Homecoming 2023
October 27–29
The below 2022 information will be replaced with the 2023 details this summer. 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.
Bulldogs come one come all to the celebration of all things drooly and adorable. The Bulldog Beauty Contest is back for its 21st year! Held in the heart of homecoming, the location for this year’s contest will again be on the west end of the Hinkle Fieldhouse parking lot, in front of the HRC, and surrounded by tailgating activity, which should make for a lively and festive atmosphere and an accessible event for participants and spectators alike. Frenchies, English Bulldogs, American Bulldogs, or any mix of Bulldogs are invited to compete in two of our seven light-hearted categories.
What is the best way to enter campus, and where do I park when I arrive?
Visitor parking will be available in the Sunset Avenue Parking Garage. A parking fee of $10 will be charged. Hampton Drive will be closed between Haughey and Sunset from 8:00-10:00 AM for the Sigma Chi Chariot Races. Guests arriving during that time are encouraged to enter campus from 46th Street. 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.
I have mobility issues. Will there be transportation available on campus?
The Dawg Ride shuttle will be circulating campus on Saturday, October 22, 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 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 face painting, a caricature artist, and balloon art from 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
I registered for Homecoming but can no longer attend. Is it possible to get a refund?
Refunds cannot be provided for cancellations made now through Homecoming. Refunds will not be available for registrants who choose not to attend the event.
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.
Esports Park Grand Opening
4:00 PM
FREE
The Butler community is invited to the grand opening ceremony for the Esports Park. Join us as we celebrate this exciting occasion. Dress is casual. Register via the main Homecoming registration link above. There will be a presentation from 4-4:30 PM with self-guided tours to follow. The short ceremony will include speaking engagements from Jim Danko (President, Butler), Eric Kammeyer (Director, Esports), Lee Farquhar (Associate Professor; Director Eugene S. Pulliam School of Journalism and Creative Media; Academic Lead for Esports), Bryan Rogers (President, Esports Club), Melissa Thompson (VP of Bids and External Affairs, Indiana Sports Corp) and Chris Schneider (Executive Associate Commissioner, BIG EAST Conference. Parking is complimentary; please inform the parking attendant that you are there for the Grand Opening. Hink, Blue IV, and the Butler University Cheerleaders will be available for photo opportunities. A campus map and directions can be found here.
Theatre History Exhibit
8:00 AM-8:00 PM
Irwin Library
Throughout the weekend, view a Butler Theatre retrospective exhibit in the Irwin Library Atrium. See posters, costumes, and masks from past and present Butler Theatre productions.
Theatre Anniversary Artist Meet and Greet
Noon—12:50 PM
Lilly Hall, Room 328
Join students for a Meet & Greet with Columbian artist Bernardo Rey, Butler Theatre’s Christel DeHaan Visiting International Artist (VITA), who will share his vision for his November production at Butler. Designers will also share their design work. No RSVP required.
Tour of Butler Theatre Spaces
Hourly, 2:00-5:00PM
2:00-2:45 PM, 3:00-3:45 PM, 4:00-4:45 PM
Begin at the Lilly Hall Studio Theatre outdoor “awning” entrance to Lilly Hall on the west side (nearest the Observatory).
Stops include the Lilly Hall Studio Theatre, Costume Shop, the new Scene Shop and Costume Storage in the Parking garage, and the old Theatre space in Robertson Hall. RSVP requested.
Self-Guided Tours of Levinson Family Hall
4:00–6:00PM
Levinson Family Hall (former entrance to Holcomb Building)
Free
Walk through the new building addition and renovated spaces serving the Sciences.
Theatre 75th Anniversary Reception
5:00-7:00 PM
Lilly Hall, Room 328
Complimentary snacks and cash bar. A time to meet up with friends of Butler Theatre old and new.
Efroymson Diversity Center Homecoming Reunion and Open House
5:00–6:30 PM
Efroymson Diversity Center, Lower Level of Atherton Union
FREE, Reservations requested but not required.
Join students and alumni for light refreshments on Friday evening while exploring the programs and services that the Efroymson Diversity Center offers to students. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the Center’s Director, Randall Ojeda MS ’18, and his staff. Guests are encouraged to bring items for the Center’s toiletry pantry, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and deodorant.
Butler Hillel Shabbat Service & Dinner
6:00 PM
Efroymson Center for Creative Writing (530 W. Hampton Drive)
Open to Hillel Alumni. To RSVP, contact Lisa Frank at lbfrank@butler.edu.
Alumni Recognition Ceremony and Reception
6:00 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 2022 honorees, we will also be recognizing the 50th Reunion Class of 1972.
