"Spread The Red" Homecoming 2006, Oct. 9-15

Date: 9/28/06
Contact: Eric Jome

"Spread the Red" is the theme of Illinois State University's Homecoming celebration which begins Monday, Oct. 9 and runs through Sunday, Oct. 15. The Homecoming celebration features events for the campus community, Bloomington-Normal, alumni and friends.

For more information on Homecoming and a complete list of events throughout the week visit www.homecoming.ilstu.edu

Homecoming activities begin that Monday evening with dinner and a movie on the Quad. Events throughout the week include the presentation of the Dream Dorm Do-Over contest winner by Illinois State alumna and HGTV host Claire Berger; the annual Battle of the Bands contest; the Homecoming luncheon with alumnus and New York Times Congressional Correspondent Carl Hulse; a torchlight parade, bonfire and pep rally; a 5K run; the Homecoming Parade; and exciting football action as the Redbirds take on the Southern Illinois University Salukis.

Alumni play a major role in Homecoming activities. Alumni will visit the different colleges and departments throughout the week to interact with students, faculty and staff through a variety of panels and presentations. This year's Alumni Homecoming King and Queen will be Clark '42 and Mary '46 Waldmier of Decatur. The Waldmiers will participate in various Homecoming activities, including the parade on Saturday, Oct. 14.

Parking on Saturday, Oct. 14 will be available in the following areas: Lot F64 - faculty/staff lot on west side of Student Services building (M64/metered area will not be available); Lot F67 - faculty/staff lot east of the 1st United Methodist Church on School St.; Lot G67 - commuter lot on south east corner of Locust and School St.; Lots F24, G14 & G04 - faculty/staff & commuter lots located south of Atkin/Colby residence halls.

Parking in the Bone Student Center lot is available all day, but may be entered only from Normal Avenue during the 5K Run and the parade lineup (7:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.).

Following is a brief list of Homecoming 2006 activities. For a complete listing of events, who the events are open to and any associated costs, visit the Homecoming 2006 website or call (309) 438-8790.

Monday, Oct. 9
. 6 p.m. Paint the Town Red: Dinner, Music and Movie on the Quad.

Tuesday, Oct. 10
. One Bird, Two Bird, Redbird, Go Bird: Team Competition, Hancock Stadium, evening, various times.

Wednesday, Oct. 11
. 6 p.m. Dream Dorm Do-Over Contest unveiling event with alumna and HGTV host Claire Berger, Prairie Room, Bone Student Center.
. 7 p.m. It's Game Time: Game Night, Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center.

Thursday, Oct. 12
. 6:30 p.m. Red Hot Redbirds: Battle of the Bands, Large Prairie Room, Bone Student Center.

Friday, Oct. 13
. 8 a.m. Homecoming InfoCentre opens, first floor, Bone Student Center. The place to find Homecoming information.
. 12 p.m. Homecoming Luncheon featuring alumnus and New York Times Congressional Correspondent Carl Hulse '76, Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center.
. 6 p.m. Night of the Living Red: Torchlight Parade, starts at Hewett/Manchester residence halls.
. 7 p.m. Redbird Hoopfest: Basketball Kickoff, Redbird Arena.
. 7:50 p.m. Bonfire and Pep Rally, Circle Drive, north of Redbird Arena, crowning of the Student Homecoming King and Queen and performance by Battle of the Bands winner.

Saturday, Oct. 14
. 9 a.m. Town and Gown 5K Run, corner of College and University in Normal.
. 10:00 a.m. Homecoming Parade, steps off at corner of University and College.
. 11:30 a.m. Tailgating, Redbird Tent Zone, near Hancock Stadium.
. 2:30 p.m. Illinois State Redbirds Football vs. Southern Illinois University Salukis, Hancock Stadium.