JONESBORO—Arkansas State University will celebrate Homecoming Week with a variety of events for students, alumni, and the community from Oct. 20 through Oct. 24. This year’s Homecoming theme, “Into the Howlverse,” is inspired by Marvel’s animated film, *Into the Spider-Verse*.
The week will culminate on Saturday, Oct. 24, when the Red Wolves football team takes on Georgia State at 6 p.m. at Centennial Bank Stadium.
**Alumni Celebrations and Recognitions**
The A-State Alumni Association will host several events for alumni, beginning with a tailgate on Homecoming game day from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the stadium. The family-friendly event will include free food and drinks, bounce houses for children, games, and a performance by the Arkansas State band.
The Alumni Association will also honor the 2026 Distinguished Alumni—Dr. Timothy D. Langford, Phillip T. Poston, and Dr. Billy Don Tiner—at a ceremony earlier in the day and again during halftime at the football game. In addition, the Class of 1976 will celebrate its 50-year reunion from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Cooper Alumni Center, offering an opportunity for classmates to reconnect.
"Homecoming is about connection," said Amanda McDaniel, Director of Alumni Events and Affinity Relations. "It brings generations together and reminds us that A-State will always be part of your story."
The Strong-Turner Black Alumni Chapter will kick off its celebrations on Friday, Oct. 23, with a business meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Reng Student Union, followed by a Casino Night and Spades Tournament from 8 to 11 p.m. The chapter will conclude its events with a scholarship brunch on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon, also in the Reng Student Union.
**Student Activities Throughout the Week**
Students can participate in a variety of themed activities leading up to the game. Highlights include: - **Banners and Voting:** Homecoming banners for a painting competition are due Oct. 20 at 9 a.m., and voting for the Homecoming Court and Homecoming King and Queen will take place throughout the week. - **Roller Skating:** "Into the Cosmos," a social event with roller skating and freeze-dried candy, will be held Oct. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Centennial Hall. The Homecoming Court will also be introduced during the event. - **Outdoor Festivities:** "Where the Wild Things Howl," featuring food trucks, bungee jumping, and a petting zoo, will take place on Oct. 21 from noon to 2 p.m. on the Humanities Lawn. - **Donation Drive:** "Into the Tidal Wave," a drive for the A-State Food Pantry, will run on Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Heritage Plaza Lawn. Students who bring nonperishable items can receive a Homecoming T-shirt. - **Game Day Prep:** On Friday, Oct. 23, the annual “Yell Like Hell” event will take place at the corner of University Loop and Honors Avenue. The event will feature performances by A-State Spirit Squads, a skit competition, and announcements of contest winners.
**Special Events on Saturday**
Game day will kick off with the sixth annual Ag for Autism Furry 5K at 8 a.m., starting at the College of Agriculture. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with a $5 entry fee, and funds will benefit Ag for Autism. Participants are encouraged to dress their dogs in Halloween costumes, with prizes for the best-dressed pet.
Centennial Bank Stadium will enforce a clear-bag policy for the football game, which begins at 6 p.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the festive atmosphere before cheering on the Red Wolves as they face Georgia State.