Each year the University of Illinois Springfield invites students, faculty, staff, alumni and the local community to celebrate our Homecoming celebration.
UIS Homecoming is an annual tradition involving a week of engagement and events designed to develop pride and spirit among the UIS community. The first UIS Homecoming was held in 1996.
From the Pep Rally, Prairie Star games and fireworks, Homecoming evokes pride and has a little something for everyone, including the return of alumni to campus. Homecoming is a great time to bring students, faculty, staff, and alumni together to celebrate UIS and show pride in being Prairie Stars.
“Students should get involved because homecoming is for them! There is a lot of hard work being done for the UIS community. It’s a great way to show your school spirit, bring different people together, and most importantly – have fun!”
— Homecoming Coordinator
The Pep Rally
Students perform dances and play games during the Homecoming Pep Rally.
The Homecoming Court
The idea of a Homecoming Court is not just something done at select schools throughout the country. Instead, it is a major, annual tradition at most high schools and universities.
“Students are encouraged to nominate their friends and/or themselves. It’s a way to showcase and celebrate students who embody campus spirit in all that they do!”
Homecoming Gallery
Homecoming is brought to you by the Student Activities Committee!!
Sponsor a Reunion!
Interesting in hosting a Reunion? Contact Student Life at uisstudentlife@uis.edu
2023 Homecoming Events
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey during the upcoming Homecoming activities in 2023! This year's theme, "The Wizard of Oz: There's No Place Like Home with the Prairie Stars!" promises to take you on a magical adventure filled with school spirit, camaraderie, and loads of fun.
Traditional Homecoming Events (October 5th-7th):
Thursday, October 5th, 2023
Flag Football Tournament
8:00PM | Rec Park Field
Get ready to witness an epic showdown as up to four teams gear up for the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and teamwork. The flag football tournament is not just about sports; it's a battle for glory that will go down in Prairie Stars history as a team gets the title of 2023 Homecoming Flag Football Champions!
Other engagement on this day!
Window Paint Competition: Student organizations and campus departments come together to show off their UIS School Spirit by decorating a Student Union window Pane for Homecoming 2023. Window painting will occur from 10:30am-3pm on Thursday, Oct. 5th! Come by the Union to witness the creativity and see our Student Union burst with campus spirit just in time for Homecoming!
Friday, October 6th, 2023
Pep Rally Block Party
3:00PM | Student Union South Patio
Gather with fellow Prairie Stars in a thrilling kickoff celebration for the Homecoming soccer and volleyball games. Enjoy exciting performances and competitive mini-games with fantastic prizes at this beloved Homecoming tradition that promises an experience of excitement and unity.
UIS vs SBU Women's Soccer Game
5:00PM | Kiwanis Stadium
UIS vs SBU Men's Soccer Game
7:30PM | Kiwanis Stadium
Cheer on our Prairie Star Athletes at the Women's and Men's soccer games! The energy on the field is contagious, and your cheers from the stands make all the difference.
Homecoming Bonfire & Fireworks
9:00PM | Field South of TRAC
Join SAC around the bonfire for an evening of warmth, camaraderie, and s'mores! This event includes the amazing traditional fireworks display that will serve as an amazing close to a fun filled day!
Saturday, October 7th, 2023
UIS vs QU Volleyball Game
3:00PM | TRAC Arena
Support our volleyball team as they bump, set, and spike their way to victory. The atmosphere is electric, and your enthusiasm is the team's secret weapon!
Silent Headphone Party
9:00PM | SLB Gym
Cap off Homecoming week with a Silent Headphone Party like no other. Put on your headphones, choose your music channel, and dance the night away under the stars. It's an unforgettable, noise-free party experience!
Homecoming 2023 promises to be a celebration of school spirit, unity, and the incredible journey of being a Prairie Star. Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and get ready to make lifelong memories during this year's festivities! There's truly no place like home, especially when home is with the Prairie Stars!
Thank you to our sponsors!
Blue Crew
Campus Recreation
Facilities
Greek Affairs
Student Life
Student Union
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs
Access the complete updated list of Homecoming events on UISConnection. For updates and information on engagement opportunities, follow uis_sac on instagram!