INDIANAPOLIS — The University of Indianapolis is heading into a historic Homecoming weekend that includes fun opportunities for local families, as well as a major fundraising announcement and the ribbon-cutting for the new UIndy Health Pavilion.
Following a week of activities for the campus community, Saturday will offer a full schedule of events open to the general public.
Beginning at 9 a.m. is the second annual Hound Hustle 5K Run/Walk, with a route that tours the campus and adjacent University Heights neighborhood. The registration fee — $20 in advance, $25 on site —includes a commemorative T-shirt and a donation to a scholarship fund. Registration and more information are available at www.uindy.edu/homecoming/hound-hustle.
Science buffs might enjoy the high-altitude balloon launch at noon Saturday on UIndy’s central Smith Mall. Faculty and students from the Department of Physics & Earth-Space Science will launch a collection of self-contained experiment pods to the very edge of space, to be reclaimed later for the collection of data.
From 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, visitors can enjoy Tailgate Town outside Key Stadium at Hanna and State avenues. Attractions will include a zip line, a climbing wall, the Colts in Motion traveling football museum, inflatable play equipment and live dance music by The Doo! Band, previously known as Zanna-Doo.
Spectators can gather along Hanna Avenue at 4 p.m. Saturday for the annual parade, which will feature classic cars, golf carts decorated by student groups, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit, the Circle City Sidewalk Stompers clown band, McGruff the Crime Dog, dance teams and plenty of candy for the kids.
Kickoff is at 6 p.m. in Key Stadium as the Greyhounds host Missouri’s Truman State Bulldogs. Halftime festivities will include the crowning of the Homecoming king and queen. Tickets are $8 general admission, $5 for students and seniors and free for children 12 and younger.
The weekend also includes the 12:30 p.m. ribbon-cutting and dedication of the new UIndy Health Pavilion at Hanna and State avenues.
More information on Homecoming 2015 is available at uindy.edu/homecoming.
