Homecoming Milestones
A valued tradition of University of Minnesota alumni, students, and fans, Homecoming has developed a rich history that is meaningful to many. Various stages of University, Minnesotan, and American history have shaped what Homecoming is today. Here’s a snapshot of the history that has shaped our modern-day Homecoming.
1900s
1914
First Homecoming established by the All-University council President Cyrus Kauffman.
1923
The last Homecoming game is played on historic Northrop Field.
1924
Memorial Stadium opens after two years of anticipation. The stadium was paid for entirely through a community drive.
1932
It is the first year of a Homecoming Queen. Marion Sanders of Kappa Kappa Gamma is crowned during the Friday night pep-fest activities in the Field House.
1940
Coffman Memorial Union's opening is celebrated in conjunction with Homecoming.
1941
The Homecoming Parade is billed as the world's largest parade at two miles long and including 170 cars and floats.
1942 - 1944
Participation in Homecoming is diminished as a result of World War Two, and there are no house decorations, bonfires, pep-fests, or parades. House decorations returned in 1944.
1951
The first Alumni Homecoming King, Babe LaVoir (at left), is paired with the Homecoming Queen, Judie Scott.
1958
The Coronation Dance for the Homecoming Queen Jane Quale and Alumni King Henry L. Williams takes place on the ag campus.
1966
Homecoming activities were revamped in hope of drawing more student participation. The Homecoming Committee added cultural and educational programs to the celebration.
1971 - 1975
There are no Homecoming Queens due to the influence of the feminist movement in the United States. In addition, participation in Homecoming activity decreases due to community protests and the Vietnam War.
Late 1970s
Major transitions occur for Royalty; Candidates are elected most heavily on the weight of their achievements and community contributions. The first African-American Homecoming Queen, Debra Scott crowned in 1978, along with the first student Homecoming King, Mark Chase.
1981
The last Homecoming game is played in Memorial Stadium. Gopher Football moves to the Metrodome the following year.
1997
Groundbreaking ceremony takes place as part of Homecoming to celebrate the forthcoming of the McNamara Akumni Center, named after Gopher football player and benefactor Richard "Pinky" McNamara.
The sixty-eight ton processional arch from Memorial Stadium was installed in the McNamara Alumni Center.
2000s
2009
The first Homecoming game and other activities take place in TCF Bank Stadium, including the implementation of the "We are... Minnesota" spirit initiative.
2010
Homecoming presents its first large scale concert featuring nationally recognized recording artist Kid Cudi. 7,000 Students attended.
2013
The bronze Goldy Gopher in front of Coffman Memorial Union in unveiled as part of Homecoming Week. The statue was designed by alumnus Nick Legeros in an effort to commemorate a lasting commitment to building and sustaining traditions on campus.
2017
Homecoming King and Queen were renamed ‘Homecoming Royalty’ to be more
inclusive and non-gender exclusive.
