MTSU students, alums await ‘Once in a Blue Moon’ earlier homecoming events

“Once in a Blue Moon” is the theme for Middle Tennessee State University’s 2023 homecoming celebration.

MTSU students, alumni and Blue Raider fans are preparing for homecoming festivities — taking place earlier than usual — but all building up to MTSU’s 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, game against the visiting Colorado State University Rams at Floyd Stadium.

MTSU students cheer on the Blue Raiders in mid-October 2022 during the annual Homecoming Game in Floyd Stadium. The Blue Raiders will host Colorado State at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, in this year’s Homecoming Game. (MTSU file photo by J. Intintoli)

The MTSU Alumni Association and Student Government Association are collaborating on numerous special events taking place next week. Several of the SGA and Alumni Association events overlap, as they try to get students and alumni involved.

“Homecoming is a celebration of what MTSU means to its students, alumni and community,” said Beth Dye, Alumni Relations assistant director. “It’s a time to welcome home our alumni and to commemorate their milestones and achievements since their time here at MTSU. Homecoming is an opportunity to join in a multitude of festivities across campus, reunite with friends, and to cheer on our Blue Raiders.”

SGA Homecoming Director Kelsey Ladd has coordinated the annual “Paint the Halls Blue” competition on campus, with prizes awarded to winners.

Highlights include Golden Raiders (Class of 1973) induction Friday, Sept. 22, Alumni Awards recognition (Friday and various times Saturday, Sept. 23), Mixer on Middle Parade Watching Party (10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23), Homecoming Parade (11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23) and more.

One of numerous Homecoming Parade entries, a student organization float with the “Winner’s Circle” theme heads down Middle Tennessee Boulevard in mid-October 2022. This year’s Homecoming Parade will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, starting on East Main Street and ending just past Falkinberry Drive. (MTSU file photo by J. Intintoli)

The fourth annual MTSU Black Alumni Society Party, set for Friday, Sept. 22, at the Walnut House in downtown Murfreesboro, continues to grow in popularity. Tickets are available on the Alumni Relations website.

See the full slate of events at https://bit.ly/3ZeqfpK.

The parade begins Saturday on East Main Street at Maney Avenue, continues down East Main, turns left onto Middle Tennessee Boulevard and ends about the time it reaches Faulkinberry Drive. Alumni Relations staff said the best viewing will be before it reaches Faulkinberry.

Chip Walters, 2021-22 MTSU Distinguished Alumni (Service to University) — Chip Walters

Tracey Rogers, alumna, WKRN Vice President and General Manager — Tracey Rogers

Chip Walters (’85), voice of the Blue Raiders, and Heather Mathis (’11), co-host of NewsChannel 5’s Talk of the Town, will call the parade. Alumna Tracey Rogers, who has had a distinguished broadcasting career, will be parade grand marshal. Popular DJ Tam Clark will provide music at the mixer event.

Dye said the Alumni Association, partnering with the Blue Raider Athletic Association, will host the Homecoming Tailgate Luncheon, to be held in the Alumni House parking lot following the parade-watching party. The event will be catered by Slick Pig.

Middle Tennessee Electric will bring its portable griddle to make its popular grilled cheese sandwiches, as part of a group of venders including Schenck Photography, providing souvenir photos, Kona Ice and more.

Additional tailgating in Walnut Grove will be taking place, plus Raider Walk at adjacent to Peck Hall.

Blue Raider fans, including children, shake hands with MTSU players during the pregame Raider Walk in Walnut Grove next to Peck Hall in mid-October 2022 before the Blue Raiders’ Homecoming Game, this year set for 6 p.m. against Colorado State. (MTSU file photo by J. Intintoli)

Golden Raiders, Alumni Awards

• Golden Raiders gather for a reunion starting at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22, in the Sam H. Ingram Building’s MT Center. They take a bus tour of campus, return for noon luncheon and induction ceremony. They will be welcomed by university President Sidney A. McPhee.

At 4 p.m., also in Ingram, the 2023-24 MTSU Alumni Awards will be formally recognized. They include the Distinguished Alumni (Bill Phillips) and Young Alumni Achievement (Justin Hart) award recipients, plus four individuals who are True Blue Citations of Distinction recipients: William “Bill” Crabtree, Lauren Rhae, Christian Ketel and Rickey Smith. Read more about this year’s recipients.

—Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)