When our beloved Broncos football team finally returns home after several games away, the Boise State campus comes alive with students, alumni, family and fans to create an electrifying atmosphere of school pride.
Falling on Oct. 2-8, this period is recognized as Homecoming + Parent & Family Weekend. It’s a time to invite your friends and family to join you on campus for endless activities, all leading up to watching the Boise State Broncos fight to defeat the San Jose State Spartans.
With all of the buzz on campus, it can be difficult to know about what events are happening and how to get involved with the excitement. Many organizations on campus host fun and unique events for the Boise State community.
“While we enjoy all the buzz created by combining Parent & Family Weekend with Homecoming, we also understand that above all else, families come for quality time with their students,” said Zoë Segnitz, Director of New Student Programs in an email to The Arbiter. “Whether this includes formal events around campus or not, we hope students and their families enjoy the weekend and each other, and plenty of hospitality across campus.”
Parent and Family Welcome — Oct. 6 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“If families want to connect with some of the staff who serve their students day and day out, we invite them to join us at the Parent & Family Welcome on Friday afternoon,” Segnitz said.
Boise State wants to give the parents and family of students a special welcome with the Parent and Family Welcome. Located on the back patio of the Student Union Building, guests can come and enjoy a variety of activities and resources.
“This easy community moment is casual and open to all. Staff from Housing and Residence Life and Health Services will be there, happy to hear directly from students or to chat with family,” Segnitz said. “Students and families should come if they have questions of any kind for Boise State, or are just looking for some easy outdoor family fun (snack, cornhole, etc). The Parent & Family Council will be there hoping to welcome new families into the Bronco Family.”
Homecoming Parade — Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.
Boise State’s homecoming parade kicks off at 6 p.m. and will follow Cesar Chavez Lane, starting at Brady Street, making its way into the west stadium parking lot and ending at DeChevrieux Field. To watch, gather around the Greenbelt or the west stadium parking lot to see all of the floats that pass by.
From Greek life to campus departments, there are plenty of fun and creative floats to see drive down the Greenbelt, all manned by students, faculty and alumni ready to spread some Bronco spirit.
Homecoming Pep Rally — Oct. 6
Once the Homecoming Parade is finished, stick around on the DeChevrieux Field to watch the Pep Rally. The Blue Thunder Marching Band and Boise State Spirit Squad will be there to entertain participants, and there will be appearances from President Marlene Tromp and the Boise State football team and coaches.
A variety of food trucks will be present, along with a no-host bar and a DJ to keep the energy lively as the Boise State community celebrates our beloved Broncos.
Homecoming + Parent & Family Tailgate Party — Oct 7. From 2 p.m – 5 p.m.
Searching for the ultimate pre-game party before the BSU vs. San Jose State game? Look no further and stop by the Homecoming + Parent & Family Tailgate Party, starting at 2 p.m. and going until right before kick off at 6 p.m..
“The HC+PFW Tailgate Party is a great scene! There is no entry fee and we welcome alumni, parents, families and friends,” said Segnitz. “Students can expect to be ID’d at the entrance and to enjoy a family friendly party with photo booths, lawn games, Buster the Bronco and give-aways.”
Family Time at the Game Center — Oct. 6-7 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Everybody likes games, and where better to go than the Boise State Game Center in the Student Union Building?
Stop by the game center for first come first serve discounted game rates, such as $1 per person bowling with free shoes for students, $1 per hour pool games and free ping-pong with your student ID — no reservations required.
Touch the Turf — Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
As this memorable weekend comes to a close and it’s time to say farewell to our friends and family, stop by Albertsons Stadium to get one last glimpse of the Blue as you say goodbye — for now.
Plus, what says “best weekend ever” like a picture on the iconic smurf turf at Boise State?
Parking in the stadium lot will be free of charge to those attending. Just enter through the Hall of Fame and you’ll be directed onto the field. Please no food or drink!
JCPenney Suit-Up Event — Oct. 8 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
In need of an update to your business wardrobe? Stop by JCPenney inside the Boise Town Center and participate in the JCPenney Suit-Up Event.
Exclusive to Boise State students, this event offers up to 50% off on career dress apparel, accessories and shoes when you combine the 30% off coupon with already discounted items. Don’t forget to bring your Student ID, and make it a family shopping affair for Parent and Family Weekend!
Even Buster Bronco wants in on the deals. He’ll be there from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. to spread some spirit and participate in photo ops.
Parent & Family Discounts — Oct. 6-8
In addition to events, local businesses in Boise are offering discounts in honor of parent and family weekend. On Oct. 2, members of the Parent and Family Association were sent an email with information on how to receive the discounts. The email must be shown at the register in order to receive the discount.
The Record Exchange is offering 20% off purchases, MCU Sports is offering 10% off on winter jackets, shoes and boots and both Banana Ink and The Compass Goods are offering 10% off purchases.
“The combination of these two events in one great weekend turns up the Bronco Spirit and attracts one of our biggest game day crowds of the year,” Segnitz said. “Otherwise, we hope guests find campus to be much like it is any other day, so homecomers can return to the place they love and family guests can experience a taste of their student’s every-day life on campus.”
Homecoming + Parent & Family Weekend is just around the corner, and the possibilities are endless. For a complete list of events, visit the Homecoming + Parent & Family Weekend page here.
