5X is set to burst with Golden Flash pride as the annual Homecoming celebration returns Sept. 28. The heart of Kent, Ohio, will transform into a sea of blue and gold when alumni, students, families, employees and community members come together for this cherished tradition that began in 1918. The university will host activities and events leading up to the Sept. 28 Homecoming Parade and Homecoming football game. All are invited to connect, celebrate and experience the vibrant Kent State community spirit.
This year’s Homecoming theme is A Legacy of Leadership, and the university is recognizing two prestigious student organizations as its Homecoming Parade Grand Marshals: the Undergraduate Student Government, celebrating its 100th anniversary, and Kent Student Ambassadors, celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Crawford Hall Grand Opening
From 2-4 p.m. on Sept. 27, Kent State celebrates the grand opening of Crawford Hall, the university’s newest – and largest – academic building. The four-story, approximately 150,000-square-foot building serves as the new home of the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Additionally, self-guided tours are available between 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 28.
Marching Golden Flashes Homecoming Show Preview
The Marching Golden Flashes will preview its Homecoming show at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 27 on the Student Recreation Field located on the corner of Summit Street and Loop Road behind Stewart Hall. Kent State President Todd Diacon will greet guests with new presidential swag.
Alumni Awards Ceremony
At 6 p.m. on Sept. 27, the Kent State Alumni Awards, the highest alumni honors, are presented to 11 award recipients. Sponsored by the Kent State Alumni Association, the awards recognize Golden Flashes who have made exceptional contributions in their chosen profession, in their communities and at the university through outstanding leadership, character and hard work.
Homecoming Parade
The Homecoming Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 28 on the corner of Midway Drive and Main Street, traveling west on Main Street into downtown Kent. The parade features floats, Kent State and local high school marching bands, the Homecoming Court, university colleges and departments, Kent State cheerleaders and athletes, student organizations, local officials and more. Attendees can grab coffee and breakfast snacks near Rockwell Hall on Front Campus, a great spot to watch the parade. Members and alumni of the Undergraduate Student Government and Kent Student Ambassadors will serve as this year’s Parade Grand Marshals. For those who can’t make it back to campus, a is available starting at 10:30 a.m.
GRIT Walk, Flash Nation Tailgate, Kiss at the K and Homecoming Football Game
Starting at 1 p.m. on Sept. 28 before the football game, Golden Flashes fans can attend the GRIT Walk, Flash Nation Tailgate and Kiss at the K at Dix Stadium. The festivities will feature food and fun for the whole family to enjoy. Before heading to the Flash Nation Tailgate, fans can cheer on the Kent State football players as they arrive for the GRIT Walk to the stadium at 1 p.m. GRIT stands for “Grow and Respond with Integrity, Together.” New this year, Kent State couples can celebrate their relationships with the addition of the iconic Kiss at the K tradition within the tailgate at 2 p.m.
Then at 3:30 p.m., the Homecoming football game features the Kent State Golden Flashes taking on Mid-American Conference opponent the Eastern Michigan University Eagles. The Homecoming Court will be recognized at the game, and Kent State’s 2024 Homecoming Royalty will be announced and crowned at halftime.
Alumni Chapter Tailgates and Events
Multiple tailgates will take place throughout the day, held by various alumni chapters. All are welcome to participate. Additionally, the Black Alumni Chapter will be holding multiple events from Sept. 27-29. A list of events can be found online.
Visiting Campus
Visitors are encouraged to wear Kent State spirit attire. The bookstore inside the Kent Student Center is open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sept. 28 to purchase apparel.
The May 4 Visitors Center is open from 1-5 p.m. on Sept. 28. The 5X Museum is offering two student-led guided tours of the museum during Homecoming weekend. Tours will be at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sept. 28. They will be included with the cost of museum admission.
For security purposes, residence halls are not open to the public.
A free lunch is available at the Flash Nation Tailgate. However, food is available for purchase at the Hub inside the Kent Student Center from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sept. 28.
About Homecoming 2024
For more information about Kent State’s Homecoming 2024 and a full schedule of events, visit www.kent.edu/homecoming.
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Photo Caption:
5X alumni, students, employees and community members gather to watch the university’s 2023 Homecoming Parade.
Media Contacts:
Eric Mansfield, emansfie@kent.edu, 330-672-2797
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595