University of Idaho Homecoming
Homecoming 2024: Sept. 28 to Oct. 5
Homecoming is University of Idaho’s longest-running tradition! For one week each year, this unique event brings alumni, students and community members together in Moscow to celebrate traditions with the whole Vandal Family.
Last year’s Homecoming theme was “No Place like Moscow.” Be sure to update your contact info to receive updates for this year’s theme, time, date and location details. Check back in August to find more details for fun new events as they are announced.
Homecoming Week Events
Kick-Off event
The Homecoming kick-off event marks the beginning of the best week on campus and is typically held on the Sunday before Homecoming. For the kick-off, the Homecoming committee organizes a field day filled with friendly competitions for students to take part in. The kick-off event is also where Homecoming royalty nominees are announced, and Homecoming merchandise is distributed.
Vandalize Moscow
Vandalize Moscow decorates the downtown business district with Vandal Pride. Student organizations work with business owners to decorate their storefronts with silver and gold art the whole community can enjoy. Once complete, alumni judges, the Homecoming president and advisor stroll through downtown to select a winning design.
Jingles
Jingles brings together university student organizations to put on skits for fellow students and alumni judges. In past years, this has been held on the Theophilus Tower lawn. Skits are awarded points for how well they represent the Homecoming theme with creativity and Vandal Pride. Part talent show, part pep rally, Jingles always promises to be a show you won’t want to miss.
Most Vandalized Fan
Most Vandalized Fan takes place during halftime of the Homecoming Women’s Volleyball game. Student organizations nominate two members each that get dressed up in their best Vandal gear from head to toe. Alumni judges settle the debate as to who has the most Vandal Spirit in all the land.
Serpentine and the Vandal Rally
Serpentine
The Serpentine is one of the most anticipated events of the week. President Green leads the procession, followed by the Homecoming committee, Sound of Idaho Marching Band, Vandal Spirit Squad and hundreds of students. Beginning at the U of I golf course, the excitement and energy build as the Serpentine makes its way through campus all the way to the P1FCU Kibbie Dome parking lot to start the Vandal Rally.
Vandal Rally
When the Serpentine arrives outside the Dome, the Vandal Rally starts the most exciting event of the night. The Homecoming committee gives a speech to introduce and crown the Homecoming Royalty. Head Football Coach Jason Eck is then joined by Vandal football players to pump up the crowd for the big Homecoming football game the following evening. To cap off the rally, a spectacular drone show sponsored by ICCU and fireworks show light up the night sky.
Homecoming Parade
Students, community members and alumni all take part in the Homecoming Parade through downtown Moscow. Student teams create parade floats that show their Vandal Pride and get the crowd pumped up for the Homecoming football game later that evening. Alumni judges vote for the best float among the student organizations as they roll through the crowds along the main strip of the Moscow business district. This year, we are continuing a new tradition called “Future Vandal Parade” where Vandal parents and their children have their own parade through downtown before the rest of the procession gets up and running.
Homecoming Game
Homecoming week festivities build to a roaring celebration at the big Homecoming football game Saturday night. The energy in the Kibbie Dome is electric with the student section showing off their best Vandal gear and spirit. During the halftime show, our Homecoming Royalty are presented to the alumni side of the field and join the Vandal Marching Band and the Vandaleers to lead the entire crowd in singing our Alma Matter. Our Homecoming 2023 football game sold out! Help us pack the Dome again this year by purchasing your game tickets when they go on sale.
