2017 Homecoming Celebration Set

McNeese State University wants students, alumni and the community to “Stand Up Get Rowdy!” – this year’s theme for Homecoming 2017 scheduled Oct. 15-21.

This year’s weeklong celebration includes an evening of trampoline fun, a comedy night, a day of community service, oozeball, the parade, pep rally and fireworks, a “stroll off,” tailgating, the crowning of the Homecoming king and queen and much more – all leading up to the big Homecoming game Saturday, Oct. 21, in Cowboy Stadium.

The week starts “jumping” on Sunday, Oct. 15, with a night of wall-to-wall trampolines, trampoline basketball and dodgeball for students beginning at 7 p.m. at Altitude Trampoline Park. Transportation will be available to and from campus.

On Monday, Oct. 16, students can expect lots of laughs at Comedy Night scheduled at 7 p.m. in the Holbrook Student Union (Old Ranch).

On Tuesday, Oct. 17, McNeese student volunteers will talk about the importance of higher education to middle school students at F.K. White Middle, visit with residents of the Landmark of Louisiana retirement facility and prep and serve food at Abraham’s Tent as part of  “A Day of Community Service.”

Also on Tuesday, students seeking a little forgiveness can find some during Amnesty Day, where one parking ticket (up to $25) can be “forgiven.” This popular event, sponsored by the Student Government Association, will be held from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. in the La Jeunesse Room in the Old Ranch.

McNeese’s mucky tradition of oozeball continues Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 3-7 p.m. on Frasch Hall’s front lawn. Students slip and slide through a game of “muddy volleyball,” with a trophy and recognition for the top three teams up for grabs.

The Homecoming parade is scheduled to roll down Ryan Street at 7 p.m. Thursday,

Oct. 19. This year’s grand marshals are Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter and McNeese President Dr. Daryl Burckel, who are both proud McNeese alumni.

Immediately after the parade, the Homecoming pep rally takes place inside Cowboy Stadium, where the 2017 Homecoming king and queen will be revealed. A dazzling fireworks display will follow the pep rally, which is sponsored by the McNeese Alumni Association and its corporate sponsors CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital and Coushatta Casino Resort.

On Friday, Oct. 20, all alumni and friends of the university are invited to sign up for the 45th annual Homecoming Golf Tournament that begins at 11 a.m. at Mallard Cove. For more information, call 475-5232.

Also on Friday is the Homecoming “Stroll Off” that begins at 7 p.m. in the Recreation Complex. Cost is $5 for the general public, $3 for Greeks and free for McNeese students with a valid ID.

On Saturday, Oct. 21, students and alumni will enjoy tailgating outside Cowboy Stadium before the big game that night. The student tailgate will be held from noon-5 p.m. in Lot E, while the Alumni & Petrochem tailgate parties will be held from 3-5 p.m. in the Alumni Grove and Nolan Pavilion.

The McNeese Bookstore will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday with the latest McNeese apparel available for game day. Cowboy fans can also visit the new Mobile Fan Zone located next to the Alumni Center, which opens at 1 p.m. and is filled with McNeese gear.

The Cowboys will face off against the Cardinals of Incarnate Word at 6 p.m. in Cowboy Stadium. The 2017 Homecoming court will be introduced at halftime.

Homecoming activities are sponsored by the Student Life Coalition. For a complete schedule of Homecoming 2017 events, visit www.mcneese.edu/homecoming.