Eastern Michigan Athletics
2024 EMU Football Homecoming Parking and Tailgate Plan
10/3/2024 10:00:00 AM | Football, General
Cars without a game ticket will be charged a $10 fee (cash only) on game day
Homecoming Events | Purchase Tickets | Tailgate Package | All Sports Reunion
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University and the Department of Athletics unveiled a comprehensive tailgate and parking plan for its annual Homecoming contest. EMU will host Central Michigan University Saturday, Oct. 19, at 2 p.m., inside Rynearson Stadium.
It marks the 103rd Homecoming for Eastern Michigan University and the 96th time EMU will play a football game on Homecoming weekend. Homecoming began in 1920 and was originally known as Gala Days on campus before transitioning to the term homecoming in 1923. EMU is 48-45-2 all-time on Homecoming after defeating Ball State, 24-10, last year.
Creating a Safer Tailgating Atmosphere
To promote a safer tailgating atmosphere and minimize the overlap of cars and pedestrians, EMU has implemented the following procedures:
Parking Fee: 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).
Student Tickets: EMU students can obtain a free ticket using the EMU Student Ticket Link. (promo code "EagleNation")
Increased Security and Parking Services: EMU has partnered with MTS for enhanced security coverage in all parking lots on game day. The EMU ROTC will also play a crucial role in parking coverage.
Saturday, Oct. 19 Parking Timeline
6:30 a.m. - Lots staffed (Lots locked before 6:30 a.m.)
7 a.m. - Early access for fans who purchased the Homecoming Tailgate Package (One Car Per Package)
8:30 a.m. - Lots open for general fans
11:45 a.m. - Eagle Walk / Team Arrival
12:30 p.m. - Stadium Gates Open
2 p.m. - Kickoff
Recreational Vehicles: Recreational Vehicles are designated to park in the VIP Lot and are required to have a VIP Parking Pass ($80 for RVs). All recreational vehicles that plan to arrive prior to game day need to coordinate their arrival with the EMU Athletic Ticket Office.
Auxiliary Parking Lots: Grass Lots at the North and South ends of the main Rynearson Lots, Intramural Field Lots, Indoor Practice Facility, and George Gervin GameAbove Center Staff lot will be used for additional general parking.
"Homecoming Tailgate Package"
For $50, fans can purchase the Homecoming Tailgate Package, which includes:
• Ability to reserve a Premium Tailgating Space with room for a large tent and grill setup.
• Early access to reserve a space and set up during the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 18.
• Overnight security within the Rynearson Lots to protect tents and tailgate equipment.
• Ability to bring one car into the lot on game day before it opens to the general public.
Setup Procedures:
Fans who have purchased this pass can set up their tailgate space between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, overseen and staffed by Athletics Marketing and the Athletics Facility Operations staff. Tents can be set up within the grass areas inside the Rynearson Lots, which will be secured and monitored by MTS Security. Fans can re-enter the lots for tailgating at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19.
Family Tailgate Zone
EMU will designate corners at the North and South ends of the Rynearson Lots for a "Family Tailgate Zone" that includes:
• General Parking & Tailgates in the middle.
• Family Parking & Tailgate Zone on the outer edges.
• Limited tent size (10 foot x 10 foot).
• No reserving spots.
EMU is excited to welcome fans to the Homecoming Tailgate and provide an enhanced game day experience while prioritizing safety and convenience for all attendees.
Paint it Green! – Homecoming Week Festivities (Oct. 15-19, 2024)
Kicking off on Tuesday, Oct. 15, Homecoming Week 2024 will feature numerous campus-wide events under the theme "Paint it Green!" From reconnecting with old friends to showing off Eagle pride, the week promises to bring out the best of EMU's community spirit. As part of the university's 175th-anniversary celebration, EMU's beloved mascot, Swoop, has put his creative talents on display, painting historical-themed artwork that will be featured throughout the week.
Homecoming Football Showdown: EMU vs. Central Michigan
The week reaches its pinnacle on Saturday, Oct. 19, when the Eagles face off against the Central Michigan Chippewas at 2 p.m. insider Rynearson Stadium. With an all-time Homecoming record of 48-45-2, EMU is looking to build on last year's victory against Ball State. Be sure to purchase your tickets early to join the sea of green at the game!
