About Homecoming

Since 1914, the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, has celebrated Homecoming, a week dedicated to honoring the spirit of the maroon and gold. This celebration brings the campus community together with events such as a campus-wide scavenger hunt, cheer and lip sync competitions, sports competitions, community service events, pep rallies, and of course the Homecoming parade and football game.

Contact Us

For questions about Homecoming events please contact Student Activities at homecoming@umn.edu or (612)626-6919.

Program Board Coordinators

These five students are responsible for all aspects of Homecoming 2013. We thank them for their dedication to the University of Minnesota!

Patrick Haught

Event Logistics Coordinator

Patrick is originally from Vermillion, South Dakota and is in his third year at the U of M. He is pursuing a double major in Psychology and Human Resource Development. When he's not at class or work, he enjoys trying new foods--his favorites are grilled cheese and Sour Patch Kids. This year Patrick will be taking the lead on the Homecoming Parade and Competitions.

Rachel Hauser

Outreach and New Media Coordinator

Pursuing her degree in English and New Media Studies, Rachel is a sophomore at the University of Minnesota and is heavily involved in the local music and arts scene in Minneapolis. Rachel will be recruiting volunteers and working closely with them throughout the Homecoming week. She will also be doing photography and film for events, including the big Homecoming concert at TCF Bank Stadium.

Lindsay Baker

Programs Coordinator

Lindsay is a senior studying Public Relations in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She is most excited for the Homecoming headliner concert!

Quinn Handahl

Engagement Coordinator

Quinn a sophomore majoring in Psychology, Political Science, and Neuroscience. In her free time, she is involved in on-campus activities, and also enjoys running and yoga. She is most looking forward to the Thank U event as well as the Homecoming concert.

Ashley Herink

Marketing Coordinator

Ashely in her third year and is an Advertising major in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Ashley loves her dogs, being up north, and watching movies! Ashley’s main responsibility for Homecoming is the overall Homecoming marketing campaign. Homecoming is such a huge event that involves many people - she can’t wait to see how everything comes together to create a great week!

Volunteer for Homecoming 2013

University of Minnesota students are encouraged to volunteer during Homecoming 2013. Volunteers will be responsible for planning events, promoting activities and initiatives, and implementing day-of logistics.

Past Homecoming Themes

Photographs courtesy of the University of Minnesota Archives, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

1910-1930

1914: Theme: Back to Campus Homecoming at the University of Minnesota officially kicked-off with an alumni dinner, concert and dance.
1919: Theme: Roman
1918-1920: Homecoming events were put on hold due to WWI.
1921: The halftime show at the football game consisted of gymnastics, tumbling acts and melodrama of the Ozarks titled "The Moonshiner's Last Stand".
1923: Noise bombs were set off to call people to assemble for the parade.
1924: The homecoming football game was the first game to be played at Memorial Stadium, located where McNamara Alumni Center now stands.
1926: Theme: Pioneer Homecoming
1927: Theme: Crusader Homecoming
1929: Theme: Viking

1930-1950

1931: Theme: "Rope Wisconsin" Wild West Roundup For the 'Rope Wisconsin' theme, expert cowboys were brought in to perform a wild west rough-riding show.
1932: Theme: Back to the Farm
1935: Theme: Paul Bunyan Logging Camp
1936: Theme: Hog-Tie Iowa
1942: The Homecoming Parade was billed as the world's largest parade at 2 miles long and 170 cars and floats.
1943: War shortages meant there was no bonfire, pepfest, house decorations or parade.
1944: Theme: Go-Pher Northwestern
1949: Theme: Blast the Boilers

1950-1970

1951: Theme: Husk the Huskers Mallard ducks were released during the halftime show to celebrate Minnesota Conservation and Sportsmanship.
1953: Theme: End-iana
1958: Theme: Spillinois
1960: Residence Halls sponsored the Homecoming coronation ball for the first time.
1961: Theme: Den the Wolverines
1964: Theme: Silence Illi-Noise Dayton's 8th Floor promoted Homecoming with a fashion show.

1970-1990

1970

Prizes were awarded to Greek Houses who won the house front decorating contest.

1973

Theme: This is Gold Country

1970-1975

The Vietnam War and the mood of the era significantly impacted Homecoming.

Gopher Fans did not celebrate homecoming except for four Greek houses in 1971.
When Homecoming was revived in 1973, the bonfire was not allowed for environmental issues.
They stopped having a Homecoming Queen from 1970 to 1975 on the premise that it was not an appropriate expectation of women due to the feminist movement.

1976

Theme: Annihilate State

1983

Theme: The Bucky Stops Here

1986

A circus was hosted on the front plaza of Coffman Memorial Union.

