Homecoming 2023

blue background of cheerleaders, white text Butler University Homecoming October 27-29, 2023

October 27–29

We can’t wait to welcome you back to campus for Homecoming! Please view our list of hotel partners when planning your travel to town. Due the Monumental Marathon also taking place this weekend, guests are encouraged to stay on the north side of Indianapolis. Please contact the Office of Butler Community Engagement at 317-940-9946 or alumni@butler.edu with any questions.

Monumental Marathon
Monumental Marathon will be taking place this weekend. We are encouraging all guests to consider staying on the north side of Indianapolis when booking accommodations.
Please refer to the road closure map below for directions on getting to campus.
Schedule of Homecoming Events
Sunset Yoga with the Lifelong learning Collaborative
6:00 PM
Butler Mall

Bring your mat for outdoor sunset yoga on the Butler Mall. Connect movement with breath to calm the mind and improve balance. This gentle, beginner level class will relax and rejuvenate. Participants will receive a water bottle/laptop sticker to kick off homecoming festivities!
Cost is $10. Register here.


Women’s Soccer vs. Creighton

7:00 PM
Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl

Tickets are $8 for General Admission Adults. Youth tickets are available at the gate for $5.


Finance Alumni Reception

7:30 PM
Dugan Hall, Room 118

Finance major alumni from all graduating classes are invited to join Butler’s chapter of the Financial Management Association (FMA) for a networking reception in Dugan Hall. Prior to the reception, the student organization will be hosting an alumni panel to discuss finance careers. The event will be a great opportunity to meet current students, learn about finance-related activities in the LSB, reconnect with friends, and network with fellow alumni. Please RSVP here.

CCOM Dogs with the Dean
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Fairbanks Building, Main Entrance (outside)

We’re always up for some CCOM celebration, and hope you’d like to join us. Dean Joe Valenzano will once again put on his apron, grab his tongs, and fire up the new grill because it was so fun with current students, faculty, and staff. Stop by outside the main entrance of Fairbanks from 3:00-4:00 PM for some low-key conversation, stories, and laughs while enjoying a hot dog (and yes, there will be plant-based options), chips, and bottled water. What better way to prepare for the evening events of Friday during Homecoming Weekend? RSVPs REQUESTED Please let us know if you prefer meat-based or plant-based hot dogs so we can come prepared to best serve you!


Efroymson Diversity Center Tours for Alumni
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Efroymson Diversity Center, Lower Level of Atherton Union

FREE; Reservations requested but not required.
Explore updates to the Diversity Center on a tour led by one of our current student leaders. Please complete the Homecoming registration to indicate your participation.


Psychology Alumni Welcome (to our new) Home Reception
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Holcomb Building, Room 150

Free, Registration Required
Goodbye, Jordan Hall! Join the Psychology Department for an alumni reception in their new Holcomb Building location. Reconnect with former friends, faculty and tour the new space. Light refreshments will be served.


Alumni Recognition Ceremony and Reception

5:30 PM
Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts

$30 per person, Registration Required
Don’t miss this special event as the Alumni Association honors fellow alumni for extraordinary professional achievement and service to the University and their communities. In addition to the 2023 honorees, we will also be recognizing the 50th Reunion Class of 1973.

Meet our 2023 Honorees:

  • Butler Medal— John David Doyle ’74
  • Butler Service Medal— Dr. Margaret Brabant
  • Robert Todd Duncan Alumni Achievement Award— James W. Funk, Jr. ’69
  • Katharine Merrill Graydon Alumni Service Award— Kent D. Greer ’94
  • Hilton Ultimus Brown Alumni Achievement Award— Mikael Burke ’09
  • Joseph Irwin Sweeney Alumni Service Award— Jacqueline (Cromleigh) Eckhardt ’13
  • Ovid Butler Society Mortar Award — Mark Moore ’74 and Carol Moore ’76
  • Ovid Butler Society Foundation Award — Francisco J. Miyares Jr. ’10 and Andrea L. Miyares ’10

 

Esports Rocket League
6:00 PM -11:00 PM
Esports Park

Universities from across the state will be on site to compete.  Pool play with split double elimination bracket. All are welcome. The Esports Café will be open from 5:00-10:00 PM.