EMU Football Lettermen's Breakfast – Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Former EMU football players are invited to the EMU Football Lettermen's Breakfast at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest. Enjoy a hearty meal and hear from the coaching staff about the game-day strategy. Limited to just 100 participants, this exclusive event costs $50 per person and supports the EMU football program.
Alumni & Friends Tailgate – Saturday, Oct. 19, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Don't miss the Alumni & Friends Tailgate on the front lawn of Rynearson Stadium! Starting at 11 a.m., three hours before kickoff, fans can enjoy a festive atmosphere with food, beverages, games, prizes, and entertainment. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for kids (ages 3-12), while infants under two are free. This is the ultimate pregame destination for fans to show their Eagle pride.
All-Sports Reunion – Saturday, Oct. 19
Before kickoff, EMU invites all former student-athletes and coaches to attend the All-Sports Reunion at Rynearson Stadium. Reconnect with your teammates and coaches while enjoying exclusive field-level access, complimentary food, two drink tickets, and premium seating in the south end zone. This unique event offers alumni a chance to relive their glory days and cheer on the Eagles together. Tickets are available now for $35, with prices increasing to $50 on game day.
15th Annual EMU Baseball Golf Outing – Friday, Oct. 18, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Kick off Homecoming weekend by joining the EMU Baseball program for its 15th annual Golf Outing. Held at Eagle Crest Golf Club, participants will enjoy 18 holes of golf, food, prizes, and the opportunity to reunite with fellow baseball alumni and fans. Registration for individuals and foursomes is available, with prices starting at $150.
EMU Men's Basketball Golf Outing – Friday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join the EMU Men's Basketball program at Eagle Crest Golf Club for another exciting golf outing. This event promises to be a fun-filled day of golf with alumni, friends, and fans. Registration includes golf, range balls, a cart, and lunch, with prices starting at $150
EMU Track & Field Alumni Mile – Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m.
Track & Field alumni are invited to lace up their sneakers and relive their racing days in this fun and competitive event. Exact location details will be announced soon. Click here to register.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University and the Department of Athletics unveiled a comprehensive tailgate and parking plan for its annual Homecoming contest. EMU will host Central Michigan University Saturday, Oct. 19, at 2 p.m., inside Rynearson Stadium.
It marks the 103rd Homecoming for Eastern Michigan University and the 96th time EMU will play a football game on Homecoming weekend. Homecoming began in 1920 and was originally known as Gala Days on campus before transitioning to the term homecoming in 1923. EMU is 48-45-2 all-time on Homecoming after defeating Ball State, 24-10, last year.
Creating a Safer Tailgating Atmosphere
To promote a safer tailgating atmosphere and minimize the overlap of cars and pedestrians, EMU has implemented the following procedures:
Parking Fee: 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).
Student Tickets: EMU students can obtain a free ticket using the EMU Student Ticket Link. (promo code "EagleNation")
Increased Security and Parking Services: EMU has partnered with MTS for enhanced security coverage in all parking lots on game day. The EMU ROTC will also play a crucial role in parking coverage.
Saturday, Oct. 19 Parking Timeline
6:30 a.m. - Lots staffed (Lots locked before 6:30 a.m.)
7 a.m. - Early access for fans who purchased the Homecoming Tailgate Package (One Car Per Package)
8:30 a.m. - Lots open for general fans
11:45 a.m. - Eagle Walk / Team Arrival
12:30 p.m. - Stadium Gates Open
2 p.m. - Kickoff
Recreational Vehicles: Recreational Vehicles are designated to park in the VIP Lot and are required to have a VIP Parking Pass ($80 for RVs). All recreational vehicles that plan to arrive prior to game day need to coordinate their arrival with the EMU Athletic Ticket Office.
Auxiliary Parking Lots: Grass Lots at the North and South ends of the main Rynearson Lots, Intramural Field Lots, Indoor Practice Facility, and George Gervin GameAbove Center Staff lot will be used for additional general parking.
