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Homecoming & Family Weekend
September 25-26
Whether you are an alum, parent, family, or friend, Homecoming & Family Weekend brings everyone together for a weekend filled with fun and DeSales University spirit.
There’s something for everyone to enjoy during the weekend, including:
Varsity Athletic Games
Cheer on the Bulldogs all day with a full lineup of varsity games across campus.
Frankie's Fun Zone
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun at Frankie's Fun Zone with our very own pumpkin patch, inflatables, face painting, petting zoo, and more. Plus, enjoy some treats while making memories with family and friends. There's something for all ages!
Please note: Pumpkins are available on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of registration. Registration simply helps us get an estimate of attendance so we can plan accordingly.
Food Truck Fan Fest
Head over to the DUC parking lot and savor a variety of delicious food truck favorites. Gather with fellow families, students, alumni, and friends, grab a bite to eat, and get ready to cheer on our Bulldogs as they take the field throughout the day.
Family and Alumni BBQ
Gather together and enjoy the camaraderie that brings the DeSales community together year after year. The entire DeSales community, including families, friends, alumni, faculty, and staff, is invited to a casual, traditional BBQ dinner of hot dogs, hamburgers and all the fixings!
Fireworks Show
Watch the night sky come alive as fireworks light up campus in celebration. A spectacular Homecoming & Family Weekend tradition year after year!
AND MORE!
View the full event schedule, learn more about each event, and register.
Celebrate Homecoming & Family Weekend in style!
The DeSales University Homecoming Apparel Store is now open! 🎉 Shop exclusive Homecoming and DeSales apparel and merchandise to show your Bulldog pride wherever you are!
Orders placed after August 31 will be shipped directly to your home. The store closes October 1, so be sure to shop before it’s too late!
Start Shopping Today
Hotel Accommodations
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There are a variety of hotels conveniently located throughout the Lehigh Valley to accommodate your stay during Homecoming & Family Weekend. For those looking to stay close to campus, we have secured a special discount at the SpringHill Suites Allentown Bethlehem/Center Valley.
- Book Online
I am a parent/family/support person, and I am not sure what to sign up for.
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We know there is a lot happening throughout Homecoming & Family Weekend, and it can feel a bit overwhelming. We recommend starting by reviewing the schedule designed specifically with you and your student in mind and talking together about what you'd like to do during the weekend.
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Many families choose to spend the entire day on campus on Saturday to make the most of the experience. We highly recommend registering for the Family Luncheon, hosted by the Office of Student Life, as it is the signature event created especially for parents and families. Throughout the day, you'll also find plenty of activities to enjoy together, including Frankie's Fun Zone, food trucks, and athletic games happening across campus. The day concludes with a spectacular fireworks show that can be enjoyed from across our beautiful campus.
Do I have to pay for my students at the Family Luncheon and Family & Alumni BBQ?
The Family Luncheon is free for all DeSales students, with advanced registration as part of your group. However, the Family and Alumni BBQ is not free for DeSales students. Currently, meal swipes are not accepted for this event. If you would like to use your meal card, the DUC cafeteria is open.
I am attending the Family Luncheon and/or Family and Alumni BBQ - What if I have a food allergy?
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We do our best to accommodate most food allergies and dietary preferences at our catered meals, including vegetarian options. If you require a special meal due to a severe food allergy, please contact us directly. We will do our best to accommodate your needs. Reach out to Melissa Ciment at melissa.ciment@desales.edu.
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Food trucks are independently operated vendors, therefore, we cannot guarantee that they will be able to accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions. We encourage you to speak directly with each vendor about ingredients and preparation methods before ordering.
Is there a cost for events during the weekend?
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Most events and activities during Homecoming & Family Weekend are free to attend. However, the following events require advance registration and a fee. Pricing varies depending on the event and the age of the guest.
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Family Luncheon
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Alumni and Friends Tailgate Parking Spot
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Family & Alumni BBQ
Where do most of the activities take place?
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The DeSales University Center Parking Lot and surrounding area are the hub of activity on Saturday. The parking lot will host the Alumni and Friends Tailgate, with Food Truck Fest surrounding the area, while the adjacent field will feature Frankie's Fun Zone.
Who can participate in the Alumni and Friends Tailgate?
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The Alumni and Friends Tailgate is specifically for our alumni and their guests to reconnect and celebrate Homecoming. Students who are 21 and older, and parents, are also welcome to purchase a tailgate parking spot; however, spots are prioritized for alumni. If registration is full, please email us to be added to the waitlist.
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Parents, families, and guests of students under 21 are also welcome to stop by and enjoy the tailgate atmosphere, food trucks, and Frankie's Fun Zone, all located in the same area without registration. However, anyone planning to consume alcoholic beverages must receive a wristband from our security team.
What are the rules for Tailgating? What to bring and not bring.
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You must be 21 or older to purchase a tailgating spot.
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You may begin setting up the DUC parking lot starting at 11:00 a.m.
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All vehicles must display a parking pass to enter the DeSales University Center (DUC) parking lot. Your parking pass will be emailed to you during the week of Homecoming.
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Each pass is valid for one vehicle and grants you 1 parking spot.
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All guests 21+ in the tailgating parking lot area will require a wristband.
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If you are under 21+, you are permitted to be in the lot accompanied by an adult.
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Tailgating is BYOB, but glass bottles and kegs are NOT permitted.
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No pets are allowed in the tailgating lot, except for service animals.
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If you plan to bring a grill, please abide by the policy attached.
Homecoming is a time to celebrate our Bulldog community. We ask everyone to be respectful, responsible, and considerate of others so everyone can enjoy the day. Any behavior deemed disruptive, unsafe, or inconsistent with university policies may result in removal from the event without a refund.
What if an event is sold out/full?
Some events have limited capacity and may fill up before registration closes. If an event is listed as full, please don't hesitate to contact us. We may still be able to accommodate you or add you if additional space becomes available.
Where do I park?
Parking is available in all parking lots on campus. Parking is available throughout campus, with recommended lots based on the event you are attending.
- Parents, families, and alumni: Gambet Parking Lot. Limited handicap parking is available in the Dooling Parking Lot and the DeSales University Center Parking Lot. Please show your handicap placard to security for access, as tailgating activities will be taking place.
- Athletic Spectators: Billera Parking Lots 1 and 2
- Soccer Spectators: Dooling Parking Lot
- Baseball Spectators: Weiland Parking Lot
- Residence Hall Visitors: Dorothy Day Parking Lot
- Mass attendees: Chappuis Parking Lot
- Note: The DeSales University Parking Lot is reserved exclusively for guests displaying an Alumni & Friends Tailgate Parking Pass and for those using designated accessible parking spaces. All other vehicles will be directed to alternate parking areas.
View the campus map
What happens to outdoor events/ activities if it rains?
We will update the Homecoming & Family Weekend website with additional information in the event of inclement weather. Note: The Alumni and Friends Tailgate is rain or shine.
Will the bookstore be open?
Yes! Stop by and get all your DeSales University and Bulldog pride gear!Weekend Hours: Friday, September 25 - 9a.m.-7p.m.
Saturday, September 26 - 11a.m.-7p.m. |