Homecoming week is upon us, which means there are at least 150 cool ways to celebrate all things CSU for alumni, faculty and staff, current students and the community.
Themed “Proud to Be 150,” Homecoming 2019 is the unofficial kickoff to CSU’s 150th birthday celebration. There are lots of fun events – from Festival on the Oval to the Homecoming Parade to alumni events to the CSU-San Diego State football game – great giveaways and many other ways to show off your Green and Gold spirit.
Here’s a rundown of the major happenings this week:
Tuesday
150th celebration begins – Party like its 1870 with lots of free stuff celebrating CSU’s 150th birthday being handed out on the Lory Student Center plaza from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you miss out, the 150th freebies will be back Friday during Festival on the Oval.
Wednesday
Donut Day – Who doesn’t like donuts … especially when they’re free? Stop by the Iris & Michael Smith Alumni Center at Canvas Stadium for free donuts and coffee while they last.
Alumni Night out at XGolf – Meet other CSU alumni at XGolf Fort Collins at 5:30 p.m. for a fun, family-friendly night out. Cost is $10.
Homecoming Comedy Show – RamEvents is partnering with the Native American Cultural Center – celebrating its 40th anniversary – to bring the 1491s, a Native American sketch comedy group, to campus. The show begins at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday
Distinguished Alumni Dinner – This annual event celebrates the best of CSU’s alumni, honoring those who have made significant contributions to the campus, the community and world around us. The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. at Lory Student Center Ballrooms A&B.
Proud to Wear: CSU Athletics Apparel History with John Hirn – This free event features CSU athletics historian and alumnus John Hirn talking about the history of athletic apparel at CSU. Hirn even offers a look at his extensive personal collection. The talk begins at 7 p.m. at the Avenir Museum, where the exhibit “Proud to Wear: CSU150” will be open before and after Hirn’s talk.
Friday
50 Year Club Luncheon – The Class of 1969 will be honored at this annual event celebrating all alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago. The luncheon begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Fort Collins Hilton.
Festival on the Oval – This is a fairly new tradition that has become immensely popular, offering live music, tons of family fun, food trucks and even a beer garden. Open from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., kids can play on inflatables and get their faces painted, and the Oval is a great place to watch another iconic event…
Homecoming Parade – Nothing says “CSU” like this annual event, which begins near Canvas Stadium, winds its way toward the Oval, emerges onto Laurel Street and ends at the corner of Laurel and Meridian Avenue. Nearly 100 floats, community organizations, kids performance groups and campus clubs and organizations will strut their stuff in the 90-minute parade, which is free and open to the entire community. The parade route is different this year so make sure to check out the map to find the best places to park and view the parade.
Friday Night Lights – After the parade, go to the west side of Lory Student Center for the Homecoming pep rally, bonfire, fireworks show and lighting of the “A.” It’s all free and open to the public.
Saturday
Homecoming 5k – The 39th annual run/walk is one of Fort Collins’ longest-running races and attracts more than 1,500 participants annually. The course winds its way through campus and begins and ends on the beautiful Oval. Online registration is still open and includes a great long-sleeve T-shirt, or you can sign up the morning of the race, which begins at 7:30.
Parent & Family Breakfast – Parents and students are invited this annual breakfast, set for 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Lory Student Center. Call (970) 491-4601 to reserve your spot.
Homecoming football game – The Rams come home to face Mountain West foe San Diego State at Canvas Stadium at 8 p.m. in a nationally televised game. Tickets are available online, at the McGraw Athletic Center ticket office, by calling 491-7267 or at the gate before the game.