Registration for this event is separate from the general Homecoming registration form. Complete the Alumni Award Recognition event registration.
2022 Honorees:
- Butler Medal— William R. Shover ’52
- Butler Service Medal— Dr. Paul Valliere
- Robert Todd Duncan Alumni Achievement Award— Robert M. Jacobson ’80
- Katharine Merrill Graydon Alumni Service Award— Patty Shute Wachel ’73
- Hilton Ultimus Brown Alumni Achievement Award— Dr. Dana Altemeyer ’04, MS ’07
- Joseph Irwin Sweeney Alumni Service Award— Napoleon “Al” Carroll III ’13
- Mortar Award — William L. Sherwood ’84 and Dana L. Beaty Sherwood ’85
- Foundation Award — Bradley ’04 and Andrea (Sands) Hamann ’08
Learn more about the 2022 Award recipients.
Esports Rocket League
6:00-11:00 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.
Theatre 75th Anniversary Open Rehearsal
7:15–8:00 PM
Lilly Hall Studio Theatre, Room 168
Visit rehearsal for production directed by Columbian artist Bernardo Rey, Christel DeHaan Visiting International Theatre Artist.
Holcomb Planetarium Show and Telescope Viewing
7:30 PM
Holcomb Observatory
Doors open at 7:30 PM. Planetarium show at 8:00 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 (i.e. free).
Tailgating Opens
8:00 AM
Hinkle Fieldhouse, East Parking Lot
Tailgate passes are sold out. Parking will be available for $10 in the Sunset Ave. Parking Garage on a first-come, first-served basis.
Butler Swimming vs. Alumni
8:00 AM
HRC Pool
Sigma Chi Chariot Races
9:00 AM
Hampton Drive
The Chariot Race is back. Spectator can watch races which include Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Tau Delta, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Kappa Psi, Sigma Nu, and Butler University IFC.
The Science of Coffee and Scones
9:00-11:00 AM
Levinson Family Hall
Join Chemistry Professors as they dive into the science behind some of your favorite breakfast treats in the new state of the art test kitchen inside Levinson Family Hall. Cost to participate is $10 per person and space is limited. Sessions are offered at 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM.
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
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. No tailgate parking passes will be sold on game day. Please see Athletics’ complete tailgating policy.
Bulldog Boulevard Tailgates from different campus areas and communities, including:
- Elements Financial Tailgate (10:00 AM–1:00 PM)
- College of Communication (10:30 AM–2:30 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–1:00 PM)
- 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)
- Engineering Dual Degree Program (10:00 AM–1:00 PM)
- Department of Theatre 75th Anniversary (10:00 AM–1:00 PM)
- History, Anthropology, and Classics (10:00 AM–1:00 PM)
- English Department Tailgate (10:00 AM-1:00 PM)
- Family Reunion Tailgate (open to everyone, see below)
- Class of 2012 10th Reunion (10:00 AM–1:00 PM)
- Class of 2002 20th Reunion (10:00 AM–1:00 PM)
- Class of 1997 25th 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! The Association will also be collecting new, unopened items for the Diversity Center’s toiletry pantry, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and deodorant.
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 ’94 Greer. Enjoy some Butler hospitality at one of the biggest tailgates 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, and Carillon Society and Cornerstone Society are invited to join us for a VIP Experience at the Bulldog Beauty Contest. We invite you to stop by for food and refreshments and enjoy the Bulldog Beauty Contest (10:00 AM) from our reserved area.
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. Vendors will include Byrne’s Grilled Pizza, Prontos Tacos, WildBoar BBQ, and Scott Diggity Dogs.
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.
50th Reunion Hospitality Area
10:00–1:00 PM
Health and Recreation Complex Conference Room
Members of the Class of 1972 are invited to gather in this private area, adjacent to the Homecoming tailgate. Refreshments will be provided. Celebrate this important milestone while reconnecting with classmates.
Register for this event via the main Homecoming registration form.
21st Annual Bulldog Beauty Contest presented by Built Ford Tough Trucks
10:00 AM
Hinkle Fieldhouse Parking Lot
FREE
A Homecoming favorite, Blue IV hosts the 21st 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.
The Collegian Open House
11:00 AM– 12:30 PM
Fairbanks Building, Room 210
Former staff members of The Collegian are invited to visit the newly renovated Collegian office in Fairbanks. Meet and chat with the current staff and enjoy light refreshments while reminiscing about your time on the paper. Registration is requested.
