ASU Homecoming brings community, NFL legends to campus

At Arizona State University we know a thing or two about celebrating tradition, community and Sun Devil football, especially in the form of Homecoming. And this year will not be any different.

“Sun Devil Homecoming: A Golden Decade” taking place on Oct. 27 will highlight the work the university has accomplished in the past 10 years.

“Homecoming is a fantastic celebration. In ASU style, not only is the entire ASU community, which includes faculty, staff, students and alumni, invited, but we include the community at large,” said Virgil Renzulli, ASU’s vice president of public affairs.

As a special treat to fans, the ASU Alumni Association, in partnership with the Sun Devil Club, will honor nearly 200 alums who have played professional football Oct. 26, at the “Legends Luncheon: Celebrating the NFL” event. ASU’s “honor roll” of former NFL players includes Jake Plummer, Mike Haynes, Ron Pritchard, Juan Roque, Danny White and J.D. Hill, all of whom are scheduled to attend the luncheon. The event will start at 11:30 a.m., at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel.

Sun Devil Homecoming officially commences with a 9 a.m. parade, beginning at McAllister Avenue and University Drive and continuing down to College Avenue. The parade features a variety of floats made by campus organizations and community groups.

This year’s grand marshal is Michael Crow, ASU’s president who has led the charge in boosting the university’s education and entrepreneurship space, enhanced global partnerships and provided educational opportunities for hundreds of students.

The annual block party from 9 a.m. to noon will include over 100 tents sponsored by ASU colleges, departments., student organizations and programs. The community will be treated to interactive displays, hands-on experiments, live music, games and crafts. Arizona PBS will also be sponsoring a very special “Nerd Walk” to unite those who share a love for all things intellectual and educational. NFL legends from ASU’s past will be on hand to sign autographs for fans at the Alumni Association booth.

The Kidz Zone, just east of Palo Verde West Residence Hall north of University Drive, is buzzing with fun for the little ones in your family. Enjoy stage performers and bounce houses, plant seeds to grow at home, get your photo taken with a police officer sitting on a police motorcycle, experience ERIC the City of Tempe educational recycling center and even enter for the chance to win one of five bicycles. PBS’s Maia and Miguel will also be in attendance for photos.

The fun and excitement will culminate with the Sun Devils taking on the UCLA Bruins in Sun Devil Stadium at noon. Tickets may be purchased in person or by calling the Sun Devil Ticket Office at 480-727-0000.

Parking lots and structures in the northern portion of campus (north of University Drive) are open five hours prior to kickoff for prepaid season ticket parking passes, and cash lots are open three hours before kickoff. For more information on parking, visit http://cfo.asu.edu/pts-event-football or http://www.millavenue.com/transportation.

For details and a complete schedule of Homecoming events and activities, visit http://homecoming.asu.edu.