Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Fast Forward: New Era.
These four words represent the spirit of San Diego State University’s rapid progress in recent years, from its path toward R1 classification as an elite research institution to the exciting announcement that the Aztecs will join the "Conference of Champions" in 2026.
SDSU has an ambitious agenda filled with transformative projects spanning various departments and locations—from Mission Valley to Imperial Valley and even across the border. When considering how to capture the excitement of SDSU’s future, Jen Ranallo and the Homecoming Steering Committee felt that "Fast Forward: New Era" was the perfect homecoming slogan.
“This really is a new era for San Diego State,” said Ranallo, SDSU alumni relations specialist and SDSU Homecoming Steering Committee co-chair. “Our entire SDSU community knows what a special university this is, and we are excited to showcase that on a national level.”
SDSU is on the cusp of a new era of academic excellence and anticipates being designated to the prestigious rank of the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's 146 top-tier R1 universities, recognized for their high research activity.
In athletics, the Aztecs announced in September that they will officially join the Pac-12 Conference on July 1, 2026. SDSU will compete alongside legacy programs like Oregon State and Washington State, the latter of which they will face in Saturday’s homecoming football game at Snapdragon Stadium.
“Homecoming is more than the football game,” said Ranallo. “It’s a time for our community to come together and celebrate our SDSU pride.”
If you’re thinking about joining the fun at SDSU this week, check out the list of events happening in and around campus homecoming week:
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24
2-4 p.m. | ASUB Homecoming Pregame at the Student Union Courtyard
Get ready for The Homecoming Pregame this Thursday! Enjoy tasty hot dogs, refreshing mocktails, and join in on fun games and activities as we build excitement for the big game. Hosted by the Aztec Student Union Board (ASUB).
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
9-10:30 a.m. | 28th Annual Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the SDSU War Memorial
Join us for the 28th annual War Memorial wreath-laying ceremony on the Aztec Green, honoring the memories of our SDSU fallen Aztecs who made the ultimate sacrifice in our nation’s military conflicts. The ceremony, organized by Alumni, will be followed by the Military and Veterans Program Open House and Reception at the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center. RSVP here.
9 p.m.-1 a.m. | Homecoming Food Truck Night at Lot 5, Hardy Ave & Campanile Mall
Join us for a fun-filled event at Parking Lot 5, located between Viva, the Black Resource Center, and Campanile Drive. Satisfy your cravings with food from Krispy Boys, Bubba’s Hawaiian, and Dilly’s Ice Cream Truck. Brought to you by the Aztec Nights programming committee and the Aztec Student Union Board (ASUB).
More Events
- 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Military and Veterans Program Open House and Reception at Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center
- 7:00 p.m.-10 p.m. | NPHC Yard Show at Montezuma Hall
- 8 p.m. | Parker McCollum: Burn it Down Tour at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
- 8 p.m. | Kehlani with FLO, Anycia at Viejas Arena
- Invite Only | SDSU Homecoming Court Dinner Gala
- Invite Only | Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center 15th Anniversary Celebration
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
2:30 p.m. | River Park Block Party at SDSU Mission Valley River Park
The River Park Block Party begins when the parking lots open at 2:30 p.m. There will be a free giveaway for alumni, live DJ playing music before Republic of Music takes the stage performing everyone's favorite '90s hits! Other activities include a photo opportunities, food and beverage garden, yard games, and a big screen TV showing other college football games. The Kids Zone next to the River Park playground features a prize wheel and a face painter!
More Events
- 2:30 p.m. | Alumni Groups and Chapters Homecoming Tailgates (Alumni)
- 6:30 p.m. | A.S. Alumni Homecoming Hangout at Snapdragon Stadium
- 7:30 p.m. | Homecoming Game: Aztec Football vs. Washington State Cougars
