ASU Homecoming unites past, present, future generations of Sun Devils
Sun Devil fans, put on your finest gold T-shirts. And Sparky, practice those pushups because ASU Homecoming is just around the corner.
The daylong extravaganza will take place Saturday, Oct. 29, with a very special parade featuring legendary football coach Frank Kush, a block party and a riveting football game in Sun Devil Stadium.
“Sun Devil Homecoming 2011: Past. Present. Future” will pay tribute to where the university has been, showcase where we are today and present a glimpse of what is to come in the future.
“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, which makes homecoming both fun and exciting.”
The excitement officially commences with a 11:30 a.m. parade, starting at McAllister Avenue and University Drive and continuing on University to College Avenue. The parade features nearly 80 units and several colorful floats made 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 the legendary Frank Kush, who served as ASU’s head football coach from 1958 to 1979. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995 and has served as a fundraiser for ASU’s athletic department since 2000. When asked what the most exciting part of being back at ASU will be, Kush replied, “I'm really looking forward to seeing so many former football players. This event is a great way to bring them back to the university.”
The block party will include 65 tents sponsored by nearly 90 ASU colleges and departments. The ASU community will be treated to live music, food, interactive displays and exhibitions, an autograph session featuring more than 200 former Sun Devil football legends, a first-time ever student tailgate party and mixing and mingling by ASU grads, students, community members, faculty and staff.
Homecoming also offers special activities for children. The KidZone, just east of Palo Verde West Residence Hall 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, carnival games and an entertainment stage. Eight’s Curious George will also make a special appearance and hand out balloons to children.
All of this activity culminates with ASU taking on the Colorado Buffalos at 3:30 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 kick-off for prepaid season ticket parking passes, cash lots open three-and-a-half 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 2011 Homecoming events and activities, visit http://homecoming.asu.edu.
To stay connected to Homecoming events and news via social media, visit ASU's Facebook and Twitter by searching for #asuhomecoming.
ASU MEDIA CONTACT:
Marshall Terrill, marshall.terrill@asu.edu
(602) 496-1005 office / (480) 332-7554 cell
Natasha Karaczan, natasha.karaczan@asu.edu
(480) 965-6991 office / (480) 259-5777 cell