A time-honored tradition at Arizona State University, Homecoming is back this fall after a pandemic pause, bringing together students, parents, alumni and the ASU community to celebrate their Sun Devil spirit.
The university will celebrate Homecoming this year with multiple events Oct. 24–30, culminating in a football game against Washington State at noon Oct. 30.
“During the seven days that mark Homecoming, students can expect a week full of celebrations on every campus,” said Sage Vu, student Homecoming director.
Vu says some of the week’s highlights for students include:
- Sparky's Festival of Fright, 4–7 p.m. Oct. 24, West campus.
- Sparky Comedy Night, 6–8 p.m., Oct. 25, Tempe campus.
- A Nightmare on 7th Street, 8–11 p.m. Oct. 26, Downtown Phoenix campus.
- Devil’s Royal, 8–11 p.m. Oct. 28, Polytechnic campus.
“After a year, (the Programming and Activities Board) is excited to be celebrating Homecoming once again,” Vu said. “It has been exciting to plan these events that will engage two full groups of students (first- and second-year students) that have never had the opportunity to participate in Homecoming before.”
Learn more about some of this year’s signature activities:
Legends Luncheon
Friday, Oct. 29
During the ASU vs. Nebraska game Sept. 21, 1996, the Sun Devils dominated the No. 1-ranked and two-time defending national champions Cornhuskers with a 19-0 shutout.
The ASU Alumni Association and the Sun Devil Club will celebrate the silver anniversary of the 1996–97 Sun Devil Football Pac-10 Champions at the Oct. 29 Legends Luncheon. Key players including Jake “The Snake” Plummer, Derrick Rodgers, Juan Roque and Keith Poole led the team to an 11-0 regular season and a trip to the Rose Bowl.
While the event is sold out, you can see these players in person as they lead the Homecoming Parade down University Drive. After the parade, stop by their booth on Old Main Lawn at the Homecoming Block Party as the players will be signing autographs for fans.
Sparky’s Pep Rally
4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29
Joe Healey and Rob Reyes host guests on Sparky's Pep Rally.
The day before the game, tune in online to Sparky’s Pep Rally. Hear commentary on the week’s opponent from Sun Devil advocates Joe Healey, “Speak of the Devils” co-host, and Rob Reyes, known as “Jedi ASU.” Other virtual festivities include guest appearances from former athletes and coaches, giveaways and special performances.
Lantern Walk
6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29
Sparky celebrates as he lights the "A" of "A" Mountain during the Lantern Walk. Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU News
Lantern Walk remains one of ASU's oldest and most treasured traditions. It was first celebrated in 1917. Each year students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends climb to the top of "A" Mountain carrying lanterns to light up Tempe, following in the footsteps of their Sun Devil ancestors.
Lantern Walk will take place on Oct. 29, and begins at the base of Tempe Butte (“A” Mountain) with a DJ at 6:30 p.m. The hike up “A” Mountain will begin at 7 p.m. Homecoming royalty will be crowned at the top of the mountain, where activities will also include brief remarks from student leaders and Sparky’s lighting up the “A.”
Sparky’s Touchdown Tailgate
9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30 (continues all day)
Photo by ASU
Amp up for kickoff just steps from Sun Devil Stadium with the premier pregame experience for ASU fans. Show up for the live entertainment, food trucks, a beer garden, giveaways and a special appearance by Sparky. This event is free and open to the public.
Homecoming Parade
9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30
A child waves at parade participants during the 2018 ASU Homecoming Parade. Photo by Marcus Chormicle/ASU News
The ASU Homecoming Parade is one of the biggest and longest-running traditions. Student organization floats, the ASU Marching Band, colleges, departments, community organizations and local celebrities are all a part of this great tradition.
The parade takes place on University Drive between Forest Avenue and McAllister Avenue
Homecoming Block Party
9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30
Andrew Montalvo holds a gopher snake at the Department of Animal Care and Technologies booth during the 2018 Homecoming Block Party. Photo by Charlie Leight/ASU News
The ASU Homecoming Block Party is a festival-type event that is free and open to the public. It boasts a 14-acre footprint with more than 100 tents from ASU’s colleges, units and departments featuring hands-on activities for the whole family, prizes and swag. It starts at 9 a.m. Oct. 30 and runs until game time (noon).
Football game
Sun Devil Spirit Squad member Tatum Buck cheers on the Devils at a 2015 ASU Homecoming football game. Photo by Charlie Leight/ASU News
The biggest highlight is the Homecoming game, where the Sun Devils will take on the Washington State Cougars at Sun Devil Stadium at noon Oct. 30.
Note: Homecoming events will follow all COVID-19 safety measures put forth by ASU. Learn more at coronavirus.asu.edu.
Top photo: Zakiya Reid flashes a pitchfork as she and her family watch the Homecoming Parade along University Drive in November 2018. Photo by Charlie Leight/ASU News
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