Homecoming

Welcome Home, Spartans

The parade is a beloved Spartan tradition that brings the community together for a celebration of pride and spirit. Experience the energy of the Spartan Marching Band, Michigan high school bands, MSU campus groups, community organizations, university leaders and of course, Sparty himself — plus so much more.

Spartans can get involved in many ways — whether by participating in the parade or simply cheering from the sidelines!

Below you will find all your answers to various Homecoming questions, including the schedule of events, where to park on campus, what to do on campus, where to dine, where to stay, how to get here, and much more.

Check back as events are added closer to Homecoming.

If you're planning on hosting an MSU-affiliated event during Homecoming week and would like it featured on our website and in communications, we'll have more details this fall.

Spartans are known for their global impact, each forging a unique path of accomplishments. Yet no matter where life takes them, one thing remains the same — MSU is always home. Each year, Homecoming brings Spartans together to celebrate this unbreakable bond.

Explore Homecoming details below, including parade information, the Grand Marshal, Homecoming Court, Glow Green initiative and student events.

Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate Homecoming 2025! Photos from the parade can be found here.

The Homecoming football game date and opponent will be announced soon!

The 2025 Homecoming Grand Marshal was Paul Rosenberg, a 1993 graduate of MSU’s College of Social Science, with a degree in Psychology. As the co-founder of Goliath Artists, Inc., Rosenberg is a globally recognized force in the music industry, known for managing Eminem and as the president of Shady Records. He is also the former Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, and has executive produced acclaimed projects like, "8 Mile" and "The Defiant Ones." His work bridges legal expertise, artist development and media production, making him one of the most influential figures in hip-hop today.

The 2026 Homecoming Grand Marshal will be announced this summer.

Being selected to the MSU Homecoming Court is one of the highest honors for seniors. The 2026 Homecoming Court has been selected.

On campus or afar, show your Spartan spirit during Homecoming week by swapping any light fixture with a green bulb to make it "glow" with pride.

But be warned – Sparty might beat you to it...

From spirited activities and campus traditions to opportunities to connect with the grand marshal, there are events for Spartans of all ages throughout Homecoming! Check back as events are added closer to Homecoming.

There are several ways to get back to MSU's campus depending on your preferred mode of travel:

By Air:

Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) – approximately 90 miles from campus. The Michigan Flyer offers bus transportation to/from East Lansing for approximately $30/one way. Buses run multiple times a day, and travel takes approximately two hours. 
Capital Region International Airport (LAN) – less than 10 miles from campus.
Flint Bishop International Airport (FNT) – approximately 45 miles from campus.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) – approximately 60 miles from campus.

By Public Transportation:

The Capital Area Multimodal Gateway on campus houses the Amtrak Blue Water train stop as well as Greyhound and Indian Trails bus services. Local CATA bus routes stop at the station, and the facility also offers taxicab and bike-sharing services.

By Car:

East Lansing is conveniently located in the central part of Michigan at the junction of I-96, I-127 and I-69.
All airports offer car rental services.

Additional Resources:

Interactive Campus Map
Interactive Greater Lansing Map
ChargePoint
MI Drive - Construction & traffic updates from MDOT

You can check out the interactive campus map to help you find your way around.

The interactive campus map enables you view the location of accessible entrances for buildings on campus. The easiest way to use the map is to search using the “Select a facility” option on the left side of the page.

MSU is a dynamic campus and there are many activities that you can undertake at your leisure while you’re here. Check out the Campus Activities webpage for ideas on places to visit.

The Homecoming football game date and opponent will be announced soon.

There are many lodging options available in the East Lansing/Lansing area. Check out Choose Lansing for information. The lodging options available within walking distance of campus are:

The MSU Alumni Office is not involved in the lodging reservation process and is unable to assist with the facilitation of any reservation-related inquiries. If you have any questions, contact the property directly.

Unfortunately, the residence halls are not available for lodging.

You’re welcome to enjoy a meal in MSU’s dining halls. Check out the most up-to-date information on locations, available services and hours.

In addition to dining halls, there are retail options across campus, including Sparty’s mini-markets, Starbucks locations and various food courts.

Visitors to campus can park in pay lots or individually metered spaces and most eligible locations use the pay-by-plate system. 

Payment is required immediately upon arrival and must cover the entire duration of your stay. 
Pay-by-plate locations can be viewed on the interactive campus map by selecting “visitor parking” under "categories" in the menu.

For the location of accessible parking spaces, refer to the interactive campus map.

A payment alternative for pay-by-plate parking is available with the MSU Parking Spot On app, which allows you to pay for a parking session remotely. For parking sessions initiated with the app, you can also extend your session without returning to the parking lot. Check out the Spot On site for additional information.

Important Reminders:

Observe all posted signs at lot entrances regarding parking rules and enforcement hours.
All parking areas require payment or a permit, per posted regulations.
Handicap-accessible, faculty/staff, metered and loading zone spaces are enforced at all times.
Most lots are affected by special events which can change availability of parking and fees.

For comprehensive parking information, go to MSU’s parking website.

Yes, EV charging stations are available in the following visitor parking locations:

Lot 39
Lot 62
Lot 79
Lot 112
Ramp 3 / Lot 19
Ramp 5 / Lot 102

Please note that regular lot restrictions still apply when parked at a charging station — payment or a valid permit is required.

For detailed information on charging station locations and availability, visit ChargePoint.

Important reminders:

Vehicles must be actively charging to park in EV spaces.
Non-electric vehicles or EVs not actively charging will be ticketed by MSU.
Once fully charged, you have 30 minutes to move your vehicle; after that, a per-hour fee will be assessed via the vendor app.

Unfortunately, RV parking is not available on campus except on the day of football games. For information about local RV parks and campgrounds, we recommend visiting Choose Lansing for options in the area.

MSU guests and visitors can connect to MSUNet Guest Wireless without needing an MSU NetID or register their devices.

Select "MSUnet Guest": Find "MSUnet Guest" in your device's Wi-Fi settings and select it.
Accept Terms: You'll likely be prompted to agree to the MSU Acceptable Use Policy.
No Registration Needed: You don't need an MSU NetID or to register your device to use MSUnet Guest.
Access Internet: Once you've accepted the terms, you should be connected to the internet.

While pets are welcome to enjoy outdoor spaces, they are not allowed inside campus facilities. Service animals are permitted in accordance with university policy.

Visitors to campus with service animals are permitted to access all public facilities, except in areas where service animals are specifically prohibited due to safety or health concerns, where the animal may be at risk, or where its presence could compromise the integrity of research.

MSU recognizes service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA). Under this law, a service animal is defined as a dog that is individually trained to perform tasks or do work for the benefit of an individual with a disability — whether physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or another mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, do not qualify as service animals under this definition.

MSU is a tobacco and smoke-free campus. In addition to traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, the use of e-cigarettes and vapes is also prohibited.

At this time, Homecoming is primarily an in-person event.

Wherever you are, you can show your Spartan spirit during Homecoming week by swapping any light fixture with a green bulb to Glow Green with pride.

Email us at alum.events@msu.edu.

Homecoming

Welcome Home, Spartans

Homecoming Overview

Homecoming FAQs

Oct. 5-10

Homecoming Week

Oct. 9

Parade at 6 p.m.

Oct. 10

Football Game vs. Illinois