Homecoming 2004 celebrates BGSU

As students make their way back to campus from fall break, it is time to gear up for Homecoming 2004. Thousands of alumni will be returning to the campus to cheer on their alma mater as the Falcons take on the Ball State Cardinals on Saturday (Oct. 16).

During Spirit Week, Wednesday through Sunday (Oct. 13-17), faculty, staff and students are encouraged to support the Falcons by wearing brown and orange.

The week will kick off at the Union Oval from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday. Homecoming merchandise will be sold, and shopping-cart floats will be displayed.

The Black Swamp Pub is hosting a faculty/staff night from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 14).There will be specials on appetizers and drinks, free snacks, and prizes drawn throughout the night.

The annual Falcon Pep Rally will begin at 7 p.m. Friday (Oct. 15) in Anderson Arena. The crowning of the 2004 Homecoming King and Queen will be announced, followed by a snake dance around campus. The Falcon Fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m., shot off between Harshman and Kreisher residence halls.

Game day events begin on Saturday (Oct. 16) with the fourth annual Freddie and Frieda 5K Fun Run/Walk, starting at the Student Recreation Center. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m.

Main Street will be leading Historic Downtown walking tours from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The tours will begin at the Information Center in Bowen-Thompson Student Union.

Also on game day, all alumni, family, faculty, staff and friends are invited to Meijer Tailgate Park behind Doyt Perry Stadium for the Alumni BiG Family Barbecue from noon-3 p.m. The first 500 BGSU faculty and staff members to visit the tent with a University photo ID and a ticket to the Homecoming football gamewill receive a free Homecoming hat.

Other events taking place at Meijer Tailgate Park include: Homecoming merchandise sales from noon-4 p.m, Alumni/Student Euchre Tournaments beginning at 12:30 p.m., and the Ohio Air National Guard Rock Band, “Wingspan,” performing from 2-4 p.m.

Kickoff for the game is at 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased throughout the week at the Athletic Ticket Office in Memorial Hall or by calling 2-0000.

For the full schedule of the 2004 Homecoming events, event prices and reservations, visit the official BGSU Homecoming Web site at http://homecoming.bgsu.edu.