1988

Theme: There's Just One U

1990-Present

1996: Homecoming goes back to Minnesota's roots: one event is the Farmer's Share Breakfast where diners eat a full breakfast and pay the share a farmer would receive.
1997: Theme: Go Nuts, Beat the Bucks
1998: Theme: Let's Get Medieval
2002: Theme: A Legacy of Heroes
2003: Theme: Once Upon a Homecoming
2004: Theme: It's Reality
2005: Theme: Center Stage
2006: Theme: Wild Wild Midwest
2007: Theme: Golden Oldies
2008: Theme: Marching Into The Future
2009: Theme: The Ultimate Homecoming
2010: Theme: Paint the Town Gold
2011: Theme: All That Glitters Is Gold

1923 - Alpha Phi Parade Float

1925 - Homecoming Parade

1936 - Homecoming

1937 - Parade Float

1938 - Homecoming Queen and Royalty

1949 - Delta Tau Delta House Front

1953 - Rooter Club

1963 - Homecoming Parade

1970s - Homecoming Tailgating

Homecoming Parade

University Avenue: Friday, September 27 at 7:00pm

Created to encourage school spirit and to increase interest in attending Gopher athletic events, the Homecoming Parade also promotes unity among students, staff, faculty, alumni and the surrounding community. This year's parade route is down University Avenue.

Register for the 2013 Parade

The Student Unions & Activities Program Board invites you to participate in the 2013 Homecoming Parade. Please read through the rulebook if you are participating in the parade.

Parade registration will be open for University of Minnesota students, staff and faculty on April 15. U of M affiliates must log-in with X500 to register.
Parade registration will be open to all non-University affiliated groups on Monday, July 8.
Parade Registration ends Friday, September 13. Registration will not be accepted after the deadline.
If the Parade line-up reaches its maximum capacity of entries prior to the close of registration, additional entries can be placed on a wait list. Wait list registrants will receive notice of their entry status no later than Friday, September 20.

Homecoming Parade Registration Form

Student Competitions

Compete in the student Homecoming competitions for a chance to take home the traveling trophy! There are two divisions designed specifically for IFC / Panhellenic teams and student U-Teams, which include all University of Minnesota students. Competitions include Flag Football, Cheer, and Lip Sync/Step Competition and Design Competition. It's fun and easy to compete! All you need is a team of students and $10 per person.

The Gopher Helmet

Found while excavating during construction on campus, the Gopher Helmet is believed to be one of the first football helmets EVER. Forged in the hot fires of Gopher Pride, legend has it that the Gopher Helmet Trophy grants the team that possesses it with fame and glory for all time! However, the only way to mark your dynasty on this mysterious trophy is to win it through hard-fought competition, good sportsmanship, and outstanding school spirit during the University of Minnesota Homecoming Competitions.

All teams competing in the Overall Competition will be eligible to have their names marked down in history on the Gopher Helmet.

All registered University of Minnesota-Twin Cities students are encouraged to participate in Homecoming competitions! The cost to participate is $10 for each member on your team. Get your friends together and take home the trophy!

All participants in Homecoming competitions are expected to read the 2013 Competitions Rulebook.

Team Divisions

Trophies will be given for first, second, and third place within each division and overall.

IFC / Panhellenic Pairing

Compete against all the Greek Life pairings to determine which Greek Chapters are the Homecoming Champions! Must go through the formal “pairing process” to register a group under this division.

U-Teams

All registered University of Minnesota students can compete in the U-Teams division against other students. U-Teams include student groups, residence halls, commuters, and all University students. Gather a group of friends and compete for the title of U-Team Homecoming Champion!

Homecoming Overall Competition

The Homecoming Overall Competition is comprised of the single event competitions: Cheer, Flag Football, Lip Sync/Step, Spirit, and your team’s choice of parade entry. Additionally, points will be awarded based on your team’s participation in Thank U.

The Competitions

Cheer

Ever wonder what cheerleading is really like? Well, imagine your high school days crossed with the routines from Bring It On and you have an annual University of Minnesota tradition as students compete to be named the best Cheer team of Homecoming 2013. With unique songs, crazy stunts, and bizarre vocals, these performances are not to be missed! The Cheer competition is modeled after the National Cheerleading Association regulations. Participants must attend a mandatory Cheer clinic to compete.

Lip Sync/Step Competition

Lip Sync: Milli Vanilli isn't the only group that can lip sync! Join in on an annual tradition at the University of Minnesota and compete to see who can best Lip Sync and perform to a mix of songs. Students must "tell a story" and promote the Homecoming theme: Ski-U-Madness.

Step: Can you "Stomp the Yard?" Put together a team, bring your fanciest footwork, and come prove it at the inaugural Homecoming Step Show!

Flag Football

Flag Football has been a traditional component of Homecoming for several years. Teams compete in a single-elimination bracket-style tournament consisting of preliminary and final rounds. There is no limit to a team’s roster size, however each team must have 3 females and a total of 7 players on the field at all times. Each team must supply an official NCAA size football.

Spirit Competition

The Spirit competition judges each team's level of Homecoming "spirit." Spirit will be judged by evaluating teams in areas ranging from participation to attitude and morale. You will be automatically entered into the Spirit competition as part of the Overall competition. Spirit points will reflect the placing of individual teams participating in the Cheer, Lip Sync/Step, and Flag Football competitions. To learn more on how the spirit competition will be judged, please see the 2013 Competitions Rulebook.