Holcomb Planetarium Show and Telescope Viewing
7:00 PM
Holcomb Observatory

Doors open at 7:00 PM. Planetarium show at 7:30 PM There will be telescope viewing after the planetarium show, weather permitting. Admission for the planetarium programming is $5 for children and students under 18 yrs, and $8 for adults (Butler students are free).  We accept cash or credit. Butler students are admitted at no charge.

Monumental Marathon Closures
8:30 AM

Road closures will be in place throughout the city.
Please refer to the Marathon Closure Map to plan your best route to campus.
Tailgating Opens
8:00 AM
Hinkle Fieldhouse, East Parking Lost

Tailgate parking packages must be purchased in advance. Packages are $143 and include one tailgate spot and four general admission football tickets. Packages will be sent via FedEx to purchasers in advance of the game. The tailgate lot will open at 8:00 AM on the 28th and fans must leave the lot by 5:00 PM. Visit butlersports.com/buytickets to purchase your package. No spots will be sold on game day, and packages will likely sell out. Please review the Gameday Parking and Tailgate Policy.


Phi Delta Theta Chariot Races

9:00 AM
Butler Way (46th Street West of Sunset Avenue)

The Chariot Race is back! Spectators can watch teams representing Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Tau Delta, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Kappa Psi, Sigma Nu, and Butler University IFC compete in this historical race.


Bulldog Boulevard—Butler’s Biggest Tailgate! presented by Elements Financial, Butler’s Credit Union
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Hinkle Fieldhouse West Parking Lot
elements Financial logo

Join the fun at Butler’s Biggest Tailgate! All tailgates are open to the Butler community to join and mingle. Bring food, drinks, chairs, friends, and come and go as you please to this exciting atmosphere. The lot also includes open seating and easy access to the Food Truck Festival and Family Fun Fest.

Individual Tailgate parking packages are available for purchase in the East Parking Lot via TicketMaster. The East Lot opens at 8:00 AM. Please see Athletics’ complete tailgating policy.

Bulldog Boulevard Tailgates from different campus areas and communities, including:

  • College of Communication (10:00 AM-1:00 PM)
  • College of Education (10:00 AM-1:00 PM)
  • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (10:00 AM-1:00 PM)
  • College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (10:00 AM-1:00PM)
  • Lacy School of Business and MBA Alumni Community (10:00 AM-1:00 PM)
  • Jordan College of the Arts (10:00 AM-1:00 PM)
  • Young Alumni Tailgate (10:00 AM-1:00 PM)
  • B-Association (former Student Athletes) (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
  • Butler Community Arts School (10:00 AM-1:00 PM)
  • Engineering Dual Degree Program (10:00 AM-1:00 PM)
  • Family Reunion Tailgate (open to everyone, see below)
  • Butler Libraries
  • Elements Financial
  • Central Indiana Butler Community (10:00 AM-1:00 PM)
  • English Department
  • Class of 1993 20th Reunion (10:00 AM-1:00 PM)

Alumni Association Tailgate
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Bulldog Boulevard, Hinkle Fieldhouse Parking Lot

FREE
Stop by the Alumni Association Tent as you enter Bulldog Boulevard! Get all the details for the weekend and some Butler swag!


Butler Family Reunion Tailgate
9:00 AM
Hinkle Fieldhouse Parking Lot

FREE; Reservation Requested
Butler grads and current students are welcome to stop by to make connections at this annual gathering hosted by Kent ’94 and Brittney Greer ’94. Enjoy some Butler hospitality at one of the biggest tailgates at Homecoming!


Spend your Homecoming Morning with the COE!
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 
Park at the South Campus Main Building for the day
Tour the Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material Exhibition (enter through the entrance facing Haughey Ave) in South Campus 106

During this unique visual representation, participants will read and view the philosophy of the Reggio Emilia Approach through the Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material, an exhibition-atelier.  This specific exhibition tells the story of research in Reggio Emilia’s infant-toddler centers and preschools on the theme of mark making and drawing, woven with narrative. The Mosaic exhibition, a collaboration between Reggio Children and NAREA, is hosted by Butler University College of Education.  Members of the College of Education will be at the exhibition to engage in dialogue about the exhibit and to connect with alumni.
Then, make your way on foot or catch a Dawg Ride Shuttle to Hinkle to engage with Faculty and Staff at the COE Tailgate (from 10:00 AM-1:00PM). See you at Homecoming!


