While each Spartan has a unique story, current students, alumni and MSU fans all share a strong sense of pride for the university. Michigan State University is celebrating this strong and committed network of Spartans with its 2016 Homecoming theme “Spartans for Life” Oct. 10 -15.
Tom and Lupe Izzo are this year’s MSU homecoming grand marshals. After more than two decades within the MSU community, they epitomize the Spartans for Life Homecoming theme.
The "Glow Green" tradition will take place again this year, calling for all Spartans to switch out their porch or house lights for green ones during homecoming week. Spartans also can show their Spartan Spirit by submitting a "Glow Green" photo to the MSU Alumni Association Facebook page, or by using #GlowGreen on Twitter or Instagram to win one of three prizes.
Homecoming 2016 week features many events for the MSU community to attend. Following is a list of some of these events. For a complete list, including alumni tailgate locations, go here. Times and dates are subject to change and/or cancellation.
Hayrides and History
6-8 p.m. Oct. 10, The Rock and the Auditorium Loop
Kick off Homecoming week with this classic event, taking a hayride around campus and learning about MSU’s history. Free giveaways, snacks and beverages provided while supplies last. Sponsored by the University Activities Board.
Spartan Stories
7-9 p.m. Oct. 11, Summer Circle Theater
Share your Spartan pride while enjoying a musical performance from MSU alumna Hannah Schroeder, and a poetry performance from MSU alumnus Will Langford. Cider, hot chocolate and cookies will be provided while supplies last.
1966 “Game of the Century” – 50th Anniversary Celebration
6-9 p.m. Oct. 12, Conrad Hall
Hosted by MSU Archives and Historical Collections, the evening will feature a discussion of the 1966 “Game of the Century” played between MSU and Notre Dame. Spartan football players, including Jimmy Raye, Clinton Jones, Jerry West and Sterling Armstrong will be in attendance. Sports radio broadcaster and author Jack Ebling will serve as moderator. For more information or to register, go here.
Sounds of Homecoming
8-10 p.m. Oct. 12, MSU Union Ballroom
Enjoy music performed by MSU a capella groups, including The Spartan Dischords, Capital Green, Spartan Sur, Ladies First, State of 5ths, RCAHppella and more!
Ice Cream at the Rock
Noon-2 p.m. Oct. 14, The Rock on Farm Lane
Visit The Rock to receive free MSU Dairy Store ice cream and free yearbooks from The Red Cedar Log. Zeke the Wonder Dog will also be making an appearance.
Homecoming Parade
6 p.m. Oct. 14, Downtown East Lansing and the MSU Campus
The parade begins at the Hannah Community Center and travels south on Abbot Road to Grand River and into campus at the Collingwood entrance, concluding at the corner of Farm and Shaw Lanes. The parade will feature the Spartan Marching Band, the MSU Alumni Band, the 2016-17 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. There will be two judging stands: one near the MSU Union on Grand River Avenue and the other in front of the MSU Auditorium on Farm Lane. Street closures can be found here.
Green and White Homecoming Brunch
12:30-2:30 p.m. Oct. 15, Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, Big Ten Room
Celebrate with fellow Spartans just hours before the homecoming game. Special guests scheduled to attend include: MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon, Athletics Director Mark Hollis, Head Coach Mark Dantonio, MSUAA Executive Director Scott Westerman and the MSU Homecoming Court. To register, or for more information, visit the Green and White Brunch website.
MSU vs. Northwestern
3:30 p.m. Oct. 15, Spartan Stadium
The Spartans will square off against the Northwestern Wildcats at the 2016 homecoming football game at 3:30 p.m. at Spartan Stadium. For ticket information, call (800) GO-STATE or visit msuspartans.com.
For the latest Homecoming information, visit the official website at homecoming.msu.edu. Follow along using #MSUHomecoming.