Eastern Michigan Athletics
Homecoming 2026: All Roads Lead to Rynearson
10/11/2026 1:37:00 PM | Football, General, Tickets
A week of EMU pride builds toward Saturday’s showdown with Toledo
Purchase Game Tickets | Purchase the Homecoming Tailgate Package | Homecoming Information
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Homecoming pride and a place atop the Mid-American Conference standings are on the line Saturday, Oct. 17, as Eastern Michigan University hosts Toledo at Rynearson Stadium. EMU enters the weekend at 3-0 in MAC play, leading the conference and riding a three-game winning streak. A win over Toledo would keep Eastern unbeaten in conference play, preserve its hold on first place, and extend its Homecoming winning streak to six games.
The stakes give this year's Homecoming celebration even more energy, from Friday's parade and bonfire to packed tailgates, alumni reunions and more than 900 student musicians performing Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m., and parking is expected to fill quickly. Fans should secure tickets early, arrive ahead of kickoff, wear green and bring the noise.
Six Days of Eagle Pride
Homecoming runs Monday, Oct. 12, through Saturday, Oct. 17, with campus-wide activities building toward the weekend.
Monday's kickoff runs from 3-6 p.m. on the Student Center Patio, featuring a stuffed-animal Eagle giveaway, a painted "E" craft, photos at the Block E, and a themed sweet treat while supplies last.
Tuesday brings spirit tables and giveaways, followed by Trap Karaoke in the Student Center Ballroom. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show running from 8-10 p.m.
Wednesday's Homecoming Picnic runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first floor and patio of the Student Center. Activities include a T-shirt swap, a photo opportunity with a bald eagle, games, and music.
Thursday, Oct. 15, features spirit tables, the College of Business groundbreaking at 4 p.m. at Pierce Hall, and the Homecoming Yard Show from 7 to 9 p.m. at the University Park Amphitheater. Eastern Michigan Athletics also has two home events Thursday. Soccer faces Western Michigan at 4:30 p.m. at Scicluna Field, followed by volleyball against Miami at 6 p.m. at the Gervin GameAbove Center.
Friday, Oct. 16, brings two signature traditions. The Homecoming Parade begins at 6:15 p.m., traveling from Ainsley to the Intramural Fields. The Ignite the Night Bonfire follows from 7 to 9 p.m., bringing Eagles together before game day. Athletic events continue Friday with the Eastern Classic women's swimming and diving meet at noon at Jones Natatorium. Volleyball faces Miami at 6 p.m. at the Gervin GameAbove Center.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, the Eastern Classic continues with women's swimming and diving at 9:30 a.m. at Jones Natatorium.
Saturday Starts Early
Homecoming Saturday offers a full slate of activities before kickoff.
The 5K at the Factory, presented by Eastern Michigan Football, invites participants of all ages to run or walk through campus and finish on the historic gray turf inside Rynearson Stadium.
Parking lots open to general fans at 8 a.m. Eagle Walk and team arrival follow at 1:15 p.m., with stadium gates opening at 2 p.m. Kickoff against Toledo is set for 3:30 p.m.
With parking expected to fill quickly, fans should purchase tickets in advance and arrive early to enjoy the tailgates, connect with friends, and experience the pregame atmosphere.
Alumni, Friends and Families Reunite
The EMU Alumni & Friends Homecoming Tailgate runs from 12:30-3 p.m. on the front lawn of Rynearson Stadium. The gathering features food, music, games, prizes and activities, with lunch including a hot dog, chips and a soft drink. Water is free, and Homecoming shirts will be available for purchase. New this year, activities will extend into the former EMU bus stop across the street.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-12. Children ages 2 and younger enter free. The student price is $5, and walk-up admission is available with card payment.
Former student-athletes can also reconnect at the 2026 All Sports Reunion in the North Endzone hospitality tent. For $50, attendees receive a game ticket, field-level tent access, complimentary food and beverages, and two drink tickets.
Celebrating Eastern's Legacy
Saturday's game will recognize the 10th anniversary of the 2016 football team, which helped change the direction of the program. After a 3-21 record in Head Coach Chris Creighton's first two seasons, the Eagles went 7-5 in 2016, earned their first bowl invitation in 29 years and recorded their first winning season since 1995. The team finished with an appearance in the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl against Old Dominion.
