Eastern Michigan Athletics
Looking Ahead: EMU Gears Up for Homecoming with a Week of Events
9/8/2025 5:18:00 PM | Men's XC, Women's XC, Football, Men's Track & Field, Women's Track & Field, General
Homecoming 2025, themed “Paint It Green,” begins Thursday, Sept. 11, and culminates Saturday, Sept. 20
Complete Homecoming Schedule | Purchase Game Tickets
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Eastern Michigan University is preparing for one of the most spirited weeks of the year. Homecoming 2025, themed "Paint It Green," begins Thursday, Sept. 11, and culminates Saturday, Sept. 20, when the Eagles take on the University of Louisiana at Rynearson Stadium. The showdown kicks off at 3:30 p.m. with single-game tickets available at EMUEagles.com/tickets or by calling the EMU Ticket Office at 734.487.3669. Advanced day of game tickets start at just $25, while group tickets (15+ individuals) are as low as $8 per person.
Homecoming at EMU is about more than football. It is a celebration of everything that makes the university unique. This year, highlights include the retirement of Women's Cross Country and Track & Field coach Sue Parks, who has spent 20 years building championship programs, mentoring athletes, and earning recognition as MAC Coach of the Year 16 times. The week also features the grand opening of the new Outdoor Track Complex, which will be highlighted by the Alumni Mile, giving past and present student-athletes a chance to reconnect with the sport and campus.
Events throughout the week offer something for everyone. Students and families can participate in Field Day, reliving favorite childhood games with a collegiate twist. The T-Shirt Swap and Build an Eagle event allows attendees to receive a new Homecoming shirt while supporting Swoop's Food Pantry, then create their own EMU eagle mascot. Alumni are invited to celebrate achievements at the Alumni Awards and reconnect during the All Sports Reunion, which provides field-level access, private tent space, food, drinks, and special recognition for former athletes.
EMU soccer hosts the University at Buffalo Thursday, Sept. 18, at 4:30 p.m. with the theme "Our House, Our Green" so come out to cheer on the team decked out in your favorite school color.
The week culminates with Rynearson Stadium buzzing for the Homecoming football game. Halftime will feature Drew and Kin, the high-energy piano rock duo performing a Michigan-music medley. Fans will also have the option to join the exclusive Lettermen's Breakfast with former football players and coaching staff, an opportunity to hear game-day strategies and share in the excitement of Homecoming traditions.
This year's Homecoming marks the 97th game in program history. The Eagles enter the contest with four consecutive Homecoming victories, including a thrilling 38-34 win over Central Michigan last year. Overall, EMU holds a 50-46-2 record in Homecoming games. After a pandemic-related pause in 2020 and a prior five-game losing streak, the Eagles have reclaimed the tradition as a highlight of the season. Fans attending this year's matchup can expect an electric atmosphere on the field and in the stands.
Homecoming Week Schedule:
Thursday, Sept. 11 – Field Day, 7–9 p.m., Rynearson Stadium
Wednesday, Sept. 17 – T-Shirt Swap and Build an Eagle, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Student Center Lobby
Thursday, Sept. 18 - Soccer vs. Buffalo, 4:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept 19 – Sue Parks Retirement Celebration, 7–9 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 20 – Football Letterman's Breakfast, 9-10:30 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 20 – Track & Field Alumni Mile, 10–10:30 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 20 – Outdoor Track Complex Ribbon Cutting, 12:30–1 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 20 – Alumni and Friends Tailgate Tent, 12:30–3:30 p.m., Front Lawn at Rynearson Stadium
Saturday, Sept. 20 – All Sports Reunion, 2:30 p.m., North End Zone Tent
Saturday, Sept. 20 – Football vs. Louisiana, 3:30 p.m., Rynearson Stadium
Halftime Performance – Drew & Kin, high-energy piano rock duo, Michigan-music medley
Ticket Information:
All Sports Reunion: $50, includes game entry, food, and two drink tickets (50% off for E-Club members)
Football Lettermen's Breakfast: $50, limited to 100 seats, supports EMU Football program
Enhanced Tailgating and Parking Experience
EMU has introduced procedures to ensure a safer and more enjoyable tailgating experience. All cars entering the Rynearson Stadium parking lot will be charged a $10 fee (cash only) on game day, except those with a valid game ticket (must be shown at entry). For an even more premium experience, fans can purchase the "Homecoming Tailgate Package" for $75, which includes reserved tailgating space and early setup privileges on Friday, Sept. 19. EMU is also designating special Family Tailgate Zones at both the north and south ends of the stadium.
Parking Timeline for Saturday, Sept. 20:
9 a.m. – Lots staffed
9:30 a.m. – Early access for Homecoming Tailgate Package holders
10:30 a.m. – General parking lots open
1:15 p.m. – Eagle Walk/Team Arrival
2 p.m. – Stadium gates open
Additional Notes:
- All EMU students can secure a free game ticket using the promo code "EagleNation."