"Homecoming Tailgate Package"
For $50, fans can purchase the Homecoming Tailgate Package, which includes:
• Ability to reserve a Premium Tailgating Space with room for a large tent and grill setup.
• Early access to reserve a space and set up during the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 18.
• Overnight security within the Rynearson Lots to protect tents and tailgate equipment.
• Ability to bring one car into the lot on game day before it opens to the general public.
Setup Procedures:
Fans who have purchased this pass can set up their tailgate space between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, overseen and staffed by Athletics Marketing and the Athletics Facility Operations staff. Tents can be set up within the grass areas inside the Rynearson Lots, which will be secured and monitored by MTS Security. Fans can re-enter the lots for tailgating at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19.
Family Tailgate Zone
EMU will designate corners at the North and South ends of the Rynearson Lots for a "Family Tailgate Zone" that includes:
• General Parking & Tailgates in the middle.
• Family Parking & Tailgate Zone on the outer edges.
• Limited tent size (10 foot x 10 foot).
• No reserving spots.
EMU is excited to welcome fans to the Homecoming Tailgate and provide an enhanced game day experience while prioritizing safety and convenience for all attendees.
Paint it Green! – Homecoming Week Festivities (Oct. 15-19, 2024)
Kicking off on Tuesday, Oct. 15, Homecoming Week 2024 will feature numerous campus-wide events under the theme "Paint it Green!" From reconnecting with old friends to showing off Eagle pride, the week promises to bring out the best of EMU's community spirit. As part of the university's 175th-anniversary celebration, EMU's beloved mascot, Swoop, has put his creative talents on display, painting historical-themed artwork that will be featured throughout the week.
Homecoming Football Showdown: EMU vs. Central Michigan
The week reaches its pinnacle on Saturday, Oct. 19, when the Eagles face off against the Central Michigan Chippewas at 2 p.m. insider Rynearson Stadium. With an all-time Homecoming record of 48-45-2, EMU is looking to build on last year's victory against Ball State. Be sure to purchase your tickets early to join the sea of green at the game!
EMU Football Lettermen's Breakfast – Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Former EMU football players are invited to the EMU Football Lettermen's Breakfast at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest. Enjoy a hearty meal and hear from the coaching staff about the game-day strategy. Limited to just 100 participants, this exclusive event costs $50 per person and supports the EMU football program.
Alumni & Friends Tailgate – Saturday, Oct. 19, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Don't miss the Alumni & Friends Tailgate on the front lawn of Rynearson Stadium! Starting at 11 a.m., three hours before kickoff, fans can enjoy a festive atmosphere with food, beverages, games, prizes, and entertainment. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for kids (ages 3-12), while infants under two are free. This is the ultimate pregame destination for fans to show their Eagle pride.
All-Sports Reunion – Saturday, Oct. 19
Before kickoff, EMU invites all former student-athletes and coaches to attend the All-Sports Reunion at Rynearson Stadium. Reconnect with your teammates and coaches while enjoying exclusive field-level access, complimentary food, two drink tickets, and premium seating in the south end zone. This unique event offers alumni a chance to relive their glory days and cheer on the Eagles together. Tickets are available now for $35, with prices increasing to $50 on game day.
15th Annual EMU Baseball Golf Outing – Friday, Oct. 18, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Kick off Homecoming weekend by joining the EMU Baseball program for its 15th annual Golf Outing. Held at Eagle Crest Golf Club, participants will enjoy 18 holes of golf, food, prizes, and the opportunity to reunite with fellow baseball alumni and fans. Registration for individuals and foursomes is available, with prices starting at $150.
EMU Men's Basketball Golf Outing – Friday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join the EMU Men's Basketball program at Eagle Crest Golf Club for another exciting golf outing. This event promises to be a fun-filled day of golf with alumni, friends, and fans. Registration includes golf, range balls, a cart, and lunch, with prices starting at $150
EMU Track & Field Alumni Mile – Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m.
Track & Field alumni are invited to lace up their sneakers and relive their racing days in this fun and competitive event. Exact location details will be announced soon. Click here to register.
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