Hink’s VIP Huddle
9:30 AM
West End, Hinkle Fieldhouse lot

FREE for Members of Butler Giving Societies at President’s Club level and above
Butler donors of the President’s Club, Fairview Heritage Society or Carillon Society are invited to join us for a VIP Experience at the Bulldog Beauty Contest. We invite you to stop by for complimentary food and refreshments and enjoy the Bulldog Beauty Contest (10:00 AM) from our reserved area. Reservations are requested.


Food Truck Festival
10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Along 49th Street, Hinkle Fieldhouse Parking Lot

Returning to Homecoming, alumni and fans can visit food truck vendors throughout the morning. Enjoy selections from Byrnes Grilled Pizza, Pronto Tacos, Wild Boar BBQ, Bearded Burger.


Family Fun Fest
10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Hinkle Fieldhouse Parking Lot

FREE
Bring the entire family to Family Fun Fest. Activities for all ages will be offered for families to enjoy campus.


22nd Annual Butler Bulldog Beauty Contest
10:00 AM
Hinkle Fieldhouse Parking Lot

FREE
A Homecoming favorite, Blue IV hosts the 22nd annual contest. This is a must-attend event for all Bulldog fans!


Pepsi/Rockstar Activation
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Esports Park Patio

Open to anyone. Come by to grab free swag, drinks and socialize on the heated patio with TV’s. Esports Park Café will be open 12:00-8:00 PM


Esports VALORANT

12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Esports Park

Universities from across the state will be on site to compete. Pool play with split double elimination bracket. All are welcome. Esports Park Café open from 12:00-8:00PM.


Butler Bulldogs vs. Valparaiso Beacons
1:00 PM
Sellick Bowl

General Admission tickets are available in advance for $12 at butlersports.com/buytickets. $15 reserved chairbacks and $8 general admission youth tickets will be available at the gate. Please visit https://butlersports.com/feature/SellickBowl to review all the gameday policies.


Men’s Soccer vs. Akron
2:00 PM
Varsity Field

Tickets are $8 for General Admission Adults. Youth tickets are available at the gate for $5.


Class of 1973 50th Reunion Men’s Basketball Hospitality

6:00 PM
Efroymson Family Gym, Hinkle Fieldhouse

Members of the Class of 1973 are invited to enjoy the Men’s basketball game with classmates with reserved seating in the 200-level for the game. Attendees will have access to the Efroymson Family Gym hospitality area both before the game and during halftime. Tickets for the game will go on-sale on September 22. Fill out this interest form to be notified when tickets become available.


Holcomb Planetarium Show and Telescope Viewing

7:00 PM
Holcomb Observatory

Doors open at 7:00 PM. Planetarium show at 7:30 PM There will be telescope viewing after the planetarium show, weather permitting. Admission for the planetarium programming is $5 for children and students under 18 yrs, and $8 for adults (Butler students are free).  We accept cash or credit. Butler students are admitted at no charge.


Butler Bulldogs vs. Northern Ohio
7:30 PM
Hinkle Fieldhouse

Don’t miss the first home game of the year in Historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. Tickets will go on sale on October 6th at 10 AM.


The Price is Right Live™
7:30 PM
Clowes Memorial Hall

The Price Is Right Live™ is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to hear their names called and “Come On Down” to win.  Prizes may include appliances, vacations and possibly a new car!  Play classic games just like on television’s longest running and most popular game show…from Plinko™ to Cliffhangers™  to The Big Wheel™ and even the fabulous Showcase. Get tickets online today!

Esports League of Legends
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Esports Park 

Universities from across the state will be on site to compete. Pool play with split double elimination bracket. All are welcome Esports Park Café open 12:00-8:00 PM.

Catholic Mass
4:00 PM
Sweeney Chapel, South Campus

All are welcome to attend.

The following classes will be hosting gatherings for classmates to celebrate milestone reunions as part of Homecoming 2023.

