JONESBORO — Arkansas State University will celebrate Homecoming Week from Oct. 20-24 with a lineup of events for students, alumni, and families. The festivities, themed "Into the Howlverse" and inspired by Marvel’s “Into the Spider-Verse,” will culminate in a home game Saturday, Oct. 24, as the Red Wolves take on Georgia State at 6 p.m. at Centennial Bank Stadium.
The Strong-Turner Black Alumni Chapter will kick off the celebrations Friday, Oct. 23, with a 5:30 p.m. business meeting at the Reng Student Union. That evening, a Casino Night and Spades Tournament will run from 8 to 11 p.m. at the same location. On Sunday, Oct. 25, the chapter will host a scholarship brunch from 10 a.m. to noon at the Reng Student Union.
Saturday’s game day schedule is packed with activities. The A-State Alumni Association will hold a Homecoming Tailgate from 4 to 5:30 p.m., welcoming alumni and friends of all ages. Amanda McDaniel, the director of alumni events and affinity relations, described the event as a relaxed gathering with free food, drinks, bounce houses for children, television broadcasts of other games, and a visit from the A-State Band.
“The tailgate is a time for everyone to come hungry and ready for a good time. It’s the perfect lead-up to kickoff,” McDaniel said.
The Alumni Association will also host a 50-year class reunion for the Class of 1976 from 4 to 5 p.m. at Cooper Alumni Center, offering a chance for alumni to reconnect and share memories. Additionally, three Distinguished Alumni will be honored Saturday morning and during halftime at the football game. This year’s honorees are Dr. Timothy D. Langford, Phillip T. Poston, and Dr. Billy Don Tiner.
Throughout the week, the Student Activities Board has organized numerous events, including engaging activities for students:
- **Monday, Oct. 20:** Banner painting entries are due by 9 a.m. Homecoming Court voting is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. - **Tuesday, Oct. 21:** "Into the Cosmos," featuring roller skating and candy tastings, will be held 6-8 p.m. in Centennial Hall. The Homecoming Court will be introduced at the event’s conclusion. - **Wednesday, Oct. 22:** The "Where the Wild Things Howl" event on the Humanities Lawn will include food trucks, bungee jumping, and a petting zoo from noon to 2 p.m. A-State Food Pantry donations will be accepted during "Into the Tidal Wave," from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Heritage Plaza Lawn, where giveaways of Homecoming T-shirts are planned. - **Thursday, Oct. 23:** Activities include Homecoming interviews during the day and the annual “Yell Like Hell” spirit rally at 7 p.m., located at University Loop and Honors Avenue. Competition winners from the week’s events will also be announced during the rally. - **Friday, Oct. 24:** A movie night titled “Through the Flames” begins at 7 p.m. on Heritage Plaza Lawn, complete with a popcorn bar.
Saturday will also feature the sixth annual Ag for Autism Furry 5K, beginning with registration at 7:30 a.m. at the College of Agriculture. The 5K, which starts at 8 a.m., costs $5 to enter, and funds raised will benefit Ag for Autism. Participants are welcome to bring strollers or leashed pets, with a Halloween costume contest for dogs.
The week’s events will conclude with the much-anticipated football matchup at 6 p.m. Clear bag policies will be in effect at Centennial Bank Stadium. For more information, visit the university’s website.