Bears for life

Homecoming


Homecoming is the perfect time to return to campus and rekindle your LR spirit.

We are excited to welcome back our LR alumni and friends who have been away from campus for far too long! Save the date for Homecoming 2024, scheduled for October 25-26, in Hickory. 

The classes of 1974, 1984 and 1999 will celebrate milestone reunions during Homecoming weekend. Check back this summer for a full schedule of events.

Register for Homecoming Weekend

Homecoming Schedule 2024

  • Friday, October 25

    The 36th Annual Hanley H. Painter Bear Memorial Golf Tournament
    Lake Hickory County Club, Catawba Springs Course

    Start off your Homecoming weekend and show your support for LR at the annual Hanley H. Painter Memorial Golf Tournament. Bring your own foursome or we can add you to one. The event is at Lake Hickory Country Club (Catawba Springs), and tee times are 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. All proceeds benefit LR Athletics. Registration required.

    Class of 1984 Reunion Kickoff
    5 p.m. | City Walk Brewery and Distillery

    The class of 1984 will begin its reunion celebration with a kickoff party at the new City Walk Brewery and Distillery. This wonderful addition to the City of Hickory is a great place for you to reconnect with your fellow classmates while also enjoying the proximity to downtown Hickory. Beer, spirits and food will be available for purchase. Guests are welcome. Registration requested.

    Class of 1999 25th Reunion
    6-9 p.m. | President's Suite

    The class of 1999 is invited to celebrate its 25th reunion at the President’s Suite in the Mortez Stadium Press Box, one of the many new spaces of the Moretz Stadium which re-opened in 2022. This special event will begin at 6 p.m. and provide time to remember favorite LR memories with classmates. Alumni and their guests will enjoy a dinner of heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar of beer and wine. Price per person is $25. Registration required.

    Class of 1974 50th Reunion
    6-9 p.m. | Alumni House

    The class of 1974 will celebrate its golden year reunion with a special gathering at the Alumni House, located on the west side of campus. Previously the president’s home, this space is perfect for reconnecting with friends and classmates from your time at LR. The reunion event will begin at 6 p.m. and offer a meal of heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar of beer and wine. Price per person is $40. Registration required.

    Homecoming Kickoff Party
    7-10 p.m. | City Walk Brewery and Distillery

    Located on the new Hickory City Walk, City Walk Brewery and Distillery is proud to host this year’s Homecoming Kickoff Party. The venue is a wonderful new addition to the Hickory community that not only enriches the vibrant local scene but is also close to downtown Hickory and LR’s campus. Join fellow Bears of all ages and enjoy free appetizers and a cash bar. This is the perfect spot to start your weekend and meet up with friends. Registration requested.

  • Saturday, October 26

    Homecoming Parade
    10 a.m. | Stasavich Place

    Homecoming is not complete without the annual Homecoming parade. Make sure to get there early to claim your parade spot along Stasavich to see the spectacular floats from student and alumni organizations, as well as community partners.

    Alumni Homecoming Tailgate
    11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Shaw Plaza

    Get ready for the football game with a tailgate-style lunch from Windy City Grill in Hickory, family-friendly games, music and lots of LR spirit! The tailgate is sponsored by the Office of Alumni Engagement and will run on Shaw Plaza, in front of the Cromer Center. All alumni and their guests are invited. Registration requested.

    A Cappella Choir Alumni Sing Alma Mater and National Anthem
    12 p.m. | Mauney Music Building - Choir Room

    All LR A Cappella Choir alumni are invited to sing LR's alma mater and the national anthem as part of the football game pregame show. Join the current A Cappella Choir for a brief rehearsal at noon before walking to the stadium at 12:30 p.m.

    Homecoming Football Game vs. Limestone University
    1 p.m. | Moretz Stadium

    The Bears take on the Limestone University Saints! Tickets are $15 and $10 for children ages 3-12. Children 2 and under are free. Purchase tickets online through Athletics or at the gate on game day.

    Class of 1984 40th Reunion
    6-9 p.m. | Alumni House

    The class of 1984 will celebrate its 40th reunion at the Alumni House, located on the west side of campus. Previously the president's home, this space is perfect for reconnecting with friends and classmates from your time at LR. The reunion event will offer a meal of heavy hors d'oeuvres and an open bar of beer and wine. Price per person is $25. Registration required.