SIU celebrates 75 years of Saluki pride with weeklong homecoming festivities

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) — Southern Illinois University Carbondale is celebrating 75 years of its iconic mascot with a week of homecoming festivities, including concerts, a carnival, parade, tailgating and football.

This year’s theme, “Decades of the Dawg: 75 Years of Saluki Pride,” honors the university’s adoption of the Saluki as its official mascot in 1951.

Homecoming activities run Oct. 12-17, with events highlighting different decades of SIU history. Many activities are free and open to the public.

The Saluki mascot was adopted after students voted in 1951 to replace the university’s previous mascot. The name reflects Southern Illinois’ connection to the region known as Little Egypt.

Homecoming schedule

Monday, Oct. 12

The celebration begins at 4:30 p.m. with King Tut’s Pep Rally at Faner Plaza.

The event will feature guest speakers, free food, a live DJ, an involvement fair and the announcement of the homecoming court. A homecoming proclamation signing is scheduled for 5 p.m.

The event is open to the public.

Tuesday, Oct. 13

A homecoming blood drive, held in partnership with the American Red Cross, is scheduled from noon to 6 p.m. at the SIU Student Center.

At 5 p.m., students can attend Saluki Retro Rewind at the Student Center Ballrooms. The event features a 1960s- and 1970s-inspired roller rink and silent disco.

The retro event is limited to SIU students.

Wednesday, Oct. 14

Students can attend Ferris Bueller’s Homecoming Movie Night at 5 p.m. in the Student Center Auditorium.

The event includes a screening of the 1986 film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” movie bingo, prizes and free concessions.

The event is limited to SIU students.

Thursday, Oct. 15

The Saluki Carnival Block Party begins at 5 p.m. on Lincoln Drive in front of Pulliam Hall.

The free, 1990s-themed event will feature carnival rides, live entertainment, games, music and food vendors.

The celebration is open to the public.

Friday, Oct. 16

The third annual SIU Homecoming Music Street Festival begins at 3 p.m. along South Illinois Avenue in downtown Carbondale.

The festival will feature two stages of live music, including performances by the Spin Doctors, North Mississippi Allstars, Cowboy Kyle, Lucas Wayne and the Cottonmouths, City of Soul and Johnny Rock-itt and The Double-Wide Symphony.

The festival will also feature food trucks and vendors. Free tickets are available online.

At 10 p.m., recording artist KYLE will perform during the Student Programming Council’s homecoming after-party on the Strip.

The Saluki baseball team will also face Eastern Illinois in a fall matchup at 3 p.m. at Itchy Jones Stadium.

Saturday, Oct. 17

The annual SIU Homecoming Parade begins at 10 a.m. at East Mill Street and South Illinois Avenue.

The parade will travel through downtown Carbondale and onto campus, ending near the Student Center. It will feature marching bands, floats, community organizations and other participants.

The annual Saluki tailgate follows from noon to 3 p.m. at Saluki Stadium. The SIU Alumni Association’s ticketed tailgate will feature food from 17th Street BBQ, live music by Modern Day Saints, a silent auction and other activities.

At 3 p.m., the Salukis will face Illinois State at Saluki Stadium. The game will air nationally on ESPNU.

Homecoming royalty will be crowned during halftime, along with recognition of the parade winners and grand marshals.

Fans are encouraged to wear white for the homecoming football game.

The SIU women’s volleyball team will face Bradley at 5 p.m. at Davies Gym.

The 53rd Miss Eboness pageant is also scheduled for Saturday in the Student Center Ballrooms. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 6:06 p.m.

Additional homecoming activities

Throughout the week, students, faculty, staff and campus organizations will participate in spirit competitions, including door decorating, campus displays and Greek life activities.

Students will also vote for homecoming royalty during the week.

SIU is offering five limited-edition homecoming T-shirts at select events as part of the anniversary celebration.

SIU students can attend university athletic events for free with a valid student ID.

For the complete schedule, ticket information and event updates, visit homecoming.siu.edu or contact the SIU Office of Student Engagement at 618-453-5714.