Hickory — Lenoir-Rhyne University is excited to invite alumni, students, families and fans back to campus for Homecoming Weekend, taking place October 25-26. The event promises a weekend packed with thrilling activities, including a high-energy football game, the traditional parade, a special tailgate, and reunions for the classes of 1974, 1984, and 1999.
On Saturday, October 26, the Bears will face off against the Limestone Saints at Moretz Stadium, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. Tickets are priced at $15 for adults, $10 for children aged 3-12, and free for children 2 and under. Tickets can be purchased at lrbears.com/tickets or at the gate on game day.
Alongside the football game, the weekend offers numerous ways to celebrate Bear Nation. While many activities are free and open to the public, most require registration at lr.edu/homecoming.
Friday, October 25
The festivities begin with the 36th Annual Hanley H. Painter Bear Memorial Golf Tournament at Lake Hickory Country Club’s Catawba Springs Course. Tee times are scheduled for 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Participants can form their own foursomes or join a group. All proceeds will benefit LR Athletics. Registration is required.
At 5 p.m., the Class of 1984 will kick off their reunion celebration with a party at City Walk Brewery and Distillery. This new venue in Hickory is perfect for reconnecting over beer, spirits, and food available for purchase. Guests are welcome, and registration is requested.
The Class of 1999 will celebrate its 25th reunion at the President’s Suite in the Moretz Stadium Press Box, starting at 6 p.m. Alumni and guests will enjoy a dinner of heavy hors d’oeuvres, and an open bar with beer and wine. Registration is $25 per person.
The Class of 1974 will mark its golden anniversary with a reunion at the Alumni House on the west side of campus, starting at 6 p.m. This gathering will include a meal of heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar of beer and wine. Registration is $40 per person.
Friday’s celebrations will conclude with the Homecoming Kickoff Party at City Walk Brewery and Distillery from 7 to 10 p.m. Bears of all ages will enjoy free appetizers and a cash bar. Registration is requested.
Saturday, October 26
Alumni, students, family and fans will convene for the annual Homecoming Parade at 10 a.m. on Stasavich Place. The parade will feature floats from student and alumni organizations and community partners. Arrive early to get the best view and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Get ready for the football game with a tailgate at Shaw Plaza, in front of the Cromer Center, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Enjoy a delicious tailgate lunch provided by Windy City Grill, music, family-friendly games, and plenty of LR spirit. The tailgate is sponsored by the Office of Alumni Engagement, and all alumni and guests are invited. Registration is requested.
The day will end with a special reunion for the Class of 1984 at the Alumni House from 6 to 9 p.m. Formerly the president’s home, this space is ideal for an evening of reconnection, complete with heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. Registration is $25 per person.
About Lenoir-Rhyne University
Founded in 1891, Lenoir-Rhyne University is a co-educational, private liberal arts institution with more than 45 undergraduate degree programs and nearly 20 graduate degree programs. LR enrolls more than 2,400 undergraduate and graduate students. LR’s main campus is in Hickory, North Carolina, where both undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered. The university also offers graduate degree programs on its campuses in Asheville, North Carolina, and Columbia, South Carolina. The Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary is also in Columbia. LR is affiliated with the North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and welcomes students from all religious backgrounds. The website is www.lr.edu.
