to celebrate. There are activities for everyone as these events span across campus and many different colleges.
Below is a guide for alumni to get a glimpse into the different options they can participate in when they come to visit! We are so excited to welcome back our Cardinals to the nest for the Cardinal Roundup!
WEEKDAY EVENTS
Homecoming Food Truck Festival
Location: Brown Family Amphitheater
Monday, October 21st from 6-8 p.m.
The Homecoming Steering Committee and Spirit + Traditions are teaming up to kick off Homecoming week at the Homecoming Food Truck Festival. Grab dinner at one of the many food trucks and enjoy music, giveaways, and other exciting activities. This is open to students, faculty/staff, the Muncie community, and alumni.
Blood Drive
Location: Pruis Hall Main Lobby
Wednesday, October 23rd from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sign up today to make a difference by donating blood through the Versiti Blood Center of Indiana.
Air Jam & Royalty Coronation
Location: Emens Auditorium
Thursday, October 24th at 7:30pm
Going strong since 1987, Air Jam is Ball State’s most popular Homecoming event! Come watch student organizations dance and compete in the annual lip-sync competition. You can purchase your tickets in advance to ensure you get a seat for this incredible event. Purchase your tickets online or purchase at the Emens box office starting October 11th.
Bed Race
Location: Riverside Avenue
Friday, October 25th at 12 p.m.
It’s time again for one of Homecoming’s most exciting traditions since 1980! Each Bed Race team consists of five people – four pushing the bed, and one riding on it. Teams will compete against the clock, two teams at a time, on a 100-yard course. Come and cheer the teams on with us.
HOMECOMING WEEKEND
Chase Charlie 5k
Location: Begins at City Hall downtown & Ends at Emens Auditorium on Riverside Avenue
Saturday, October 26th at 8:45 a.m.
BSU will once again be joining forces with Chase Charlie, which will see its 5K take place on Homecoming morning. Enjoy this exciting atmosphere as you run through campus along the parade route. The finish line is next to Emens Auditorium on Riverside Avenue, so make plans to stay and watch the Homecoming parade after you are finished.
Homecoming Parade
Location: Downtown Muncie & Ball State Campus
Saturday, October 26th at 9:00 a.m.
The Homecoming Parade has been one of Ball State’s greatest traditions since it began in 1939. University organizations and Muncie community businesses and groups enter floats, cars, bands, and even horses to show off their Cardinal Pride! Come and see all that Ball State University and the Muncie community has to offer.
Alumni Parade Viewing Party
Location: Corner of University and McKinley Avenue
Saturday, October 26th at 9:00am
Join us in one of the best locations to watch the Homecoming parade! Email homecoming@bsu.edu to register. Complimentary refreshments will be available, as well as many door prize giveaways!
CharlieTown Tailgate
Location: Alumni Center Outside Area
Saturday, October 26th from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Round up your fellow Cardinals and gather outside the Alumni Center to celebrate Ball State Homecoming at CharlieTown!! Join us for fun, food, excitement, and a lot of Cardinal Spirit! Be sure to catch the pep-rally one hour prior to kickoff that will feature special guests; President Mearns, Jeff Mitchell, Alumni Council President Laura Cain, Ball State Spirit Squads, and the Pride of Mid-America Marching Band!
Cardinal Couples
Location: Table at CharlieTown
Saturday, October 26th 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Did you meet your forever sweetheart at Ball State? Stop by the Cardinal Couples tent at CharlieTown during Homecoming to celebrate the love story that started here! RSVP to Brittney Grim at brittney.grim@bsu.edu.
Reunion Row
Location: Lawn outside of Alumni Center
Saturday, October 26th all-day
Join the following groups at Reunion Row! Groups will be in front of the Alumni Center near; CharlieTown, vendors, the stadium, and all of the excitement of Homecoming Day! Groups include Alpha Tau Omega, Black Alumni Council, Cardinal Catholic, Delta Chi, Division of Student Affairs, Football Players Association, Kappa Alpha Theta, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Theta Chi, Young Alumni Council.
Homecoming Football Game
Location: Scheumann Stadium
Saturday, October 26th at 3:30 p.m.
Come watch our Cardinals take on Northern Illinois for our annual Homecoming football game! Be sure to wear your Cardinal red and get LOUD! Tickets are available for purchase HERE or at the gate!