- Recreational Vehicles are designated to park in the VIP Lot and are required to have a VIP Parking Pass ($90 for RVs). All recreational vehicles that plan to arrive before game day need to coordinate their arrival with the EMU Athletic Ticket Office.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Eastern Michigan University is preparing for one of the most spirited weeks of the year. Homecoming 2025, themed "Paint It Green," begins Thursday, Sept. 11, and culminates Saturday, Sept. 20, when the Eagles take on the University of Louisiana at Rynearson Stadium. The showdown kicks off at 3:30 p.m. with single-game tickets available at EMUEagles.com/tickets or by calling the EMU Ticket Office at 734.487.3669. Advanced day of game tickets start at just $25, while group tickets (15+ individuals) are as low as $8 per person.
Homecoming at EMU is about more than football. It is a celebration of everything that makes the university unique. This year, highlights include the retirement of Women's Cross Country and Track & Field coach Sue Parks, who has spent 20 years building championship programs, mentoring athletes, and earning recognition as MAC Coach of the Year 16 times. The week also features the grand opening of the new Outdoor Track Complex, which will be highlighted by the Alumni Mile, giving past and present student-athletes a chance to reconnect with the sport and campus.
Events throughout the week offer something for everyone. Students and families can participate in Field Day, reliving favorite childhood games with a collegiate twist. The T-Shirt Swap and Build an Eagle event allows attendees to receive a new Homecoming shirt while supporting Swoop's Food Pantry, then create their own EMU eagle mascot. Alumni are invited to celebrate achievements at the Alumni Awards and reconnect during the All Sports Reunion, which provides field-level access, private tent space, food, drinks, and special recognition for former athletes.
EMU soccer hosts the University at Buffalo Thursday, Sept. 18, at 4:30 p.m. with the theme "Our House, Our Green" so come out to cheer on the team decked out in your favorite school color.
The week culminates with Rynearson Stadium buzzing for the Homecoming football game. Halftime will feature Drew and Kin, the high-energy piano rock duo performing a Michigan-music medley. Fans will also have the option to join the exclusive Lettermen's Breakfast with former football players and coaching staff, an opportunity to hear game-day strategies and share in the excitement of Homecoming traditions.
This year's Homecoming marks the 97th game in program history. The Eagles enter the contest with four consecutive Homecoming victories, including a thrilling 38-34 win over Central Michigan last year. Overall, EMU holds a 50-46-2 record in Homecoming games. After a pandemic-related pause in 2020 and a prior five-game losing streak, the Eagles have reclaimed the tradition as a highlight of the season. Fans attending this year's matchup can expect an electric atmosphere on the field and in the stands.
Homecoming Week Schedule:
Thursday, Sept. 11 – Field Day, 7–9 p.m., Rynearson Stadium
Wednesday, Sept. 17 – T-Shirt Swap and Build an Eagle, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Student Center Lobby
Thursday, Sept. 18 - Soccer vs. Buffalo, 4:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept 19 – Sue Parks Retirement Celebration, 7–9 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 20 – Football Letterman's Breakfast, 9-10:30 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 20 – Track & Field Alumni Mile, 10–10:30 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 20 – Outdoor Track Complex Ribbon Cutting, 12:30–1 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 20 – Alumni and Friends Tailgate Tent, 12:30–3:30 p.m., Front Lawn at Rynearson Stadium
Saturday, Sept. 20 – All Sports Reunion, 2:30 p.m., North End Zone Tent
Saturday, Sept. 20 – Football vs. Louisiana, 3:30 p.m., Rynearson Stadium
Halftime Performance – Drew & Kin, high-energy piano rock duo, Michigan-music medley
Ticket Information:
All Sports Reunion: $50, includes game entry, food, and two drink tickets (50% off for E-Club members)
Football Lettermen's Breakfast: $50, limited to 100 seats, supports EMU Football program
Enhanced Tailgating and Parking Experience
EMU has introduced procedures to ensure a safer and more enjoyable tailgating experience. All cars entering the Rynearson Stadium parking lot will be charged a $10 fee (cash only) on game day, except those with a valid game ticket (must be shown at entry). For an even more premium experience, fans can purchase the "Homecoming Tailgate Package" for $75, which includes reserved tailgating space and early setup privileges on Friday, Sept. 19. EMU is also designating special Family Tailgate Zones at both the north and south ends of the stadium.
Parking Timeline for Saturday, Sept. 20:
9 a.m. – Lots staffed
9:30 a.m. – Early access for Homecoming Tailgate Package holders
10:30 a.m. – General parking lots open
1:15 p.m. – Eagle Walk/Team Arrival
2 p.m. – Stadium gates open
Additional Notes:
- All EMU students can secure a free game ticket using the promo code "EagleNation."
- Recreational Vehicles are designated to park in the VIP Lot and are required to have a VIP Parking Pass ($90 for RVs). All recreational vehicles that plan to arrive before game day need to coordinate their arrival with the EMU Athletic Ticket Office.
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