Parade Entry/Design Competition

U-Teams and IFC/PHC pairings should design and create a parade entry that captures their pride and spirit for the University of Minnesota. Entries will be judged, and awards will be given to the top entries from each division. Additionally, these scores will be a part of each team’s Homecoming Overall Competition score. If your team is competing in the Overall competition, you must select ONE of the following four options to serve as your parade entry: parade float, walking/performance entry, house front, or design competition (you must register for parade separately).

Thank U

Thank U is a unique day of service that allows YOU the chance to work united under the mission of giving back and promoting “One Community, One U.” Volunteers participate in projects designed by local businesses, neighborhood associations, non-profit organizations, and community residents. Projects from last year included making rain barrels, removing graffiti, picking up litter on streets, landscaping, and much more!

Homecoming Competitions Registration Form

Recreational activities are available to all students, staff, and faculty at the University of Minnesota! The annual Rec Volleyball Tournament is hosted in partnership with Recreational Sports and will occur on Sunday, September 22 at the Cooke Hall. All participants are expected to read the 2013 Volleyball Rulebook.

Thank U

One Community, One U

Sunday, September 22, 2013 from 11:30am to 4pm.

Register here!

Who:

Everyone is welcome to attend Thank U! All University of Minnesota students, staff, faculty, alumni, and supporters from around the state are encouraged to participate. Participants can register as a team or as an individual.

What:

As a part of Homecoming, Thank U is a philanthropic event intended to thank the University of Minnesota surrounding campus community. Volunteers participate in unique service projects that are designed by community members. Projects from last year included making rain barrels, removing graffiti, picking up litter on streets, landscaping, cleaning up the Soap Factory and much more!

Where:

Northrop Plaza (Located in front of Northrop Memorial Auditorium)

84 Church Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

When:

Sunday, September 22, 2013 from 11:30am to 4pm

Check-in and registration will take place on Northrop Plaza starting at 11:30am the day of the event. Volunteers will be provided with a light lunch with live musical entertainment. Afterwards, volunteers will travel to different sites around campus and the surrounding neighborhoods to perform various service projects.

Why:

Thank U is a unique day of service that allows YOU the chance to work united under the mission of giving back and promoting “One Community, One U.” Volunteers participate in projects designed by members of the surrounding area. Local businesses, neighborhood associations, non-profit organizations, and community residents provide service projects for Thank U.

When does registration close?

Pre-registration closes on September 19, 2013 at 4:30pm. If you are unable to register online, there is day- of registration at Northrop Plaza beginning at 11:30am on September 22.

Is there a fee to participate?

There is no fee to participate in this event. Thank U is a free event whose only purpose is to create “One Community, One U.”

What should I wear?

Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing that you wouldn’t mind getting dirty, as some projects could involve working outdoors. Participants are encouraged to dress in layers and for the weather.

Do I have to be affiliated to the University in any way to participate?

There are no restrictions to participate in Thank U. Everyone and anyone is welcome!

Will snacks or food be provided?

A light lunch will be served before volunteering begins. Snacks will NOT be provided during the time when volunteers will be working on their assigned project. However, please feel free to bring your own snacks. Also, bringing a water bottle to stay hydrated is highly encouraged.

Can I choose what type of project I participate in?

In most instances, participants will not be able to choose a specific project to participate in. However, participants will have the option while registering to select a preference of outdoor or indoor projects and level of activity. There is also a space to provide information about any special accommodations needed for participation.

Will I need to provide transportation for myself to my project site?

Most projects are within walking distance of Northrop Plaza and do not require transportation. If the project does require it, transportation will be provided.

What happens if it rains or there is bad weather?

In the event of inclement weather that prohibits Thank U to happen as planned, all registered participants will be emailed with information.

Can my child/spouse/friend participate in Thank U with me?

Yes! Projects are appropriate for all age groups to participate in together. If you are registering a child, a parent or guardian must co-sign the Volunteer Agreement and Release on the day of the event.

Will I receive a reminder for the event?

Reminder emails will be sent out to the email address that was used to register the participant. Emails will be sent out leading up to the event and the day-of.

Parking

Participants can park in parking facilities near Northrop Plaza:

Church Street Garage
80 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

4th Street Ramp
1625 4th St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Visit Parking and Transportation Services for information on additional parking facilities, costs, and campus maps.

Project Design

United under the mission of giving back, volunteers will serve those around them through projects designed by YOU! All local residents, businesses, neighborhood associations, and nonprofit organizations around campus are welcome to provide service projects for Thank U, taking place on Sunday, September 22. If you are interested, please contact Quinn Handahl at homecoming@umn.edu by September 6.

Alumni
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University of Minnesota Alumni

A photo of two happy University of Minnesota alums.

Welcome back to Campus, Gopher Alumni!

There are many great ways to show your Gopher pride and be a part of Homecoming.

Join fellow alumni and friends for exciting events during Homecoming week including the Homecoming 5k, Alumni Awards Celebration, the Homecoming Parade and Ski-U-Mania – an all-alumni tailgate event at the McNamara Alumni Center.

For more information, visit the University of Minnesota Alumni Association website.