The more things change, the more things stay the same. Alumni returning to campus this fall for Homecoming 2016 can expect to take part in many of the traditions that have marked Queen’s reunions for decades.
As ever, this year’s Homecoming will centre on the football game and will take place in the new Richardson Stadium. The newly redeveloped stadium features an array of enhanced amenities that have been shared, step-by-step, throughout the redevelopment process by live web-cast. Changes to the physical structure of the new Richardson also bring programmatic changes. As with most ticketed sport and performance venues, access to the playing field is limited to athletes and athletics staff. This year’s biggest change will be the end of the beloved longstanding tradition of the half-time alumni parade.
While we are sad to say goodbye to the cherished parade, the most exciting change in the new design is a change in the seating. No longer will students and alumni be split on opposite banks of bleachers. For the first time students and alumni will experience the stadium as a single fan base, giving both groups unprecedented opportunity to interact. The complimentary student tickets will remain on the east side, and alumni can purchase tickets in all other sections of the new stadium. All ticket holders will have access to the Gaels Club with appropriate ID.
This year marks the 90th anniversary of Queen’s Homecoming. Although reunions were established formally in 1926, alumni had been informally returning to campus to connect with members of their own graduating years since the late 1800s.
This year’s reunion attendees will be part of the return of the Homecoming Pep-Rally. Through the 60s and 70s, the Pep-Rally was a defining part of the pre-game Homecoming celebrations. At this fall’s celebration the Pep-Rally will feature Queen’s Bands, face painting and a pancake breakfast.
Also new this year is the first ever Reunion Zero. Traditionally, classes have returned for their first Homecoming five years after graduation. This year, the Class of 2016 will join returning classes in celebration of their ‘zero’ years since graduation.
Registration for Homecoming is now open. Graduating class years ending in 1s and 6s, and shared interest groups will be celebrating official milestone reunions along with Tricolour Guard Alumni (50th+ - welcome Class of '66!). Signature events are planned for alumni celebrating their 5th and 25th reunions as well as Tricolour Guard.
Football tickets are on sale as of August 1st. Please see the suggested seating chart when selecting your preferred seats for the football game. Purchasing tickets in the suggested sections will increase the possibility of you sitting with members of your year.
