UIS Homecoming invites alumni and community to celebrate Prairie Star pride Oct. 4-10

The University of Illinois Springfield will welcome alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members to campus Oct. 4-10 for Homecoming 2026. This year’s theme, “Once a Star, Always a Star,” celebrates Prairie Star pride and the lasting connections members of the UIS community share.

Homecoming events for alumni and the community include:

• Prairie Star soccer and Homecoming tailgate, Oct. 7: The UIS women’s soccer team will face UIndy at 4 p.m. at Kiwanis Stadium, followed by a Homecoming tailgate from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the men’s soccer match against UIndy at 6:30 p.m.
• Alumni Tailgate and UIS volleyball, Oct. 9: The UIS Professionals Networking Group will host an Alumni Tailgate from 4 to 6 p.m. in Parking Lot I near The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC). The event will feature live music and refreshments before the UIS women’s volleyball team takes on Drury at 6 p.m. inside TRAC.
• Friday Night Star Party, Oct. 9: The free Star Party begins at 8 p.m. at the UIS Campus Observatory on the roof of Brookens Library. Hosted by the UIS Astronomy-Physics program, the event gives visitors an opportunity to view the night sky through telescopes. Walk-ups are welcome.
• Prairie Stars 5K/One Mile Walk and Pancake Breakfast, Oct. 10: The annual run and walk begins at 8:30 a.m. outside TRAC and follows a flat course through campus. Participants who pre-register will receive a T-shirt and have a chance to win door prizes.
• UIS volleyball, Oct. 10: The UIS women’s volleyball team will face Southwest Baptist at 2 p.m. at TRAC.
• UIS Alumni Gala: “A Night Among the Stars,” Oct. 10: Homecoming concludes with the Alumni Gala from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom. The celebration will feature dinner, drinks, music and dancing, along with the presentation of the 2026 UIS Alumni Awards honoring outstanding alumni for their achievements and contributions.