Homecoming Events & Traditions
Check out our Homecoming Traditions!
Office Decorating Contest
Since 2010, Minnesota State Mankato Homecoming has featured an Office Decorating contest in an effort to engage faculty and staff during Homecoming week.
Full Story + Show Less –The contest has grown from a dozen to over 40 offices participating each year. The offices decorate according to the each year’s theme. Below is information on how to participate.
Prizes:
- First place receives a $200 gift certificate to Pub 500!
- Second place receives a free pizza party.
Registration (Due: Monday, October 2nd at 4:00 PM)
2023 Theme: Mavericks In Paradise
Registration info needed: Office Name, Address, and Phone. Contact Person Name, Email, Phone Number.
Judging:
Judging will take place Thursday, October 5, at 1pm.
You will receive an email the day before stating your designated timeslot
Registration info needed: Office Name, Address, and Phone. Contact Person Name, Email, Phone Number.
Guidelines:
- All decorations must be inside or attached to your office.
- The following items are not allowed
- Latex Balloons
- Please only use Blue Painters Tape
- Do not use furniture, plants, or other items from hallways in the decoration
Previous Years Albums
Medallion Hunt
Homecoming Committee in collaboration with Student Events Team, invites all student to participate in the Homecoming Medallion Hunt. This event is open to all students; you do not need to be part of a competition team to participate.
Full Story + Show Less –
The Medallion has been found!
Clues available at:
CSU MAV Ave
Rules
- The medallion is NOT located in any buildings.
- The medallion is NOT located in any construction areas.
- The medallion is NOT located somewhere on campus that you couldn't normally get to.
- NO digging or climbing will be necessary to find the medallion.
- Open to Minnesota State University, Mankato students only.
- The medallion is not hidden in the Amos Owen Garden of American Indian Horticulture. Please do not dig in the garden.
Prize Package
The finder of the medallion hunt will be awarded with an "Ultimate Fan Package" that will include items donated by different groups on campus including:
- 2 Reserved tickets to Maverick Hockey (Maverick Athletics)
- 4 Reserved tickets to Maverick Football (Maverick Athletics)
- 2 Free yoga Matts (Campus Recreation)
- Minnesota State University, Mankato hooded sweatshirt (Centennial Student Union)
- 5 Free Games of Bowling (Maverick Bullpen)
- 4 Tickets for Mankato Moondogs - https://northwoodsleague.com/mankato-moondogs/
- 2 Large Pizzas from dominos
- $20 giftcard to Kwik Trip
- Student Events Team Prize Pack
Note: If a group of multiple students find the medallion, neither the Student Activities Office nor the Student Events Team Homecoming Committee is responsible for how the “Ultimate Fan Package” is divided between winners.
Previous Themes
| 2022: Mavericks Go to Hollywood |  |
| 2021: Maverick State Fair |  |
| 2020: Boots Down - Horns Up |  |
| 2019: Land of 60,000 Mavericks |  |
| 2018: Stomping Through the Decades |  |
| 2017: Mavericks United |  |
| 2016: Going For Gold |  |
| 2015: Forever Purple and Gold |  |
| 2014: The Best One Yet |  |
| 2013: Paint the Town |  |
Bonfire & Fireworks
Since 2015, Minnesota State Mankato has kicked off homecoming week with a Bonfire and fireworks adjacent to Blakeslee Stadium.
Full Story + Show Less –When lit, the bonfire stands 25 feet tall and is made up of 250+ pallets of wood. This intense project was initiated in 2014 with the help of a student-ran organization of Construction Management students and the leadership of Homecoming co-chair, David Scheiler. Each year different representatives from the university are privileged enough to light the bonfire. Homecoming Royalty Dustin Slaughter stated that, “it was truly a unique and incredible experience to light the bonfire. I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to do so, and I’ll never forget it; especially the moment when the stack of pallets fell over on fire!”
Prior to the bonfire, the Homecoming committee plan a variety activities as patrons arrive. Activities in the past have included inflatables, a laser light show, DJ battle with the Maverick machine, and photo booths. Each year a variety of sponsors have provided food samples and other activities.
The bonfire takes place in the same location each year behind Blakeslee Stadium from 7:30 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. The evening is capped off with a 10 minute fireworks show featuring more than 2400 shells behind the Maverick Midway. This event will be free to both students and public. Parking will be available in Lot 20 for individuals interested in attending this event.
Some guidelines to follow each year including the following. There will be no outside food or beverage. Minnesota State University, Mankato is an alcohol, other drugs, and tobacco-free campus. Use of substances will result in removal from this event. To ensure safety and security, the Mankato Fire Department will available for the entire duration of this event.
All Homecoming events are planned by a student-led organization known as the Student Events Team. Student Events Team, is a student-led organization that produces fun, interactive, educational events where students make lifelong memories and celebrate their Maverick pride.
If students are interested in joining the team or helping to plan or volunteer during the week of Homecoming, Student Events Team meets every Tuesday at 4pm, in CSU 245. If you want to help plan Homecoming specifically, committee meetings will be held every Thursday at 4pm in CSU 173.
Annual tradition of dancing, music, and costumes.
