College Homecoming Traditions Across the Country
By: Anthony Reitano
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Students at Armstrong High School know exactly what homecoming activities to expect every year; however, college homecoming festivities look very different. At AHS, homecoming is typically celebrated with a spirit week, a pep rally, a Friday night football game, and a Saturday of festivities culminating in the dance. Read on to learn about the traditions at The University of Illinois, James Madison University, South Dakota State, Arizona State, Brigham Young University, the University of Oregon, Ball State, and the University of Florida.
At the University of Illinois, the focal point of homecoming has always been an Illinois football game, although many other activities and events have been associated with the annual celebration, including push ball contests, parades, dances, house-decoration and float-building contests, a homecoming king, queen, and court, a stunt show, alumni reunions and the performance of an alumni band during the football halftime show.
James Madison University, located in Virginia, starts its homecoming festivities off by hosting a national touring artist to perform in a concert. Late Night Breakfast is another event for students who like having meals at unconventional times. There is also music, crafts, and photo booths.
South Dakota State takes a spin on the word homecoming and calls the day “Hobo Day.” Activities on Hobo Day include a parade throughout the campus, a Jackrabbits football game, and a One-Month Club which was inspired by the “No Shave November” challenge. Participants in the One-Month Club let their body hair grow for one month and then are judged on their appearance. The day also includes “Paint the Town,” where students paint windows of local businesses all over the county to show their Jackrabbit school spirit. Hobo Day first occurred on Nov. 2, 1912. Homecoming thrives at South Dakota State University and is the largest one-day event in the state.
Every year, students, alumni, faculty, and staff who attend Arizona State climb to the top of “A” mountain carrying lanterns to light up Tempe, following in the footsteps of their Sun Devil ancestors.
At Brigham Young University, the students participate in a “Lighting the Y” ceremony on the school’s iconic Y mountain where a large Y sits made from concrete and sand.
At the University of Oregon, homecoming festivities throughout the decades have included tug-of-war, fairs, comedy shows, sign contests, banquets, homecoming dances, live music, and costume contests. Some long-lasting traditions include a bonfire and fireworks before the football game, painting the ‘O’ on Skinner’s Butte, and the noise parade—a send-off to the football team including large, decorated floats and making as much noise as possible.
Ball State, located in Indiana, takes homecoming to an entirely new level with bed races, where students acquire bed frames and then attach wheels to them before racing these makeshift “bed-cars”. Each bed race team consists of five people, with four pushing the bed and one riding in it. Other events include 100-yard dashes and dressing up in costumes.
The University of Florida’s annual homecoming theme is Gator Growl, and it starts with the largest student-run pep rally in the nation. The rally is preceded by a pageant and a parade through campus. The fun doesn’t end there, though. Gator Growl also includes Soulfest; a festival with music, food, art, a two-mile run, and an alumni barbeque.
Whether it's homecoming weekend or if you are passing through a college town, check their local newspaper to find can’t-miss opportunities, restaurants, and nightlife guides. Every school has unique homecoming traditions; therefore, it is important to make the most of the festivities while you can!
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