EMU will also honor former track and field standout Jasmine Jones, who won bronze for Team USA in the two-woman bobsleigh at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Jones became Eastern's first Winter Olympian and its ninth student-athlete to earn an Olympic medal. Her achievement marked Eastern's return to the Team USA Olympic podium for the first time since Earl Jones won bronze in the 800 meters at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
More Than 900 Musicians Bring the Noise
EMU Band Day will bring more than 900 students representing 30 schools and performance groups to Rynearson Stadium for a special halftime performance.
The event celebrates school music programs and gives young musicians a chance to perform in a collegiate stadium. Their performance adds another highlight to a day filled with alumni celebrations, special recognitions and conference football.
The Eagles Have a Streak to Protect
Eastern enters Homecoming at 4-3 overall and 3-0 in Mid-American Conference play after a dramatic 25-23 win at Akron on Oct. 10. Rudy Kessinger delivered the decisive 48-yard field goal, while Joshua Long recorded 100 receiving yards.
The victory marked Eastern's third straight win and its first 3-0 start in MAC play since 1995. The Eagles sit atop the conference standings and now have a chance to extend their Homecoming winning streak to six games.
Eastern has won its last five Homecoming contests, defeating Miami in 2021, UMass in 2022, Ball State in 2023, Central Michigan in 2024, and Louisiana in 2025. A win over Toledo would give Eastern sole possession of the second-longest Homecoming winning streak in program history. The record is seven consecutive wins, set from 1952-58.
Eastern holds an all-time Homecoming record of 50-45-2. The tradition began as "Gala Days" in 1920 before adopting the Homecoming name in 1923.
Saturday marks the sixth time Toledo has visited Rynearson Stadium for Homecoming. Eastern holds a 2-3 record in the previous five meetings.
Get Your Tickets. Arrive Early. Bring the Noise.
With a full day of activities and a conference matchup carrying added significance, fans should plan ahead for Homecoming Saturday.
Purchase game tickets at EMUEagles.com/tickets or call the EMU Athletic Ticket Office at 734.487.3669.
General parking opens at 8 a.m. and costs $10 per vehicle, payable in cash. Drivers presenting a valid game ticket upon entry are exempt from the fee. Additional parking is available in designated grass lots near Rynearson Stadium, the Intramural Fields, the Indoor Practice Facility, and the George Gervin GameAbove Center staff lot.
The $50 Homecoming Tailgate Package includes a premium tailgating space, Friday setup access, and two complimentary game tickets. Additional group tickets cost $10 each, with no minimum purchase. RVs must use the VIP Lot and purchase the required VIP parking passes.
EMU students receive free game admission through their digital access pass tied to their university email address.
Additional information is available at EMUEagles.com and emich.edu/homecoming. The game will air on WEMU 89.1 FM, Sirius XM, and the Varsity Network.
Saturday, Oct. 17 Timeline
6:30 a.m. - 5K at the Factory Registration
8 a.m. – Lots open for general fans
8 a.m. - 5K at the Factory Begins
12:30 - EMU Alumni & Friends Tailgate on the Front Lawn of Rynearson Stadium.
1:15 p.m. – Eagle Walk / Team Arrival
2 p.m. – Stadium Gates Open
2 p.m. - All Sports Reunion
3:30 p.m. – Kickoff
Parking Information
Game-Day Parking: $10 per vehicle, cash only. Vehicles with a valid game ticket are exempt from the parking fee; ticket must be shown upon entry.
Recreational Vehicles: RVs must park in the VIP Lot and require an $80 VIP Parking Pass. RVs arriving prior to game day must coordinate arrival with the EMU Athletic Ticket Office.
Auxiliary Parking: Additional general parking will be available in the 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.
Security: MTS will provide enhanced security coverage throughout the parking lots, with EMU ROTC assisting with parking coverage.
