Topic: Athletics
October 3, 2013
"There's No Place Like Homecoming," 2013 Homecoming theme
Ball State University is embracing all things Wizard of Oz with its “There’s No Place Like Homecoming” theme as the campus community prepares to celebrate this annual week of festivities.
This year's homecoming events begin Oct. 7 and culminate Oct. 12 when the Ball State Cardinals take on the Kent State Golden Flashes at 3 p.m. in Scheumann Stadium.
“Our goal is to host one of Ball State’s most proud and exciting homecoming weeks yet, said Michelle Johnson, director of alumni special events. “I hope to see record crowds at all of our events.”
Kicking off festivities is the return of the Homecoming Village at 6 p.m. Oct. 7. Located on Martin Street between Riverside and University avenues, this free, public event will feature a zip line, live student bands, a pep rally and more.
On Oct. 8, select students will compete during the Talent Search at 7:30 p.m. in Emens Auditorium. Winners will be chosen from eight categories covering music and dance; each will receive a $500 scholarship. The overall winner will receive an additional $500 scholarship toward spring 2014 tuition. The Talent Search is sponsored by the Ball State Alumni Association and Student Government Association.
The annual Bed Race has changed this year from Friday to Wednesday and will be held at 3 p.m. Oct. 9 along Riverside Avenue. The competition remains the same, with five-person teams pushing beds on a 100-yard course down one of campus’ main throughways.
The popular lip-sync competition better known as Air Jam will follow at 9 p.m. Oct. 10 in Emens. The student royalty coronations also will take place during the event. Tickets cost $10 and are available at the Emens box office.
The alumni golf outing takes place from noon to 5 p.m. on Oct. 11 at the Delaware Country Club. That evening, alumni and benefactors will be recognized at a private dinner at the Alumni Center while the popular country act Florida Georgia Line performs to a sold-out crowd at 7:30 p.m. in Emens.
New to this year’s events is the Homecoming 5K Run/Walk, which will start off Saturday’s game-day celebration. The 5K begins at 9:15 a.m. at Muncie City Hall and follows the same route as the Homecoming Parade, which will begin at 9:30 p.m. Runners or walkers interested in participating should contact the homecoming office for registration information. The 5K ends at the intersection of Riverside and McKinley avenues. A free shuttle service will be provided from the Emens parking garage to city hall.
The Cards’ strong start to the season expected to bring out a large crowd for Saturday’s game against Kent State. Kick-off is at 3 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $9 for youth and available for purchase through www.ballstatesports.com or calling 765-285-1474.
The Homecoming Steering Committee, which comprises selected students from various majors, planned the week of events under alumni association advisers. For a complete list of events, visit www.bsu.edu/alumni/homecoming. For more information, contact the homecoming office at 765-285-7051 or homecoming@bsu.edu.
By Sara McInerney