Homecoming at Missouri State University will feature traditional celebrations for older alumni and a new feature for folks looking for something different.
The university will host BeAR Crawl starting at 7 p.m. Saturday night. Intended for younger alumni, the event is a pub crawl between several Springfield bars. It features live music, indoor and outdoor games, dancing and socializing.
The crawl will start alongside an Alumni Chapter mixer at Springfield Brewing Co. Crawl participants will get a light-up bracelet and can meet with members of their local alumni chapter and other groups. Admission to both events are separate, at $10 each.
Legendary country rock group Alabama will be in concert this weekend. The band was one of the first to blend country and Southern rock, and gained crossover appeal that led to more than 40 No. 1 singles. Billboard called Alabama the most successful band in country music history.
The concert is set for 7 p.m. Sunday at Great Southern Bank Arena. It was postponed from a September date, so tickets for that date will be honored. Tickets range from $36.50 to $235; discounts are available for MSU alumni.
Other events include:
• 50th Reunion for the class of 1973, 10:30 a.m. Friday, Kentwood Hall Crystal Ballroom. The event includes a luncheon and campus tour. Tickets: $35.
• Homecoming parade, 9 a.m. Saturday, John Q. Hammons Parkway. The parade includes bands, floats and other entries.
• Breakfast with Boomer, 10 a.m. Saturday, Foster Recreation Center. This kid-friendly event offers a chance to meet Boomer, the university’s mascot, and pose for a family photo. The event includes breakfast, inflatables and other activities. Cost: $15, $10 for children. Advance registration is available.
• Basketball sneak preview, 10 a.m. Saturday, Great Southern Bank Arena. Fans can get their first looks at the men’s and women’s basketball teams ready to compete this season. The Lady Bears take the court at 10 a.m., followed by the Bears at 11. Both teams will run intrasquad drills. Because of road closures, attendees are encouraged to enter campus from the west.
• Golden Bears Reunion, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Plaster Student Union Ballroom. The class of 1973 will get its first chance to attend this event intended for graduates from 50 or more years ago.
• BearFest Village: Alumni Tailgate, 11 a.m. Saturday, north of Plaster Stadium. The event includes food, drinks and games.
Homecoming football game vs. Murray State University, 2 p.m., Plaster Stadium.
