Gophers Celebrating U Of M's 100th Homecoming
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - It's homecoming weekend, and this year marks the 100th homecoming at the University of Minnesota.
On Saturday, the Gophers are hoping for some big plays against the Purdue Boilermakers.
Homecoming weekend is, of course, about football, but now it's really a production.
When the University of Minnesota celebrated its first homecoming in 1914, alumni were invited back to campus for a dinner and dance.
Coordinators say that while the weekend now boasts major artists, a parade and tailgating, the one thing that hasn't changed is school spirit.
"It hasn't changed, really, in [terms of] events that we've done," said Quinn Handahl, a program board member. "More so, the scale has changed."
Plans for this year's homecoming started a year ago, right when the 2013 homecoming weekend wrapped up.
The big draw this year is the featured performer, "Iggy."
It's the biggest artist the university has ever had for homecoming, and tickets are sold out.
There will also be increased security on campus to monitor crowds.
But parade and concerts aside, for students, the week of events is still all about the game.
"I will be at the game the whole time, cheering them on," said sophomore Kayla Roiland.
The homecoming theme for the 100th year is "Forever Gold," a reminder that no matter what year students attend the University, they are always a Gopher.
The Gophers will take on the Purdue Boilermakers Saturday for the big homecoming game. The game starts at 11 a.m.
