After three years of being a Fighting Illini, you’d think I would have attended Homecoming events out the wazoo. As the entertainment guru of the Daily Illini (I didn’t make the title up), I’m making it my mission to attend the heck out of Homecoming this year. Between all the sporting events, pep rallies and orange and blue clothing, the University is going to be so full of spirit it’s going to be pouring from the Alma Mater’s ears.

Tuesday’s lunch on the Quad is perfect for those who missed the Kickoff Celebration on Friday. Starting at 11 a.m., the cookout lunch will cost $5 and is free if you live in the residence halls. Along with good food comes entertainment, student-athletes, University administrators and the presentation of our Homecoming court. The weather is a toss-up with an outlook of 67 degrees and possible showers, but this is surely not an event to miss. Plus, who walks through the Quad without a little time to chill?

I know I can’t get enough of the Union’s Rec Room this year, between all the pool and bowling that’s available. Bowling Through the Decades will be on Friday at lowered rates for everyone, not just students. Plus, the music selections the entire night will be cross-decade from the 1950s through today.

No Homecoming would be complete without a crazy-huge parade, a hyped-up pep rally, oh, and a football game. One of the Homecoming events I’m always sure to attend is the parade, which starts at 6 p.m. on Friday. Between the Marching Illini and the entire atmosphere they provide, if school spirit hasn’t taken full effect, it will be by the time this shindig is over. The Pep Rally goes hand in hand and is surely the best time to let your orange and blue shine proudly. Get your face paint, your shirt and your camera for those killer Facebook pictures.

Save your voice for Saturday because topping off the Homecoming trifecta is the football game against Ball State. If you don’t have tickets, try to get some. If you can’t get tickets, do your best to tune in on TV. This is going to be both an important game not just because it’s Homecoming, but because if we win this one (oh and we are so going to win this), we are eligible to go to a bowl game.

There you have it fellow Illini, I know I’ll be hitting up each of the aforementioned events; I hope to see you there!