Jonesboro, Arkansas – Arkansas State University will bring students, alumni and families together for a Homecoming celebration filled with campus activities, reunions and Red Wolves football. This year’s theme, “Into the Howlverse,” draws inspiration from Marvel’s “Into the Spider-Verse,” giving the festivities a connection to the animated movie.
Homecoming Week is set for October 20-24, with several activities scheduled before the main celebration and an alumni scholarship brunch afterward. The football matchup against Georgia State will anchor the weekend, with kickoff at 6 p.m. Saturday, October 24, at Centennial Bank Stadium.
The schedule offers something different each day. Students can roller skate, visit food trucks, contribute to the campus food pantry and take part in Homecoming traditions. Returning graduates will have opportunities to reconnect with classmates and celebrate fellow alumni.
Preparations begin Wednesday, October 14, when Homecoming court voting runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Banners entered in the banner painting competition are due at the Leadership Center by 9 a.m. Monday, October 19.
Later that Monday, “Into the Cosmos” will bring roller skating and freeze-dried candy to Centennial Hall in Reng Student Union. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m., with the Homecoming Court introduced at its conclusion.
On Tuesday, October 20, the activities move outdoors to the Humanities Lawn. “Where the Wild Things Howl” will run from noon to 2 p.m., featuring food trucks, bungee jumping and a petting zoo.
Wednesday’s program will pair Homecoming participation with support for students who use the A-State Food Pantry. The Student Activities Board and Volunteer A-State are partnering for “Into the Tidal Wave,” a food collection event scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. October 21 on Heritage Plaza Lawn.
Students who bring a nonperishable food item for the pantry can receive a Homecoming T-shirt. Organizations also have an incentive to participate together. The group donating the most canned goods will receive an award during Friday’s “Yell Like Hell” event.
Homecoming interviews are also scheduled for Wednesday. Candidates will receive their individual times and locations.
Voting for Homecoming King and Queen will take place Thursday, October 22, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. That evening, “Through the Flames” movie night begins at 7 p.m. on Heritage Plaza Lawn. A popcorn bar with toppings will be available for attendees to enjoy while watching the movie.
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Friday brings one of the week’s annual traditions. “Yell Like Hell” starts at 7 p.m. October 23 at the corner of University Loop and Honors Avenue. A-State Spirit Squads will participate, and the program includes a friendly skit competition and a review of game day traditions. Winners of all competitions will be announced during the event.
Alumni activities will also get underway Friday. The Strong-Turner Black Alumni Chapter will hold a business meeting at 5:30 p.m. in Reng Student Union, followed by a Casino Night and Spades Tournament from 8 to 11 p.m. in the same building.
Saturday starts early with the sixth annual Ag for Autism Furry 5K. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. at the College of Agriculture, and the event begins at 8 a.m. The $5 registration fee will benefit Ag for Autism.
The course will be marked and will include water stations. Strollers are permitted, and participants may bring friendly dogs along. Owners are encouraged to dress their dogs in Halloween costumes or another favorite look for a chance to win the cutest dog recognition.
The A-State Alumni Association will also recognize its 2026 Distinguished Alumni, Dr. Timothy D. Langford, Phillip T. Poston and Dr. Billy Don Tiner. They will be honored at a morning event and again during halftime of the football game.
Before kickoff, alumni and friends of all ages are invited to the Homecoming Tailgate from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
“Come hungry and ready for a good time. We’ll have free food and drinks, bounce houses for the kids, games on the TVs and a visit from the A-State band, all leading up to kickoff,” said Amanda McDaniel, director of alumni events and affinity relations.
Members of the Class of 1976 will have a gathering of their own that afternoon. Their 50-year reunion takes place from 4 to 5 p.m. at Cooper Alumni Center, giving classmates time to share memories and catch up before the evening game.
For McDaniel, those conversations and reunions are central to the celebration.
“Homecoming is really about connection. It brings generations together and reminds us that A-State will always be part of your story. For alumni who haven’t been back in a while, it’s exciting to see how much campus has changed while still feeling that familiar A-State spirit, and reconnecting with old friends and making new memories,” said McDaniel.
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The Red Wolves will then face Georgia State at 6 p.m. Fans heading to Centennial Bank Stadium should plan for the venue’s bag requirement, as only clear bags will be permitted inside.
Although the game closes the main Homecoming Week schedule, the Strong-Turner Black Alumni Chapter will continue its weekend programming on Sunday, October 25. Its scholarship brunch will take place from 10 a.m. to noon in Reng Student Union.
Across the celebration, the university’s schedule combines familiar traditions with activities built around the “Into the Howlverse” theme. From the student food drive to the Class of 1976 reunion, the events give current students and returning graduates several ways to take part before the Red Wolves take the field.