Self-Guided Tours of Levinson Family Hall
11:00 AM–1:00PM
Levinson Family Hall (former entrance to Holcomb Building)
Free
Walk through the new building addition and renovated spaces serving the Sciences.
Theatre History Exhibit
12:00–8:00 PM
Irwin Library
Throughout the weekend, view a Butler Theatre retrospective exhibit in the Irwin Library Atrium. See posters, costumes, and masks from past and present Butler Theatre productions.
Esports League of Legends
12:00–9:00 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. Marist Red Foxes
1:00 PM
Sellick Bowl
Advance Ticket Prices: $15 reserved chairbacks $12 general admission adult, $8 general admission youth. Tickets are available at butlersports.com/buytickets or contact the Ticket Office Monday-Friday from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM at 317-940-3647. Please visit https://butlersports.com/feature/SellickBowl to review all the gameday policies.
Tour of Butler Theatre Spaces
2:00-2:45 PM
Begin at the Lilly Hall Studio Theatre outdoor “awning” entrance to Lilly Hall on the west side (nearest the Observatory).
Stops include the Lilly Hall Studio Theatre, Costume Shop, the new Scene Shop and Costume Storage in the Parking garage, and the old Theatre space in Robertson Hall.
Theatre 75th Anniversary Stage Movement Class
3:00-4:30 PM
Lilly Hall 328
Take a Stage Movement Class with former Butler Theatre teacher Melli Hoppe
Memorial for Emeritus Professor Bill Ney, founder of Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD)
4:30-6:30 PM
Garden House
Guests are encouraged to RSVP by October 17 to Mary Duffer at mduffer@butler.edu.
Theatre 75th Anniversary Dinner
5:30-8:00 PM
Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts
Registration for the Theatre Anniversary events are separate from the general Homecoming registration form. Register here for the Theatre Anniversary events.
Gather for a pre-dinner drink from 5:30–6:00 PM and view Butler Theatre memorabilia, take photos at our Butler Theatre station with a prop or costume piece, meet up with friends. At 6:00 PM, enjoy an informal dinner on the stage with entertainment from current students and alumni sprinkled throughout. Dinner includes heavy hors d’oeuvres (vegan through carnivore), dessert, and 2 drink tickets for $20 per person. If childcare is needed, please contact the department at ljcooper@butler.edu and include the ages of the children.
Holcomb Planetarium Show and Telescope Viewing
6:45 PM
Holcomb Observatory
Doors open at 6:45 PM. Planetarium shows at 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM There will be telescope viewing after each 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 (i.e. free).
Men’s Soccer vs. St. John’s (Senior Night)
7:00 PM
Sellick Bowl
Tickets are available for $8 (GA Adult) and $5 (GA Youth).
Tickets are available at butlersports.com/buytickets or contact the Ticket Office Monday-Friday from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM at 317-940-3647. Please visit https://butlersports.com/feature/SellickBowl to review all the gameday policies.
Esports Valorant
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.
Theatre History Exhibit
Noon–Midnight
Irwin Library
Throughout the weekend, view a Butler Theatre retrospective exhibit in the Irwin Library Atrium. See posters, costumes, and masks from past and present Butler Theatre productions.
Women’s Soccer vs. Georgetown
1:00 PM
Sellick Bowl
Tickets are available for $8 (GA Adult) and $5 (GA Youth).
Tickets are available at butlersports.com/buytickets or contact the Ticket Office Monday-Friday from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM at 317-940-3647. Please visit https://butlersports.com/feature/SellickBowl to review all the gameday policies.
Catholic Mass
4:00 PM
Sweeney Chapel, South Campus
All are welcome to attend.
Join the Jordan College of the Arts as campus celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the Department of Theatre.
Registration for the Theatre Anniversary events are separate from the general Homecoming registration form. Register here for the Theatre Anniversary events.
Theatre History Exhibit
Irwin Library
Throughout the weekend, view a Butler Theatre retrospective exhibit in the Irwin Library Atrium. See posters, costumes, and masks from past and present Butler Theatre productions. Library Hours are Friday: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM, Saturday: Noon–8:00 PM, Sunday: Noon–Midnight.
Friday, October 21
Theatre Anniversary Artist Meet and Greet
Noon-12:50 PM
Lilly Hall, Room 328
Join students for a Meet & Greet with Columbian artist Bernardo Rey, Butler Theatre’s Christel DeHaan Visiting International Artist (VITA), who will share his vision for his November production at Butler. Designers will also share their design work. No RSVP required.
