Middle Tennessee State University’s 2017 Homecoming will be held Saturday, Oct. 7, when the Blue Raiders host Florida International University.

Athletics Director Chris Massaro said the football team is looking forward to lining up against a Conference USA rival for homecoming. He noted FIU is led by former NFL head coach and two-time Super Bowl champion Butch Davis.

In this October 2016 Homecoming file photo, MTSU cheerleaders fire up the student section inside Floyd Stadium. (MTSU file photo by Kimi Conro)

“Homecoming is our premier event, and this year’s game offers added meaning as a Conference USA contest,” Massaro said. “This should provide a wonderful incentive for our alumni to gather on campus and meet up with old friends.”

Alumni Relations Director Ginger Freeman said homecoming week again promises to be an exciting time on campus.

Ginger Freeman

“The Alumni Association invites all to mark your calendar now to visit during the week and weekend,” Freeman said.

“With over 60 percent of our alumni living within an hour’s drive from campus, I encourage them to make plans to come back.”

On Oct. 6, the Friday of homecoming weekend, members of the Class of 1967 will be honored during their 50th reunion and inducted into the Golden Raiders Society.

The university will also celebrate the recipients of the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Awards and True Blue Citations of Distinction Oct. 6 during a ceremony and reception.

On game day, Oct. 7, alumni and friends will be invited to watch the parade from the President’s lawn at Mixer on Main.

“Whether you meet up with your college buds or bring your family, it’s the perfect place to experience the parade in True Blue fashion,” said Rhonda King, assistant alumni relations director.

“The watching party is an entertaining homecoming tradition where you’ll find multiple generations of Blue Raiders sharing a memorable part of homecoming day together.”

King said a full schedule of festivities will be posted on the alumni association’s website, www.mtalumni.com, closer to the game.

The Student Government Association will organize several events for students, said Jackie Victory, director of student organizations and service.

Chris Massaro

Victory said student events will include the annual Chili Cook-off, a banner competition and Homecoming Parade. Alex Lineberry, a junior in the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, has been named 2017 homecoming director.

“Alex and the Homecoming Committee are working hard to identify this year’s theme and events,” she said.

Massaro said the 2017 football campaign “is poised to be another exciting season.”

“This year’s team returns All-American candidates Brent Stockstill and Richie James while debuting a new defensive scheme,” he said. “Don’t miss what will be a great home schedule that gets started with rival Vanderbilt.”

For football ticket information, bookmark www.goblueraiders.com/tickets.

— Andrew Oppmann (andrew.oppmann@mtsu.edu)

In this October 2016 MTSU homecoming file photo, students enjoy traditional tailgating activities in Walnut Grove. (MTSU file photo by J. Intintoli)

In this Homecoming 2016 file photo, MTSU fans and supporters pose for a photo at the Mixer on Main event. Homecoming 2017 will be held Saturday, Oct. 7. (MTSU file photo by Eric Sutton)