Friday, October 27

Class of 1973 50th Reunion
Alumni Recognition Ceremony and Reception
5:30 PM
Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts

$30 per person, Registration Required

Don’t miss this special event as the Alumni Association honors fellow alumni for extraordinary professional achievement and service to the University and their communities. In addition to the 2023 honorees, we will also be recognizing the 50th Reunion Class of 1973. Guests of the Class of 1973 will have an area of reserved seating at the event.


Saturday, October 28

Class of 1993 30th Reunion
10:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Bulldog Boulevard, Hinkle Fieldhouse lot

Members of the Class of 1993 are invited to tailgate and reconnect with classmates in the heart of the Homecoming tailgate. The area is free to attend, and guests are welcome to bring their own chairs, coolers and games to enjoy the morning. Visit the Class of 1993 Reunion Facebook page to keep up to date for the latest news and updates from the class.


Class of 1973 50th Reunion Men’s Basketball Hospitality
6:00 PM
Efroymson Family Gym, Hinkle Fieldhouse

Members of the Class of 1973 are invited to enjoy the Men’s basketball game with classmates with reserved seating in the 200-level for the game. Attendees will have access to the Efroymson Family Gym hospitality area both before the game and during halftime. Tickets for the game will go on-sale on October 6th. Fill out this interest form to be notified when tickets become available.

What is the best way to enter campus, and where do I park when I arrive?
Guests are encouraged to plan their travel to campus with the Monumental Marathon in mind. Closures around campus will begin at 8:30 AM, and you can see the open routes into campus, here, to plan your travel. Visitor parking will be available in the Sunset Avenue Parking Garage. A parking fee of $10 will be charged. Parking in surface lots marked for permit parking and on residential streets will be restricted. Parking at the Sellick Bowl will only be available to those who purchased tailgate parking passes.
For those traveling to campus on foot or biking in, there will be course marshals throughout the course allowing people to pass through gaps as the race allows, but please be mindful of  participants and do not interfere with their run/walk.

I have mobility issues. Will there be transportation available on campus?
The Dawg Ride shuttle will be circulating campus on Saturday, October 28, beginning at 10:00 A.M. and running through the end of the football game for those guests that need assistance in reaching another area of campus. The shuttles will stop at Hinkle Fieldhouse, The Sunset Ave. Parking Garage, 46th and Sunset, Atherton Union, and South Campus.

Where will I find accessible parking?
Accessible parking will be available in the surface lot immediately south of the Sunset Avenue Parking Garage. The Dawg Ride shuttle is accessible and stops in the lot to transport guests to other parts of campus.

How do I receive my pre-ordered tickets?
Tailgate parking packages purchased through Ticketmaster were mailed in advance. Football and basketball tickets ordered in advance for the weekend should be available for print or mobile delivery via your Ticketmaster account.

Is there an information tent for Homecoming?
Yes, the Alumni Association tent will be located on the west end of Bulldog Boulevard at Hinkle Fieldhouse from 9:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. This is where you can check-in to receive Butler swag, enjoy complimentary warm beverages, and receive general information for the weekend.

Will there be food options available for purchase in the tailgate lot?

Yes. There will be a food truck festival from 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M., adjacent to Bulldog Boulevard. Concessions will be available inside the Sellick Bowl, and Butler Dining Services will have options for purchase inside Starbucks, Plum Market, and The Marketplace in Atherton Union.

What items am I allowed to bring for tailgating at Hinkle Fieldhouse?
Please refer to the Athletics’ Tailgating Policy.

I am attending a tailgate in Bulldog Boulevard. How do I know where to find a specific tent?
Each tent will have the signage indicating the tailgate name. Guests can also stop by the Alumni Association tent located on the west end of Bulldog Boulevard for assistance.

What activities are available for kids at Homecoming?
There is a lot for kids to do at Homecoming. The Bulldog Beauty Contest is a great family event and begins at 10:00 A.M. Family Fun Fest will be moving under the big tent in the Hinkle Fieldhouse lot and will include several activities for kids from 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.

Can I purchase a Tailgate spot the morning of Homecoming?
Tailgate packages will only be available online in advance of the weekend. Passes will not be available on game-day, and it is anticipated that the tailgate will sell out.

What if I have a question not listed on the FAQ page?
If you have additional questions not addressed on this list, please contact the Office of Butler Community Engagement at 800-368-6852 ext. 9946.