When the first Homecoming was celebrated at The University of Iowa in 1912, the event drew about 300 alumni, according to A Pictorial History of The University of Iowa. Homecoming quickly grew in popularity, and by 1915, extra bleachers had to be added to accommodate the football crowds at Iowa Field.

Homecoming remains an essential University of Iowa tradition, even as the UI campus is recovering from historic June flooding. Thousands of alumni are expected to return to campus during Homecoming week, Sept. 21 to 28, to reconnect with old friends and reflect on their University of Iowa experiences.

This year, Homecoming week includes a slate of activities, from a 5K race benefiting United Way to a free Pentacrest performance by ScrapArtsMusic. The traditional events continue, including a pep rally, concert, and parade leading up to the Saturday, Sept. 27 football game against Northwestern.

Whether you bring your children to the parade downtown, reminisce with old friends at a tailgate, or take in a performance on the Pentacrest, Homecoming week is a time to remember why it’s great to be a Hawkeye.

Homecoming 2008
HawkeyeSports.com
UI Alumni Association
University of Iowa Foundation

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