Lawn displays may be the most well-known of Homecoming decorations in Ames, but they are not the only display of spirit. Victory Lane and the banner contests have both given opportunities for students to display their Cyclone spirit.

The first banners were on display during the first Homecoming in 1912. These banners read “Welcome Alumni” until the 1960s, when an official banner contest was established.

Typically greek houses would compete with each other to be the winner of the banner contests. Winners would be announced at the same time that the lawn display champions were announced during the pep rally or sometimes during the Homecoming dance intermission.

Banner contests decreased in popularity in the early ‘70s, only to gain popularity again in the ‘80s. During these decades, the locations of the banners moved from Central Campus, to the lawns of greek houses, to in front of the football stadium, back to Central Campus.

Today, banners are made by the greek houses as part of their Homecoming week-long competition. Students walking down Central Campus can see the different banners put together by the greek houses and can enjoy another display of Cyclone pride.