Homecoming Tailgate Package — $50
Package Includes:
- Premium tailgating space with room for a large tent and grill setup
- Early access to reserve and set up a space Friday, Oct. 16
- Two complimentary game tickets
- Option to purchase additional discounted group tickets for $10 each, with no minimum required
Friday, Oct. 16 Setup:
8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Tailgate setup
Athletics Marketing and Athletics Facility Operations staff will oversee and assist with setup
Tents may be placed within designated grass areas inside the Rynearson Lots
Saturday, Oct. 17:
Homecoming Tailgate Package holders may re-enter the lots at 8 a.m.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Homecoming pride and a place atop the Mid-American Conference standings are on the line Saturday, Oct. 17, as Eastern Michigan University hosts Toledo at Rynearson Stadium. EMU enters the weekend at 3-0 in MAC play, leading the conference and riding a three-game winning streak. A win over Toledo would keep Eastern unbeaten in conference play, preserve its hold on first place, and extend its Homecoming winning streak to six games.
The stakes give this year's Homecoming celebration even more energy, from Friday's parade and bonfire to packed tailgates, alumni reunions and more than 900 student musicians performing Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m., and parking is expected to fill quickly. Fans should secure tickets early, arrive ahead of kickoff, wear green and bring the noise.
Six Days of Eagle Pride
Homecoming runs Monday, Oct. 12, through Saturday, Oct. 17, with campus-wide activities building toward the weekend.
Monday's kickoff runs from 3-6 p.m. on the Student Center Patio, featuring a stuffed-animal Eagle giveaway, a painted "E" craft, photos at the Block E, and a themed sweet treat while supplies last.
Tuesday brings spirit tables and giveaways, followed by Trap Karaoke in the Student Center Ballroom. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show running from 8-10 p.m.
Wednesday's Homecoming Picnic runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first floor and patio of the Student Center. Activities include a T-shirt swap, a photo opportunity with a bald eagle, games, and music.
Thursday, Oct. 15, features spirit tables, the College of Business groundbreaking at 4 p.m. at Pierce Hall, and the Homecoming Yard Show from 7 to 9 p.m. at the University Park Amphitheater. Eastern Michigan Athletics also has two home events Thursday. Soccer faces Western Michigan at 4:30 p.m. at Scicluna Field, followed by volleyball against Miami at 6 p.m. at the Gervin GameAbove Center.
Friday, Oct. 16, brings two signature traditions. The Homecoming Parade begins at 6:15 p.m., traveling from Ainsley to the Intramural Fields. The Ignite the Night Bonfire follows from 7 to 9 p.m., bringing Eagles together before game day. Athletic events continue Friday with the Eastern Classic women's swimming and diving meet at noon at Jones Natatorium. Volleyball faces Miami at 6 p.m. at the Gervin GameAbove Center.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, the Eastern Classic continues with women's swimming and diving at 9:30 a.m. at Jones Natatorium.
Saturday Starts Early
Homecoming Saturday offers a full slate of activities before kickoff.
The 5K at the Factory, presented by Eastern Michigan Football, invites participants of all ages to run or walk through campus and finish on the historic gray turf inside Rynearson Stadium.
Parking lots open to general fans at 8 a.m. Eagle Walk and team arrival follow at 1:15 p.m., with stadium gates opening at 2 p.m. Kickoff against Toledo is set for 3:30 p.m.
With parking expected to fill quickly, fans should purchase tickets in advance and arrive early to enjoy the tailgates, connect with friends, and experience the pregame atmosphere.
Alumni, Friends and Families Reunite
The EMU Alumni & Friends Homecoming Tailgate runs from 12:30-3 p.m. on the front lawn of Rynearson Stadium. The gathering features food, music, games, prizes and activities, with lunch including a hot dog, chips and a soft drink. Water is free, and Homecoming shirts will be available for purchase. New this year, activities will extend into the former EMU bus stop across the street.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-12. Children ages 2 and younger enter free. The student price is $5, and walk-up admission is available with card payment.
Former student-athletes can also reconnect at the 2026 All Sports Reunion in the North Endzone hospitality tent. For $50, attendees receive a game ticket, field-level tent access, complimentary food and beverages, and two drink tickets.
Celebrating Eastern's Legacy
Saturday's game will recognize the 10th anniversary of the 2016 football team, which helped change the direction of the program. After a 3-21 record in Head Coach Chris Creighton's first two seasons, the Eagles went 7-5 in 2016, earned their first bowl invitation in 29 years and recorded their first winning season since 1995. The team finished with an appearance in the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl against Old Dominion.
