Iowa State’s 2022 homecoming festivities began with a kickoff celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday outside the ISU Alumni Center.

The kickoff celebration was filled with interactive activities such as trick-or-treating, a petting zoo, live performances and more.

The rest of the week will continue with a variety of events put together by 15 homecoming committees.

The homecoming process comes with a task of responsibilities, such as reaching out to the City of Ames to gain permits and certification before Homecoming can be put into effect. Other prep work includes making sure all the necessary paperwork, safety precautions and equipment is gathered.

“We take a week to get everything prepped before the big game,” said Kaley Severn, the Alumni Relations Specialist. “We have to notify neighborhoods of when crowds are coming through, so safety is our number one priority.”

This year’s homecoming theme is “Cy Me to the Moon.”

Monday

The first Food on Campus event of the week will be Mac and Cheese on Central Campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. To participate in this event, students must buy a $5 Homecoming button from the Iowa State Bookstore. This button will give students a free meal from each Food on Campus event taking place Monday through Friday.

Sororities and fraternities will face off against each other in the Yell Like Hell first cuts at 3 p.m. on Central Campus.

Tuesday

Students with a Homecoming button can hop in line for Food on Campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday’s event will feature a pork chop on a stick and Insomnia Cookies.

Cardinal & Gold Tournaments will begin at Lied Gym at 6:30 p.m.

The ISU volleyball team will play against Chicago State at 6:30 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum. Tickets are free for students.

Wednesday

Students can pick up pizza on their way to class for Wednesday’s Food on Campus event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Yell Like Hell second cuts will take place on central campus at 6 p.m.

Thursday

Thursday’s Food on Campus event will offer students chicken sandwiches from Chick-Fil-A from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The first ever ExCYtment in The Streets event will kick off throughout Ash Avenue, Sunset Drive and Gray Avenue starting at 4:30 p.m.

Students will compete in the CyFactor Finals at 7 p.m.

Friday

Food on Campus will feature donuts and coffee from 8 to 11 a.m.

A pep rally will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. outside the ISU Alumni Center with Yell Like Hell performances, the spirit squad and the Cardinal Court announcement.

Fireworks and Mass Campaniling will be at 10 p.m.

The Jack Trice 100-Year Commemoration Opening Ceremony will officially unveil the newly installed Jack Trice statue at 4 p.m. The ceremony will take place on the north side of Jack Trice Stadium in Albaugh Family Plaza.

Saturday

The Cyclones will go head to head with the West Virginia Mountaineers at Jack Trice Stadium for the 2022 homecoming football game.

Additional information on the week’s activities can be found on the Iowa State University Alumni website.