" Fire it Up" Homecoming 2008, Oct. 13-19

"Fire it Up" will be the theme of Illinois State University's Homecoming 2008 celebration, Oct. 13-19.  The campus community, Bloomington-Normal, alumni and friends will help "Spread the Red" during events and activities marking the University's 88th Homecoming.

A longstanding Illinois State tradition, Homecoming celebrates the University's past and present with student activities, reunions, a 5K run, a parade, exciting football action and the official unveiling of the new Alumni Center.  For a complete listing of activities and events, along with registration and ticket information for selected events, click the Homecoming link at www.IllinoisState.edu  

The following is a brief listing of Homecoming 2008 events.  Events listed below are free of charge unless otherwise indicated.  Some events require advance registration.

Monday, Oct. 13

• "Give the Red" blood drive, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bowling and Billiards Center Activity Room.

Tuesday, Oct. 14

• Recreation team competition events, 6:30 p.m., Hancock Stadium.

Wednesday, Oct. 15

• Dream Dorm Do-Over Big Reveal with HGTV host and Illinois State alumna Claire Berger, 6-8 p.m., Bone Student Center Prairie Room.

Thursday, Oct. 16

• Uptown Normal walking tour, 4 p.m., starting at Hovey Hall.

Friday, Oct. 17.

• Homecoming luncheon, 12 - 2 p.m., Bone Student Center Brown Ballroom, Illinois State alumnus and U.S. Army Band member Troy McKay '98 will be the featured speaker.  $15 per person with advanced registration.
• Homecoming Central, Bone Student Center Circus Room, 12- 7 p.m. Homecoming information and advance ticket pick-up.
• Opening reception for "Alexander Hamilton: The Man Who Made Modern America" National Endowment for the Humanities traveling exhibit, 6-8 p.m., Milner Library Main Floor. 
• Hoopfest, 7 p.m., Horton Field House.  First look at men's and women's basketball teams. 
• Bonfire, pep rally and fireworks, 8:15 p.m., north entrance to Redbird Arena.  Crowning of student Homecoming King and Queen.

Saturday, Oct. 18

• Town & Gown 5K run, 7 a.m., starts at College Ave. and University St. in Normal.  Entry fee $15, $20 after Oct. 15 and on race day.  Advance or race day registration.
• Homecoming hospitality, 7:30-11:30 a.m., Bone Student Center. 
• Homecoming parade, 9:30 a.m., steps off at College Ave. and University St in Normal.
• Pre-game tailgating, 11 a.m., parking lots and Redbird Tent Zone near Hancock Stadium. 
• Football Game, 2 p.m., Hancock Stadium.  Redbirds take on the Missouri State Bears.  Contact Redbird Athletics for tickets, 438-8000 or GoRedbirds.com
• Alumni Center Unveiling... A Red Carpet Event, 7-10 p.m., Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main, Normal.  $50 per person with advance registration.

Sunday, Oct. 19

• Women's soccer, 1 p.m., Adelaide St. Soccer Field.  Redbirds take on Indiana State Sycamores.  Tickets available for purchase at the game.