MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University is fueling up for fun while making the final preparations for this year’s Homecoming 2025 festivities and game on Saturday, Sept. 20.  

With the hit-the-road theme of “Boro Bound Road Trip,” the MTSU Alumni Association and Student Government Association collaborate on several special events leading up to Homecoming Day, when everyone gathers to reminisce and enjoy the family-friendly fun activities.

After a day of fun, including a parade, tailgating and more, the Blue Raiders will take on Marshall University at 6 p.m. Sept. 20 at Floyd Stadium.

Beth Dye, assistant director in the MTSU Alumni Relations Office, said preparations for this year’s homecoming have been months in the making and include events like the Golden Raiders Reunion honoring the Class of 1975; the Alumni Association Awards and the Mixer on Middle Parade Watch Party at the Alumni House.

“Our ‘Boro Bound Road Trip’ is a chance to return to Middle Tennessee State University, where their story began and to see how it’s grown,” Dye said.

Dye and Student Government Association President R.J. Ware previewed the weekend of events recently on the “MTSU on 2” segment from the studios of WKRN-TV News 2, the ABC affiliate in Nashville, with show trendspotter Silvia Castaneda.

Homecoming Day

Events, activities leading up to the Sept. 20 game include:

• The annual Mixer on Middle Parade Watching Party at 10:30 a.m. at The Alumni House, 2259 Middle Tennessee Blvd.
• The Homecoming Parade, featuring students’ floats, the Band of Blue and more at 11 a.m., begins on East Main Street at Maney Avenue, continues on East Main, turns left on Middle Tennessee Boulevard, and ends before Greenland Drive.
• Party in the Grove in Walnut Grove, three hours before kickoff, featuring Nashville-based pop/rock band Davvn (pronounced dawn), made up of lead singer McCall Bliss and guitarists Mike Nuzzolo.
• Raider Walk, approximately 2 ½ hours before kickoff, in Walnut Grove near Peck Hall.

“Homecoming week is full of exciting events and activities planned to welcome our alumni home as they embark on their ‘Road Trip to Floyd’ to reconnect with their peers and to cheer on our Blue Raiders,” Dye said.

Earlier in the week, students can participate in several events hosted by the SGA and the Alumni Association.

Monday, Sept. 15

• Paint the Halls Blue Road Trip, all around campus from 1 to 4:30 p.m. 
• Road Trip Playlist Kickoff at the Student Union Commons from 7 to 10 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 16

• Rollin’ on Route Blue Skate Night at the Campus Recreation Center from 7 to 10 p.m. Skates are provided for free!
• Glow Golf at the Campus Recreation Center from 7 to 10 p.m. 

Wednesday, Sept. 17

• Souvenir Stop Swag Wagon, all around campus from 10 a.m. to noon. 
• Mac & Cheese Cookoff at the Student Union Commons from 5 to 7 p.m. 

Thursday, Sept. 18

• Crash the Commons Road Trip Rave at the Student Union Commons from 6 to 10 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 19

• NPHC Step Show in the Student Ballroom at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 each.  Buy your ticket at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=298363.  

Also on Friday, Sept. 19, Golden Raiders from the Class of 1975 and earlier will reconnect for a reunion at 10 a.m. in the Sam Ingram Building, 2269 Middle Blvd. At 10:30 a.m., the Golden Raiders will take a campus tour via the Raider Xpress before lunch at noon.

The Alumni Association will also honor prominent alums at the Alumni Awards ceremony at 4 p.m. The next day, they’ll ride in the Homecoming Parade and receive recognition at the football game. Read more about this year’s honorees.  

—   DeAnn Hays (deann.hays@mtsu.edu)