ASU Homecoming: fun for the whole family


Homecoming floats are ready to roll in the parade. Sparky is sharpening his pitchfork, and the football team is psyched. All that is left to do is celebrate.

The wheels for ASU's 2010 Devilish Homecoming are in motion and will reach top speed this Saturday with a festive parade, block party and an exciting football game in Sun Devil Stadium.

The annual event will reunite generations of ASU alumni, students, faculty, staff, friends and community supporters to honor the university and its traditions.

“Homecoming is the primary event during the course of the year that brings together the entire ASU community – students, faculty, staff and alumni – along with the community for a major celebration,” said Virgil Renzulli, ASU’s vice president of public affairs. “Tens of thousands of people will attend. There will be lots to do for both adults and children, and the Halloween theme will make this year’s homecoming especially exciting.”

The excitement officially commences with a 12:30 p.m. parade on Saturday, starting at McAllister Avenue and University Drive and continuing east on University to Mill Avenue. The parade features nearly 100 units and several colorful floats created by campus organizations and community groups. Members of the Tempe City Council and special guests will sport their maroon and gold while marching with Sun Devil pride. 

This year's parade grand marshal is Joseph Watters, former president of three major cruise lines and co-founder of Florida-based Oceania Cruises. Watters was named ASU’s Homecoming King in 1960 and graduated two years later with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. In May 2010, Watters was one of nine alums selected by ASU Magazine as an “Inspiring Icon.”

“It’s an honor to be selected as the 2010 ASU Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal,” said Watters, who lives in Los Angeles. “I have very fond memories of ASU. It provided a strong foundation in my business career and has also blessed me with friendships that remain strong after five decades.”  

The parade will be followed by the ASU Block Party at 1:30 p.m., an annual event that attracts thousands of visitors to the university. The block party takes place at the Old Main lawn and will include 50 tents sponsored by nearly 70 ASU colleges and departments. It will feature live music, food, interactive displays and exhibitions, and mixing and mingling by ASU grads, students, community members, faculty and staff.

Because Homecoming coincides with Halloween weekend, organizers are offering special activities for children. The KidZone, just east of Palo Verde West dormitory off University Drive, is packed with fun and interactive displays. It will include bounce houses, dunk tank, video game truck, Club ASU’s post office and photo booth, arts and crafts projects, carnival games and an entertainment stage. Members of ASU's women's basketball team will be on hand and to greet patrons and sign autographs as well as KAET characters Maya and Miguel who will be giving out balloons to the kids. Parents are encouraged to bring their children dressed in costumes and trick or treat.    

All of this activity culminates with ASU taking on the Washington State Cougars at 4 p.m., in Sun Devil Stadium.

Tickets for the game can be purchased in person or by calling the Sun Devil Ticket Office at 480-727-0000.

Parking lots and structures in the northern portion of campus (north of University Drive) are open five hours prior to kickoff for prepaid season ticket parking passes, and cash lots are open three hours before kickoff. For more information on parking, visit http://cfo.asu.edu/pts-event-football or http://www.millavenue.com/transportation. 

For details and a complete schedule of 2010 Homecoming events and activities, visit http://homecoming.asu.edu.

To stay connected to Homecoming events and news via social media, visit ASU's Facebook (http://facebook.com/arizonastateuniversity) and Twitter by searching for #asuhomecoming.


ASU MEDIA CONTACT:
Marshall Terrill, marshall.terrill@asu.edu
(602) 496-1005 office  /  (480) 332-7554 cell

Judith Smith, judith.smith@asu.edu
(480) 965-4821 office / (480) 365-9703 cell