From Oct. 8 to Oct. 13, Michigan State University is celebrating Spartans all over the world by recognizing their groundbreaking achievements and looking forward to the awe-inspiring impact they’ll continue to have with the Homecoming 2012 theme "Spartans Will Make History."Because of his many contributions to MSU, Mark Hollis, MSU athletics director and Athletic Director of the Year, will serve as the homecoming grand marshal.
Once again, the "Glow Green" tradition will take place, which calls for all Spartans to switch out their porch or house lights to green ones during homecoming week.
Homecoming 2012 week features many events for the MSU community to attend. Following is a list of some homecoming events. For a complete list of events, including alumni tailgate locations, go here. Times and dates of events are subject to change and/or cancellation.
- Oct. 8-12, MSU campus: "Sparty's Flag Find" - Each day during homecoming week, the Student Alumni Foundation hides two flags on campus. Clues to the flag locations are posted each day on SAF's Facebook page.
- 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 8, International Center parking lot: "Hayrides and History" - All are invited to ride on an MSU tractor/trailer and learn about the university's rich and diverse history. Free rides will begin at the International Center parking lot every 10 to 15 minutes. Refreshments provided.
- 8 to 10 p.m. Oct. 9, Veterinary Medical Center, Room E100: Spartan Trivia Night - Claim your Spartan knowledge superior and compete in trivia night. Come in teams of three to five people for a chance to win prizes like MSU swag. Must be an MSU student to win.
- 5:30 to 11 p.m. Oct. 8-11, Spartan Stadium: Parade float building - To prepare for the homecoming parade, students from registered student organizations and other groups (that have signed up to be in the parade) will build floats from 5:30 to 11 p.m. each day from Oct. 8 to Oct. 11 on the southeast side of Spartan Stadium.
- 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 10, MSU Union, Parlor A: Paper Bag Scrapbook and Picture Frame Craft Night - Relive your favorite moments from your Spartan history by creating a paper bag scrapbook and a picture frame. Free while supplies last.
- 8 p.m. Oct. 11, MSU Union, Ballroom: "Sounds of Homecoming" - "Sounds of Homecoming" will celebrate Spartan spirit as various campus a cappella groups perform.
- Noon Oct. 12, The Rock on Farm Lane: Ice Cream at The Rock - Free MSU Dairy Store ice cream will be given out beginning at noon.
- 6 p.m. Oct. 12, downtown East Lansing: MSU Homecoming Parade 2012 - The annual homecoming parade will begin at 6 p.m. featuring Hollis as grand marshal. Others in the parade include the Spartan Marching Band, the MSU Alumni Marching Band, the 2012-13 MSU Homecoming Court, the MSU Cheerleaders and Dance Team, MSU student organizations, Greek sororities and fraternities, East Lansing community groups, Michigan high school bands and much more.
- 10:30 p.m. Oct. 12, Breslin Center: Midnight Madness - The annual Midnight Madness event to tip off the 2012 -13 basketball season will feature the introduction of the men's and women's basketball teams. Doors to the Breslin Center will open at 9:30 p.m. The formal program will begin at 10:30 p.m. Admission is free.
- 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 13, Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center: Green and White Brunch - Before fans head to Spartan Stadium Oct. 13, they can rally at the annual MSU Alumni Association Green and White Brunch at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. Many special guests will be in attendance. The brunch begins three hours prior to kickoff. Preregistration is required. Register here.
- Noon Oct. 13, Spartan Stadium: MSU vs. Iowa - The Spartans will square off against the Hawkeyes at the Homecoming 2012 football game at noon at Spartan Stadium. For ticket information, call (800) GO-STATE or visit msuspartans.com. Halftime will feature the 2012-13 Homecoming Court and a performance by the Spartan Marching Band.
For the latest homecoming information, visit the official website at homecoming.msu.edu.