Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is preparing to mark its 100th Homecoming with a series of events that aim to bring together alumni, students, and the local community. The celebration will take place during the weekend of October 2-4, 2025.

Jane Larson, alumni relations officer, emphasized the significance of the event for all generations of Blugolds. “This weekend brings together generations of Blugolds — from our newest alumni to our incredible Golden Blugolds, celebrating 50-plus years since graduation. Their combined presence here reminds us that no matter how long it’s been since they’ve been back, UW-Eau Claire is always home,” Larson says.

“It’s a time to reconnect, reminisce and remember what makes this place and our people so special, for 100 years and counting.”

Curt Krizan, president of the UW-Eau Claire Foundation, invited both university members and residents to participate in the festivities. “There’s no better time to return to Blugold Country than Oct. 4 for the 100th Homecoming celebration,” Krizan says.

“We’re excited to bring the parade back down to Water Street and celebrate not only with our current students and alumni, but with the entire community. From Saturday’s football game and the pregame and postgame festivities to capping the weekend off with the ‘I Love the 90’s’ concert at the new Sonnentag Event Center — it’s going to be an epic time to be a Blugold!”

Current students have also played a role in organizing Homecoming activities through efforts led by student leaders Rebekah Conrad and Vicki Czap under guidance from Joann Martin in student activities. Martin noted her appreciation for seeing traditions revived on campus: "Our students leaders on this, Rebekah Conrad and Vicki Czap, have done a wonderful job," Martin says. "They have had a focus on reviving traditions like campus games on Towers Field, which has been absent for a few years. Also coming back this year are Homecoming-themed buttons, like 'When in Doubt, Defeat Stout!' As a Blugold, it's special to see Homecoming events continue, evolve and ultimately bring campus together."

Royal Credit Union is serving as major community sponsor for this centennial celebration while WEAU-TV and Volume One are providing media coverage.

Key events include Varsity Night Live on Thursday evening at Schofield Auditorium; Saturday's parade along Water Street starting at 10 a.m., followed by tours of The Sonnentag facility; tailgating at Carson Park beginning at 11 a.m.; and the football game between UW-Eau Claire and UW-Stout at Carson Park starting at 1 p.m.

A clear-bag policy will be enforced at Carson Park due to anticipated attendance levels. Only clear plastic bags up to specific dimensions or small non-clear bags will be allowed inside; larger or non-clear bags such as backpacks or coolers are prohibited.

After the game there will be music from Uncommon Denominator outside Carson Park stadium before concluding with performances by Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc, Rob Base and Young MC as part of the "I Love the 90's Tour" concert at The Sonnentag Event Center.

More information about schedules can be found on the official Homecoming website.