Homecoming 2023 presented by MUAA

The pageantry and excitement of Homecoming will return to Marshall University beginning Monday, Sept. 25 and culminating with the crowning of Mr. and Miss Marshall at halftime during the game against Old Dominion University on Saturday, Sept. 30.

Slotted between early-season matchups against Virginia Tech and North Carolina State, this year’s celebration will mark the earliest Homecoming has come to the Huntington campus since a victory over Toledo in the 1977 Homecoming game on Sept. 24.

“Homecoming is such an integral part of the Marshall University calendar for our alumni, our supporters and our student population,” said Matt James, executive director of the Marshall University Alumni Association. “It is a unique time where the entire Marshall family comes together to celebrate the rich history and proud traditions of our university. And this year we are excited to shake things up a bit with an earlier date right in the heart of the schedule. So, mark your calendars and join us in September for as many events as your schedule will allow as we prepare for another wonderful week of Homecoming activities.”

Several pillar Homecoming events will highlight the week-long celebration, including the annual Unity Walk, Homecoming Parade, Picnic on the Plaza and numerous tailgates and gatherings throughout the day on Sept. 30. The week will conclude with the Thundering Herd taking on the Old Dominion Monarchs in a Sun Belt Conference matchup at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

“We are super-excited to welcome everyone back to Joan C. Edwards Stadium for Homecoming 2023 on Sept. 30,” said Athletic Director Christian Spears. “The Sun Belt schedule has offered us a unique opportunity for a late September Homecoming game against a familiar conference foe in ODU. We look forward to seeing all of Herd Nation join us at The Joan for a beautiful day of football on Sept. 30!”

Grand Marshal

TBD

We will have more information on our 2023 Homecoming grand marshal as we get closer to the event! GO HERD!

2022 HOMECOMING WEEK SCHEDULE:

Monday, Oct. 24

All Week – Paint Social Media Green
INFO: Marshall invites you to “Paint Social Media Green” all week on social media! Share with us photos of you and your family in Marshall gear no matter where you are – at home, at an event, or at the game! Share in the link below are post to the official alumni accounts @MarshallUAlumni and use the hashtags #HerdHomecoming and #MarshallRises to be featured!
Submit your photos here!

Tuesday, Oct. 25

Wednesday, Oct. 26

Thursday, Oct. 27

9:00 a.m. – Office Decorating Contest Judging
INFO: All week Marshall University offices will be decorating with the “Fun in the Sun!” theme! On Thursday, Oct. 27, our panel of judges will visit each of the offices to decide our winners! All winning offices will receive prizes and be publicly recognized at the Picnic on the Plaza on October 28.

6:30 p.m. – Homecoming Parade
INFO: Floats, marching bands, and everything you love about parades fills the air on a Thursday night! And if you can’t make it, join us on social media at @MarshallUAlumni and @MarshallU for a broadcast of the parade.

7:30 p.m. – Pep Rally & Bonfire
INFO: Marshall’s newest Homecoming tradition! Alumni and students can enjoy a bonfire with entertainment from the Marching Thunder, Marshall University cheerleaders, plus activities and appearances by Marshall coaches and players!

Friday, Oct. 28

11:30 a.m. – Picnic on the Plaza
INFO: Marshall’s largest and most exciting on-campus Homecoming party! The Marshall University Alumni Association and Marshall University Foundation throw a party with free food and drinks, live music, games, plus special appearances by the Marching Thunder, Marshall University cheerleaders, coaches, players and more! The event is free to alumni, students, faculty and friends of Marshall! Click on the link below to register for a table to display at the event.
CLICK HERE to sign up for a display table at this event.

5:30 p.m. – Homecoming StamFEED presented by Jenkins Fenstermaker
INFO: Join us for a night on the town and reunite with fellow alums as we celebrate Homecoming 2022! Enjoy all that Downtown Huntington has to offer as we tour some of the city’s best drinks and eats at the following locations: Summit Beer Station, Sip Downtown Brasserie, Marshall Hall of Fame Cafe and Cellar Door. Attendees will receive a commemorative Homecoming 2022 glass, sponsored by Jenkins Fenstermaker PLLC. The deadline to register is October 19, so don’t miss out!

Saturday, Oct. 29

8:00 a.m. – Homecoming Stampede 5K
INFO: Alumni, students and members of the Marshall University community are invited to come together for a fun run around campus! Featuring a new route weaving through campus and prizes for multiple age groups, this is one event you don’t want to miss!

4:00 p.m. – Marshall Alumni & Family Tailgate presented by Woodlands Retirement Community
INFO: The highlight of Homecoming week! ALL are invited to this wonderful tailgating experience in a brand new location! Located in the Joan C. Edwards Stadium East Lot (beside the Chris Cline Indoor Athletic Facility), come enjoy great food, hang with friends, play tailgating games, enjoy live music and performances by the Marching Thunder, Marshall University cheerleaders, and appearances by special guests including coaches and players. Don’t miss the famous Marshall Family & Alumni Tailgate in its new location prior to the game!

7:00 p.m. – Marshall vs. Coastal Carolina
INFO: The Thundering Herd battles Coastal Carolina in the annual Homecoming game at Joan C. Edwards Stadium!