Homecoming

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We might be biased, but Homecoming weekend in Bloomington is one of the best times of the year—it’s a chance to reconnect with friends and relive your favorite IU traditions. The IUAA hosts events throughout the weekend, including the parade on Friday evening and a tailgate on Saturday.

Welcome home, Hoosiers!

Join us Oct. 18–19 for IU Homecoming 2024.

Friday night, line Woodlawn Avenue for the annual Homecoming parade, which steps off at 5:30 p.m.

On Saturday, we’ll kick off game day bright and early with the Hoosier Huddle, an exclusive tailgate for IUAA supporters and their guests. Be on the lookout for more details and your exclusive invitation to this special IUAA event.

Student Alumni Association

The IU Student Alumni Association (SAA) is as a student-based extension of the IUAA and is responsible for Homecoming activities and programs for students. From showing off a royal wave to marching in the parade, students have a week-long Homecoming celebration hosted by SAA.

Homecoming FAQs

With a full schedule of events, questions are sure to arise. We’ve got the answers, plus tips and tricks to make the most of the weekend.

The parade will start on 13th Street and Woodlawn Avenue and head down Woodlawn to 17th Street. Kick off the weekend with this iconic family-friendly event!

Parking on campus and in Bloomington can be a breeze when you know what to expect; however, things might get a little tricky Homecoming weekend. Visit the Office of Parking Operations’ webpage for a campus map and additional info.

Parking Pro Tips:

  • Steer clear of spots that say “24-hour tow away” on campus.
  • Parking is free in IU parking garages all day Saturday and Sunday.
  • Cars parked overnight Friday in a Memorial Stadium lot will be ticketed and towed.

The parking lots around Memorial Stadium and the grass tailgating fields open five hours prior to kickoff. Traffic to Bloomington and around town will be heavy, so allow plenty of time to get here.

Don’t forget: Tents and large tarps, glass bottles, and kegs are not permitted. For more tailgating and game-day policies, visit the Memorial Stadium Policies webpage.

Fans can gather two hours and 15 minutes prior to kickoff on the east side of Memorial Stadium to show their support for the Hoosiers as they take their pre-game walk. The Marching Hundred and the cheerleaders will lead the singing of “Indiana, Our Indiana.”

Stadium gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff. The pre-game show begins 20 minutes prior to kickoff, and is followed by the national anthem approximately five minutes later.

IU Athletics follows a clear bag policy, which is similar to other collegiate venues and NFL stadiums. For bag guidelines and restrictions, head to the IU Athletics Bag Policy webpage.

Start the countdown now

It’s never too early to plan a return trip to campus. Make sure these Homecoming dates are on your calendar:

  • October 18, 2024 (tentative)

Want to relive past Homecomings?

Checkout the albums on Flickr!