By WMBD-TV
NORMAL -The Illinois State University Redbirds are “reliving treasured times” during their Homecoming Week.
“When we thought about this year we thought about how Homecoming is all about making memories and revisiting those memories. So, we wanted to celebrate that,” Senior Director for ISU Alumni Engagement Stephanie Duquenne said.
ISU encourages anyone sharing their Homecoming experience on social media to use #RedbirdHomecoming.
Below is the list of activities:
Sunday, September 22
Reggie Day at the Zoo, 1-3 p.m. at Miller Park Zoo- Start getting in the Redbird spirit early with Reggie Redbird and all his friends at Miller Park Zoo. Homecoming swag bags, scavenger hunt, and Reggie will be waiting for Redbirds!
Monday, September 23
Kickoff and Tree Lighting, 6-7:30 p.m. at Uptown Circle- This new concept combines two beloved events to bring the Redbird community together. Come out to see Illinois State University’s President Aondover Tarhule and Mayor Chris Koos light the trees in Uptown Normal to kick off Homecoming 2024! Enjoy the Big Red Marching Machine and Illinois State cheerleaders, bring the kids for various games and inflatables set up by our student organizations.
Tuesday, September 24
Homecoming Concert: Peach Pit with show opener Leah Marlene, 7 p.m., Braden Auditorium. The concert will open with Normal native and American Idol finalist Leah Marlene. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.
Wednesday, September 25
Redbirds Care Blood Drive: 11 am to 3 pm in the Circus Room
Friday, September 27
Volleyball versus Murray State, 6 p.m., CEFCU Arena- It’s our Red Out game so be sure to wear all the Redbird gear. During the game, the Reggie’s Marshals will be crowned.
Saturday, September 28
Hybrid Town and Gown 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, 8 a.m. at Student Fitness Center- Participants may register online until 7:45 a.m. on race day. Participants can also register in person the day of the race from 7-7:45 a.m. A portion of each $20 registration fee will support the Marian H. Dean Redbird Legacy Scholarship. The event will also feature a virtual component where Redbirds can sign up for free, run their own 5K course, and submit a time/photos.
·Homecoming Parade, 10 a.m.- If you can’t attend, livestream the parade from Illinois State’s YouTube channel.
Football/Tailgating- Redbirds are playing the North Dakota State Bison with kickoff at 2 p.m. The community is invited to Redbird Village, formerly Redbird Tent Zone, at Horton Field House beginning at 11 a.m. where there will be food, music, apparel, giveaways, and more for all. Stop by the village to catch the Big Red Marching Machine and connect with fellow Redbirds.
To see the full list click here.
WMBD-TV can be reached at [email protected].
