“Disney” is the theme for events Oct. 9-14 as Cal U celebrates Homecoming 2017.
The week’s traditional highlight is the Homecoming Day celebration on Oct. 14.
Pre-parade activities begin at 10 a.m. on the main campus, where inflatables with a Disney theme will add to the family-friendly fun. Balloon art and a petting zoo are planned, along with tables organized by various clubs and organizations.
At 11 a.m., the Alumni Relations Office will host a “Picnic on the Patio” at Kara Alumni House. Graduates and their guests are invited to enjoy picnic fare and socialize with friends and former classmates.
The Homecoming Parade will step off at noon. The march will begin at the Convocation Center and travel down Third Street. Marchers will turn right at Union Street and continue back to campus on Second Street.
Students who wish to register their club or organization to participate in Homecoming parade activities should visit OrgSync.
A Vulcan Huddle tailgate party will begin at 1 p.m. at Roadman Park, near the pavilions outside Adamson Stadium. A Kid’s Zone with inflatables, face painting and giveaways also will take place beginning at 1 p.m. outside the stadium.
The Cal U’s women’s volleyball teams will host Gannon University at the Convocation Center beginning at 1 p.m. Admission is free.
At 3 p.m. the Cal U football team hosts Clarion University at Adamson Stadium. The Cal U Marching Band will perform at halftime, when winners of the Homecoming Parade float competition will be announced and the Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned.
Football ticket price is $10; visiting students pay $5; Cal U students, faculty and staff with valid CalCards are admitted free, along with children ages 12 and younger.
Other Homecoming events
Oct. 10: Announcement of the 2017 Homecoming Court, 11:30 a.m. in the Natali Student Center’s Food Court. Singer Ryan Quinn from “The Voice” performs.
Oct. 12:UndergroundCafé, 9 p.m., Performance Center in the Natali Student Center. Featured performer is pop singer Nick Barilla ´14, a Cal U alumnus. Admission is free; the public may attend.
Oct. 13:Pep Rally, 5-7 p.m. on the blue outdoor Hamer Hall courts. The event is sponsored by the Black Student Union.
Oct. 15:Vulcan soccer, at the Phillipsburg Soccer Complex. Men’s team plays Slippery Rock at 1 p.m., women’s game is at 3:30 p.m.
Throughout Homecoming week: Students, faculty and staff can take Disney-themed selfies at various locations in the Natali Student Center. For a chance to win prizes, tweet photos to @CalUStuAffairs.
Homecoming Parking and Transportation
Free visitor parking is available Oct. 13-14 in Lot 4 (River Lot).
Flat-rate meter parking is available from 3 p.m. Oct. 13 to 11:30 p.m. Oct. 14 in the pay-by-license metered lots behind the Natali Student Center (Lot 17) and Gallagher Hall (Lot 11).
On Oct. 14, Homecoming Day, Lot 21 will be closed so family activities can be held. Lot 11 will be used for marching bands and parade vehicles.
Lot 2 will be open to permit holders and those attending the President’s Circle brunch.
Beginning at 8 a.m. Oct. 14, Third Street will be closed on campus, and Hickory Street will be closed from Sixth to Third streets to accommodate the parade.
Campus road closures continue throughout the day. Motorists can access Lot 4 via Green Street and Second Street.
In California Borough, no parking is permitted from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 14 on Second Street (200 to 500 blocks), Third Street (200 and 400 blocks) and Union Street (200 block).
Borough police will ticket vehicles parked along the parade route beginning at 9 a.m. After 10 a.m., vehicles parked along the route will be towed.
Vulcan Flyer Shuttles
Vulcan Flyer shuttles will operate as usual until 11 a.m. Oct. 14. Service will resume immediately after the Homecoming Parade, when the shuttle stops at Booker Towers to take football fans to Adamson Stadium.
Extra buses will be in service to transport students, visitors and alumni, free of charge, to the Vulcans vs. Clarion football game, which starts at 3 p.m.
Shuttle service between Roadman Park and the main campus continues until 11 p.m. Oct. 14.