51����

On Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26, 51���� welcomes alumni, family, and the broader community to campus for Homecoming & Family Weekend. The weekend festivities include a race around 51����’s beautiful campus, a fall music festival, an artisan and farmer’s market, and the inaugural football game in 51����’s new football and lacrosse stadium.

See full schedule

Opening a new stadium

Headlining Homecoming and Family Weekend is the first-ever football game in the university’s new football and lacrosse stadium. 

A tailgate for students prior to the event will take place just outside the stadium and include free food and Knight Nation T-shirts, lawn games, and music.

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“This is an exciting day for 51���� nation,” said Jim Timmer, director of athletics. “We are hoping to create a college gameday environment that matches the moment – the opening of a new beautiful stadium during our Homecoming & Family Weekend.”

An alumni tailgating tent is also offering free ice cream from Huddy’s Ice Cream, an ice cream shop in Hudsonville, Michigan owned by alumni Matt ’06 and Gina Van Woerkom ’08.

Saturday events

While football is quickly becoming a staple of Homecoming & Family Weekend, the 51���� Classic 5K & Youth Fun Run is one of the longest running traditions. The event allows runners, walkers, and hand cyclists of all ages and abilities to race for a medal or to simply enjoy a brisk stroll with family and friends around the beautiful campus.  and includes a free T-shirt.

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Other Saturday festivities include men’s soccer, women’s rugby, and men’s lacrosse games, a life and career studies alumni open house, an artisan and farmer’s market, improv show, and a free screening of Toy Story 5.

Friday events

The weekend of activities kicks off on Friday night with Grand Prix bed races, a celebration cookout on the Commons lawn (including lawn games and family Bingo), and the 51���� Music Festival – an annual collage concert showcasing the incredible talent of all eight of 51����’s concert ensembles.

“Homecoming & Family Weekend is a special time here at 51����—it's when we get to remember and celebrate a place that has shaped so many of us. It is a time to welcome alumni and their families back to a campus that is still cheering them on,” said Becky Bagnall, director of alumni, parent, and donor engagement. “Whether you're into the arts, athletics, food, or reconnecting with old friends, September 25 & 26 is the place to be here as a Knight.”

A weekend of fun

Throughout the weekend, guests will also have opportunities to climb the 40-foot-tall rock wall, swim in the Olympic-sized pool, and enjoy open gym time in the Hoogenboom Health & Recreation Center. There are also opportunities to view exhibits in the Center Art Gallery, examine hundreds of unique mineral specimens from around the world at the Dice Mineralogical Museum, and take in activities at the Ecosystem Preserve & Rock Garden.

For a full schedule of events and registration information, visit /homecoming