History of Homecoming
Since 91传媒鈥檚 first Homecoming celebration in 1914, generations of Buffs have returned to campus to honor the traditions that bond us together. As 91传媒 marks its 150th anniversary, Homecoming offers an opportunity to reflect on the people, events and milestones that have shaped campus life for a century and a half.听听
Before Homecoming: Early Alumni Traditions
Before Homecoming became an official university tradition, alumni celebrations were already an important part of campus life. For six years before the first official 鈥淗ome-coming Day,鈥 CU鈥檚 Alumni Day brought former students back to campus. Football played an essential role in these gatherings, with games featuring alumni competing against current varsity players.听听
1914: CU's First Official Homecoming听
On Nov. 7, 1914, CU celebrated its first official Homecoming. The Colorado "C" men defeated Utah 33鈥0, giving alumni and students plenty to celebrate.听
The day's events extended far beyond football, including a freshman football game, demonstrations by campus organizations, a vaudeville performance, alumni reunions and a postgame bonfire. Together, these events established many of the traditions that would define Homecoming for decades to come.听
Building Traditions in the Early 20th Century听
Bonfires, Beanies and Freshman Rituals听
In the early twentieth century, freshmen played a major role in Homecoming celebrations. They gathered wood for Homecoming bonfires, sometimes being excused from class to help collect as much wood as possible.听
Freshmen were also required to wear green beanies known as "dinks." Students typically wore the caps until after Homecoming, unless they defeated the sophomores in the annual tug-of-war over Varsity Lake, which allowed them to retire their dinks early. These traditions made Homecoming a memorable rite of passage for new students.听
1924: Homecoming and the Dedication of Colorado Stadium听
Homecoming took on added significance in 1924 with the official dedication of Colorado Stadium, known today as Folsom Field.听
That year, the university promoted the celebration as "World-Wide Home-Coming Day," encouraging alumni who could not return to Boulder to gather and celebrate wherever two or more CU graduates could get together. The effort reflected the growing reach of CU's alumni community and demonstrated how Homecoming 听evolved into a tradition that extended far beyond campus.听
The Great Greek Egg Battle of 1933听
Not all Homecoming traditions were official university events.听
For years, members of Beta Theta Pi and Phi Delta Theta participated in a spirited rivalry known as the Great Greek Egg Battle, which occasionally coincided with Homecoming festivities.听
In the early hours of Nov. 3, 1933, fifteen pledges from each fraternity stood 75 yards apart in falling snow, armed with three cases of rotten eggs per team. After three consecutive victories by the Phi Delts, the Betas were determined to reclaim bragging rights. When the last eggs had been thrown and contestants stood covered in yolk, a whistle signaled the end of the contest. Representatives from each team stepped forward for the deciding coin toss, and the Betas emerged victorious.听
Milestones and Changing Traditions: 1960s-80s听
Homecoming traditions continued to evolve throughout the second half of the twentieth century while reflecting broader changes within the university community.听听
In 1962, Mary Mothershed made history as the first Black Homecoming Queen at 91传媒, marking an important milestone in the university鈥檚 history.听听
Less than a decade later, Homecoming took a characteristically Buff turn when Ralphie was named Homecoming Queen in 1971.听
Throughout the 1980s, 鈥淰ote for Ralphie鈥 and 鈥淩alphie for President鈥 campaigns emerged on campus as political satire, complete with campaign-style merchandise. In 1988, the joke found its way into a Homecoming tradition when a 鈥淩alphie for Pres鈥 float joined the parade, demonstrating how student culture and current events often intersected with longstanding campus traditions.听
Homecoming Today听
While many traditions have changed over the past century, the spirit of homecoming remains the same. Alumni continue to return to campus to celebrate these beloved Buff traditions together and reconnect with the university community.听听
In 2025, CU transitioned from selecting a Homecoming King and Queen to recognizing a Homecoming Court, reflecting the continuing evolution of our campus traditions.听听
Homecoming and stadium dedication, 1924. CU Heritage Center.
The Great Greek Egg Battle of 1933. Alumnus, CU Heritage Center.听
Ralphie accepts her tinfoil homecoming queen crown, 1971. CU Heritage Center.
鈥淩alphie for Pres鈥 float, 1988. CU Heritage Center.