Illini 411: What year did Illinois start using Homecoming themes?

Question courtesy of Kit Beyer, ’93 MEDIA

Photo illustration of historic Homecoming images

Question courtesy of Kit Beyer, ’93 MEDIA

By Ryan A. Ross

A: As far as I can tell, it was 1919. The theme was “Victory Homecoming”—a commemoration of the United States’ victory in World War I—and the event was a return to form for Illinois’ Homecoming celebration, following its war-related cancellation in 1918. After the “Victory Homecoming,” themes became as common to the Homecoming tradition as the football game itself. Notable examples include 1924’s “Dedication Homecoming,” for Memorial Stadium’s dedication game; 1944’s “Thinking Thoughts of Home,” in recognition of Illini serving in World War II; and 2020’s “Stronger Together in Orange and Blue,” an Illini-themed nod to the pandemic. The theme of this year’s Homecoming (Sept. 8-14) is “Illinois. Together. Forever.”