EAST LANSING, Mich. — This year’s Michigan State University homecoming is taking the classic Spartan phrase – “Go Green” – to a whole new, sustainable level.
Coinciding with MSU’s “Be Spartan Green” environmental stewardship initiatives, Homecoming 2009 will reinforce MSU’s dedication of going green across campus, the state and the world, Oct. 12 to Oct. 17.
This year’s homecoming theme is “We’ve Always Been Green.”
The week will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 12 with the traditional “Hayrides and History: An MSU Historical Tour.” All are invited to ride on an MSU tractor-trailer and learn about the university’s more than 150 years of rich and diverse history. Sponsored by the University Activities Board and Student Alumni Association, the free rides will begin at the International Center parking lot every 10 to 15 minutes with the last tour at 7:45 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.
To prepare for the parade, students from registered student organizations and other groups will build parade floats from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. each day, Oct. 12 to Oct. 15, on the concourse in Spartan Stadium. Students also will paint parade banners from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 15 at the stadium.
Individuals will get their chance at creating a recyclable Sparty Statue at “Sparty’s Scrap Challenge” at 6 p.m. Oct. 13 across from the Spartan Statue on campus near the Red Cedar River. To register your team and to learn more information, go to http://uabevents.com/calendar.
There will be plenty of “green” crafters at “Spartan Spirit Craft Night” from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 14 at the MSU Union food court as individuals will have the opportunity to design a recyclable grocery bag. There will be limited quantities while supplies last.
“Sounds of Homecoming” will celebrate Spartan spirit at 8 p.m. Oct. 15 in the MSU Union Main Lounge where the Spartan Dischords, Accafellas, Ladies First, Capital Green and State of Fifths will perform their talents. The free event is sponsored by the University Activities Board.
The MSU Dairy Store will scoop out free ice cream at noon Oct. 16 at The Rock (off of Farm Lane, near MSU Auditorium; rain location MSU Union Main Lounge.) Participants also can compete in the “Dairy Store Double Dare” at 12:30 p.m. at The Rock.
The homecoming parade will begin at 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at the intersection of Abbot Road and Burcham Drive at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center. Following a new route this year, the parade will travel south on Abbot Road, east on Grand River, south at Collingwood, south on Farm Lane and conclude at the corner of Farm and Shaw lanes. Parade onlookers can park at any of the city lots and ramps. The parade will feature the 2009 Homecoming Court, Spartan Marching Band, MSU athletic teams, coaches and cheerleaders, Sparty, floats designed by MSU students and organizations, and East Lansing, Forest Hills Northern, Fowlerville, Lake Fenton and Northwest Jackson high school marching bands.
This year’s grand marshals are Spartans who have made careers dedicated to sustainability and going green. Former MSU President Gordon Guyer and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy will serve as grand marshals. For complete bios, go to http://homecoming.msu.edu/2009/grand_marshal/index.html.
Spartan fans can gather before the football game at the annual “Green and White Pregame Brunch” at 9 a.m. Oct. 17 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. The event will host a variety of special guests, food and fun. Preregistration is required; call the MSU Alumni Association at (517) 432-9459 or (877) MSU-ALUM or visit www.msualum.com for ticket information.
The Spartans and head coach Mark Dantonio will square off against the Northwestern Wildcats at the Homecoming 2009 football game at noon Oct. 17 at Spartan Stadium. For ticket information, call (800) GO-STATE or visit www.msuspartans.com. Halftime will feature the 2009 Homecoming Court and a performance by the Spartan Marching Band.
Visitors to campus should note that all of Farm Lane is now open to traffic after being closed for several months. In addition, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the re-opening of Farm Lane and Service Road will be held at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 16. Portions of those roads will be closed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day to accommodate event activities. Detours will be posted.
Times and dates of events are subject to change and/or cancellation. For the latest homecoming information, visit the official Web site at www.homecoming.msu.edu.
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