EMU will also honor former track and field standout Jasmine Jones, who won bronze for Team USA in the two-woman bobsleigh at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Jones became Eastern's first Winter Olympian and its ninth student-athlete to earn an Olympic medal. Her achievement marked Eastern's return to the Team USA Olympic podium for the first time since Earl Jones won bronze in the 800 meters at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
More Than 900 Musicians Bring the Noise
EMU Band Day will bring more than 900 students representing 30 schools and performance groups to Rynearson Stadium for a special halftime performance.
The event celebrates school music programs and gives young musicians a chance to perform in a collegiate stadium. Their performance adds another highlight to a day filled with alumni celebrations, special recognitions and conference football.
The Eagles Have a Streak to Protect
Eastern enters Homecoming at 4-3 overall and 3-0 in Mid-American Conference play after a dramatic 25-23 win at Akron on Oct. 10. Rudy Kessinger delivered the decisive 48-yard field goal, while Joshua Long recorded 100 receiving yards.
The victory marked Eastern's third straight win and its first 3-0 start in MAC play since 1995. The Eagles sit atop the conference standings and now have a chance to extend their Homecoming winning streak to six games.
Eastern has won its last five Homecoming contests, defeating Miami in 2021, UMass in 2022, Ball State in 2023, Central Michigan in 2024, and Louisiana in 2025. A win over Toledo would give Eastern sole possession of the second-longest Homecoming winning streak in program history. The record is seven consecutive wins, set from 1952-58.
Eastern holds an all-time Homecoming record of 50-45-2. The tradition began as "Gala Days" in 1920 before adopting the Homecoming name in 1923.
Saturday marks the sixth time Toledo has visited Rynearson Stadium for Homecoming. Eastern holds a 2-3 record in the previous five meetings.
Get Your Tickets. Arrive Early. Bring the Noise.
With a full day of activities and a conference matchup carrying added significance, fans should plan ahead for Homecoming Saturday.
Purchase game tickets at EMUEagles.com/tickets or call the EMU Athletic Ticket Office at 734.487.3669.
General parking opens at 8 a.m. and costs $10 per vehicle, payable in cash. Drivers presenting a valid game ticket upon entry are exempt from the fee. Additional parking is available in designated grass lots near Rynearson Stadium, the Intramural Fields, the Indoor Practice Facility, and the George Gervin GameAbove Center staff lot.
The $50 Homecoming Tailgate Package includes a premium tailgating space, Friday setup access, and two complimentary game tickets. Additional group tickets cost $10 each, with no minimum purchase. RVs must use the VIP Lot and purchase the required VIP parking passes.
EMU students receive free game admission through their digital access pass tied to their university email address.
Additional information is available at EMUEagles.com and emich.edu/homecoming. The game will air on WEMU 89.1 FM, Sirius XM, and the Varsity Network.
Saturday, Oct. 17 Timeline
6:30 a.m. - 5K at the Factory Registration
8 a.m. – Lots open for general fans
8 a.m. - 5K at the Factory Begins
12:30 - EMU Alumni & Friends Tailgate on the Front Lawn of Rynearson Stadium.
1:15 p.m. – Eagle Walk / Team Arrival
2 p.m. – Stadium Gates Open
2 p.m. - All Sports Reunion
3:30 p.m. – Kickoff
Parking Information
Game-Day Parking: $10 per vehicle, cash only. Vehicles with a valid game ticket are exempt from the parking fee; ticket must be shown upon entry.
Recreational Vehicles: RVs must park in the VIP Lot and require an $80 VIP Parking Pass. RVs arriving prior to game day must coordinate arrival with the EMU Athletic Ticket Office.
Auxiliary Parking: Additional general parking will be available in the 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.
Security: MTS will provide enhanced security coverage throughout the parking lots, with EMU ROTC assisting with parking coverage.
Homecoming Tailgate Package — $50
Package Includes:
- Premium tailgating space with room for a large tent and grill setup
- Early access to reserve and set up a space Friday, Oct. 16
- Two complimentary game tickets
- Option to purchase additional discounted group tickets for $10 each, with no minimum required
Friday, Oct. 16 Setup:
8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Tailgate setup
Athletics Marketing and Athletics Facility Operations staff will oversee and assist with setup
Tents may be placed within designated grass areas inside the Rynearson Lots
Saturday, Oct. 17:
Homecoming Tailgate Package holders may re-enter the lots at 8 a.m.
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