Tour of Butler Theatre Spaces
Hourly, 2:00-5:00PM
2:00-2:45 PM, 3:00-3:45 PM, 4:00-4:45 PM
Begin at the Lilly Hall Studio Theatre outdoor “awning” entrance to Lilly Hall on the west side (nearest the Observatory).
Stops include the Lilly Hall Studio Theatre, Costume Shop, the new Scene Shop and Costume Storage in the Parking garage, and the old Theatre space in Robertson Hall. RSVP requested.
Theatre 75th Anniversary Reception
5:00-7:00 PM
Lilly Hall, Room 328
Complimentary snacks and cash bar. A time to meet up with friends of Butler Theatre old and new.
7:15-8:00 PM
Lilly Hall Studio Theatre, Room 168
Visit rehearsal for production directed by Columbian artist Bernardo Rey, Christel DeHaan Visiting International Theatre Artist
Saturday, October 22
Theatre 75th Anniversary Tailgate
10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Bulldog Boulevard, West Hinkle Fieldhouse lot
Tailgate with Butler Theatre in the Hinkle Parking Lot. Complimentary food and drinks provided.
Tour of Butler Theatre Spaces
2:00-2:45 PM
Begin at the Lilly Hall Studio Theatre outdoor “awning” entrance to Lilly Hall on the west side (nearest the Observatory).
Stops include the Lilly Hall Studio Theatre, Costume Shop, the new Scene Shop and Costume Storage in the Parking garage, and the old Theatre space in Robertson Hall.
Theatre 75th Anniversary Stage Movement Class
3:00-4:30 PM
Lilly Hall 328
Take a Stage Movement Class with former Butler Theatre teacher Melli Hoppe
Theatre 75th Anniversary Dinner
5:30-8:00 PM
Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts
Gather for a pre-dinner drink from 5:30-6:00 PM and view Butler Theatre memorabilia, take photos at our Butler Theatre station with a prop or costume piece, meet up with friends. At 6:00 PM, enjoy an informal dinner on the stage with entertainment from current students and alumni sprinkled throughout. Dinner includes heavy hors d’oeuvres (vegan through carnivore), dessert, and 2 drink tickets for $20 per person. If childcare is needed, please contact the department at ljcooper@butler.edu and include the ages of the children.
The following Classes will host Reunion activities during the weekend. Registration is included in the Homecoming registration form.
Class of 1972 50th Reunion
Friday, October 21
Alumni Recognition Ceremony and Reception
6:00 PM
Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts
$30 per person, Registration Required
The Class of 1972’s Reunion Milestone will be recognized during this annual Homecoming tradition. Don’t miss this special event as the Alumni Association honors 50th reunion graduates and fellow alumni for extraordinary professional achievement and service to the University and their communities.
Registration for this event is separate from the general Homecoming registration form. Complete the Alumni Award Recognition event registration.
Saturday, October 22
50th Reunion Hospitality Area
10:00 – 1:00 PM
Health and Recreation Complex Conference Room
Members of the Class of 1972 are invited to gather in this private area, adjacent to the Homecoming tailgate. Refreshments will be provided. Celebrate this important milestone while reconnecting with classmates.
Register for this event via the main Homecoming registration form.
Class of 1997 25th Reunion
Saturday, October 22
25th Reunion Tailgate Tent
10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Bulldog Boulevard, Hinkle Fieldhouse West lot
Graduates from the Class of 1997 are invited to tailgate in Bulldog Boulevard. Bring your coolers, chairs, and friends to tailgate in the heart of the Hinkle lot as you reconnect with classmates. Light refreshments will be provided.
Class of 2002 20th Reunion
Saturday, October 22
20th Reunion Tailgate Tent
10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Bulldog Boulevard, Hinkle Fieldhouse West lot
Graduates from the Class of 2002 are invited to tailgate in Bulldog Boulevard. Bring your coolers, chairs, and friends to tailgate in the heart of the Hinkle lot as you reconnect with classmates. Light refreshments will be provided.
Class of 2012 10th Reunion
Saturday, October 22
10th Reunion Tailgate Tent
10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Bulldog Boulevard, Hinkle Fieldhouse West lot
Graduates from the Class of 2012 are invited to tailgate in Bulldog Boulevard. Bring your coolers, chairs, and friends to tailgate in the heart of the Hinkle lot as you reconnect with classmates. Light refreshments will be provided.
Bulldogs of all ages are invited to join our annual coloring contest! There will be prizes for all age groups, and you can view this year’s entries at the Butler Bookstore during Homecoming. Be sure to return your coloring page to the Butler Bookstore no later than 3:00 PM on Saturday, October 21. Good luck!