"Rock the Red" Homecoming 2009

"Rock the Red" will be the theme of Illinois State University's Homecoming 2009 celebration, Oct. 12-18. The campus community, area residents, alumni and friends will all take part in events celebrating Illinois State's traditions and school spirit.

A longstanding Illinois State tradition, Homecoming celebrates the University's past and present with student activities, reunions, a 5K run, a parade and exciting football action. This year's events will also include the fun and excitement of the The Great Urban Race and an evening of dinner, dancing and entertainment at the Uptown and Gown Gala. For a complete listing of activities and events, along with registration and ticket information for selected events, click the Homecoming link at http://illinoisstatehomecoming.com/

The following is a brief listing of Homecoming 2009 events. Events listed below are free of charge unless otherwise indicated. Some events require advance registration.

Monday, Oct. 12

• Battle of the Bands kick-off event, 6 p.m., Quad.

Tuesday, Oct. 13

• "Give the Red and Spread the Red" blood drive, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bone Student Center Old Main Room.
• Redbird Rumble teams competition, 7 p.m., Hancock Stadium.

Thursday, Oct. 15

• Walking tour of Uptown Normal, 4:30 p.m., beginning at Hovey Hall.
• Rock Band Tournament, 6 p.m., Bone Student Center

Friday, Oct. 16

The Great Urban Race, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., starts at the Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main, Normal.  Registration is $45 per person until Sept. 21, and $70 per person on race day.   More information at www.greaturbanrace.com

• Alumni Day luncheon, 12-2 p.m., Bone Student Center Brown Ballroom.  Illinois State alumnus David Wildt '72, senior scientist and head of the Center for Species Survival at the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park, will be the featured speaker.  $15 per person with advance registration.
• Hoopfest, 7 p.m., Horton Field House.  A preview of this season's men's and women's basketball teams.
• Bonfire and pep rally, 8:15 p.m., north entrance of Redbird Arena.  Crowning of student Homecoming king and queen.

Saturday, Sept. 17

• Town & Gown 5K run, 7 a.m., starts at College Ave. and University St. in Normal. Entry fee $20 for adults, $15 for runners under 13.  $25 after Oct. 14 and on race day. Advance and race day registration.
• 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 Indiana State Sycamores. Contact Redbird Athletics for tickets, 438-8000 or GoRedbirds.com
• Uptown and Gown Gala, 6:30 p.m., Marriot Hotel and Conference Center, Uptown Normal.  An evening of dinner, music and dancing.  Reservations required and cost is $50 per person. 

Sunday, Oct. 18

• Sustainability tour, 11 a.m., starts at Bone Student Center Information Desk.  Highlights campus sustainability initiatives.
• Women's soccer, 1 p.m., Adelaide St. Soccer Field. Redbirds take on Evansville. Tickets available at the game.