EAST LANSING, Mich. – MSU is getting ready to showcase Spartan pride during Homecoming 2007 by presenting many activities for all to enjoy. The dates for Homecoming Week are Monday, Oct. 8, through Saturday, Oct. 13.
The theme chosen for this year is “Where Heroes Are Made.”
The week will kick off Monday, Oct. 8, with “Hayrides and History: An MSU Historical Tour” which allows individuals to ride through parts of campus in a hay wagon and learn about MSU’s history. Sponsored by the University Activities Board (UAB), the free rides will begin at the International Center parking lot (Lot 50) and depart every 15 minutes (the last tour will begin at 7:45 p.m.). Refreshments will be provided.
Sounds of Homecoming will celebrate Spartan spirit at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, in the MSU Union Main Lounge where MSU voice and dance ensembles will perform their talents. The free event is sponsored by the UAB and free refreshments will be provided.
The MSU Dairy Store will scoop out some fun at the Green and White Ice Cream Giveaway at noon on Friday, Oct. 12, at the Rock (off of Farm Lane, near the MSU Auditorium; rain location MSU Union Main Lounge). Free samples are limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
All week long, MSU students will be participating in Sparty’s Flag Find, a new activity this year. Each day a Spartan flag will be hidden on campus. A clue will be posted daily at www.msusaf.com and at the UAB hotline at (517) 432-7739. The first student to find the flag each day will win a prize.
Students will gather from 6 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday in the Spartan Stadium concourse to build their floats for the homecoming parade. Pop, food and tools will be provided. Thursday’s session will also include Banner Bonanza where students will be painting banners to be used in the parade.
Also on Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., crafty students will take to the water in the IM Circle pool for the Spartan Regatta. Students will have two hours to construct a boat made entirely from cardboard and duct tape before the race begins at 8:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded.
The annual homecoming parade will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 12, at the intersection of Abbott Road and Burcham Drive at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center. The parade will feature the 2007 Homecoming Court, Grand Marshal and current Athletic Director Ron Mason, the Spartan Marching Band, MSU athletic teams, coaches and cheerleaders, Sparty, floats designed by MSU students and organizations, and high school marching bands from Seaholm High School in Birmingham, Muskegon Heights High School and East Lansing High School.
The parade will make its way south on Abbott Road, east on Grand River Avenue and south on Bogue Street and end at the IM East field, just east of the Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Parade onlookers can park at any of the city lots and ramps.
Spartan fans can gather before the football game on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the annual Green and White Pregame Brunch from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Kellogg Center. The event will host a variety of special guests, food and fun. Preregistration is required; call the MSU Alumni Association at (517) 355-8314 or (877) MSU-ALUM or visit www.msualum.com for more information.
The Spartans and new head coach Mark Dantonio will square off against the Indiana Hoosiers in the 2007 Homecoming football game at Spartan Stadium at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13. For ticket information, call (800) GO STATE or visit www.msuspartans.com
Halftime will feature the presentation of the 2007 Homecoming court and a performance by the Spartan Marching Band.
For the latest Homecoming information visit the official Web site at www.homecoming.msu.edu.
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