This story was updated on October 16, 2024 to correct an inaccuracy.

It's homecoming weekend at Indiana University, and from the IU-Nebraska game on Saturday to the unveiling of the John Mellencamp statue on Friday (with “the Cougar” himself in attendance!), this weekend promises to be a busy one in Bloomington.

From the homecoming parade to the Hoosier Hysteria basketball scrimmage games, here's your primer on events, traditions and logistics for IU Homecoming Weekend 2024.

Who will the Hoosiers play in the homecoming football game?

The Hoosiers, currently 6-0 for the second time in IU history, will face the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 19 at noon.

What's there to eat? IU Memorial Stadium concession stands serve Bloomington favorites

Nebraska, which is 5-1 this season, is currently in sixth place in the Big Ten (IU is in a three-way tie for No. 1).

Is the IU vs. Nebraska game sold out?

Yes. Tickets are sold out, but resale tickets may be available on StubHub.

More: Curt Cignetti over the Indiana football team 6-0

Are hotel rooms available in Bloomington for Homecoming weekend?

There are some, but the options are expensive. Based on their listings on Google, the Hyatt Place and Courtyard hotels on Walnut Street and the Graduate Hotel in Kirkwood have some rooms available at prices starting around $600. Other options with availability further from campus include the Travelodge on Third Street, as well as the Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn and Comfort Inn. Prices range from about $300 to $800 per night.

What you should know: Indiana University football, traffic and $1,000 a night.

When are the Hoosier Hysteria scrimmage basketball games?

Hoosier basketball fans will get their first look at the 2024-2025 Hoosiers with “Hoosier Hysteria,” an annual scrimmage preview of the men’s and women’s teams on Oct. 18 at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

Doors for Hoosier Hysteria open at 6:30 p.m. and scrimmage games begin at 7:30 p.m. Hoosier Hysteria is free and open to the public.

When is the homecoming parade?

The Homecoming Parade will be held on October 18th at 5:30 p.m. Floats, cars, bands and other organizations will travel along Woodlawn Avenue from 13th Street to 17th Street. The parade will include a performance by the IU Marching Hundred.

This year’s theme is “Hoosier Hollywood.” Participants and visitors are asked to dress appropriately.

Will John Mellencamp be there for Homecoming weekend?

Yes. The local Heartland rock legend will be on the IU campus on Oct. 18 to unveil a bronze statue in his honor in front of the IU Auditorium. The statue was made by local artist and IU alumnus Michael McAuley, who also made IU's Hoagy Carmichael statue.

The unveiling begins at 1 p.m. and those interested are asked to register at myiu.org/events.

Prize winner: The Mellencamp statue is the latest figure immortalized in bronze at Indiana University

What other events are happening for Homecoming?

Homecoming is a busy weekend, especially this year. Other events include:

• The tailgate of women's soccerhosted by the Student Athletic Board, will be held at Bill Armstrong Stadium (1606 N. Fee Lane) on October 17th at 5:30 p.m. Free.

• The grand opening of the IU Museum of Archeology and Anthropology on Oct. 19 at 12:30 p.m. Free.

• The Hoosier Huddle Tailgate before the IU-Nebraska game on Oct. 19 from 9 to 11:45 a.m. at the Virgil T. Devault Alumni Center (1000 E. 17th St.). Registration ends on October 16th. You can purchase tickets at myiu.org/events/huddle24.

• The Bloomington Social Club Homecoming Graduation Party will be held on October 19th from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at Indiana Memorial Union Alumni Hall (900 E. 7th St.). Free.

What is the significance of Homecoming Weekend?

Homecoming weekend is a tradition celebrated at most American colleges and usually takes place in late September or early October. The tradition originated in the early 20th century as an opportunity for families and alumni to visit the university and celebrate their university pride.

Homecoming events at IU include a Friday parade along Woodlawn Avenue, “Hoosier Hysteria” basketball scrimmage games at Assembly Hall and a Saturday home football game at Memorial Stadium.

Reach Brian Rosenzweig at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter/X at @brianwritesnews.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Indiana University Homecoming 2024: Nebraska, Hoosier Hysteria, Parade