‘Benny is Calling’ Alumni Back to Ball State University for Homecoming, Oct. 16-21

Ball State University’s 97^th Homecoming celebration kicks off this year on Oct. 16, as Cardinals across the globe are invited back to campus to show pride in their alma mater.

The week-long celebration culminates Oct. 21 with the Cardinals’ home football contest against Central Michigan at Scheumann Stadium. Tickets for the game are available on the Ball State Athletics website.

“Our Homecoming theme this year, ‘Benny is Calling,’ is so fitting, as we look forward to welcoming Ball State alumni from both near and far,” said Michelle Johnson, senior director of athletic and affinity engagement at the Ball State University Foundation. “With beloved traditions like the Bed Race, Air Jam, and the parade, Ball State’s Homecoming is a week of shared excitement and community spirit that everyone can be a part of.”

This Fall’s Homecoming Week schedule is as follows:

Monday, Oct. 16

• 6-8 p.m.: Homecoming Food Truck Festival at the new Brown Family Amphitheater

Tuesday, Oct. 17

• 7:30 p.m.: Student Scholarship Talent Search at Pruis Hall (or watch it virtually the next day on the Ball State Homecoming YouTube page)

Wednesday, Oct. 18

• 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Homecoming Blood Drive—schedule a time online to donate blood in the Pruis Hall lobby
• 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.: Benny’s Yard Games—take a midday break at University Green to celebrate Homecoming Week with music, games, and prizes
• 5:30 p.m.: Campus Dinner at North Dining Hall—a Homecoming-themed dining experience

Thursday, Oct. 19

• 7:30 p.m.: Air Jam & Royalty Coronation at Emens Auditorium (or watch it virtually the next day on the Ball State Homecoming YouTube page)

Friday, Oct. 20

• Noon: Bed Race on Riverside Avenue
• 2 p.m. Campus Bus Tour—meet at the Alumni Center to join the Office of Community Engagement for a tour that highlights Ball State’s Cultural Corridor and the University’s newest building projects

Saturday, Oct. 21

• 8:45 a.m.: Chase Charlie 5k Run/Walk starting at City Hall
• 9 a.m.: Homecoming Parade starting at Muncie Central High School through the Village and campus
• 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Celebration of Beneficence—enjoy food trucks, swag giveaways, and The 5 Speeds band at the Brown Family Amphitheater; from 11:30 a.m.-noon, Ball State sweethearts can also say “I do” again at the first-ever Cardinal Couples Vow Renewal Ceremony
• 1:30-3:30 p.m.: CharlieTown Tailgate outside of the Alumni Center
• 3:30 p.m.: Ball State vs. Central Michigan at Scheumann Stadium

There are also several other alumni festivities planned for Homecoming Week for graduates of the R. Wayne Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning; Miller College of Business, College of Communication, Information, and Media; College of Fine Arts, College of Health, College of Sciences and Humanities; Teachers College; and Honors College.

The student Homecoming Steering Committee planned the week’s events under the direction of Alumni Association advisers. For more information, visit bsu.edu/homecoming or contact the Homecoming office at 765-285-1408 or homecoming@bsu.edu.