The weekend, however, was full of changes that were implemented over the summer.
Due to a fight which broke out in front of Memorial Stadium, ISU officials decided to move Tent City into the stadium, and those who didn’t have a student ID had to buy a ticket to enter.
Only a dozen tents were set up compared to the 30 some in years past.
“We had a good turn out at Tent City. Lots of families,” explained Vice President of University Engagement Nancy Rogers. “The Alumni Tent was busy right up until kick-off.”
In addition to these Tent City changes, more security was added to Wabash Avenue for “The Walk”.
Tent City’s big move caused one ISU fraternity to keep their celebration at home.
Lambda Chi Alpha, with the help of alumni, set up shop in their backyard.
“I think it actually went very well, a lot better than I was expecting,” said member Ian Pittman.
According to Pittman, the alumni helped pay for food, music and anything else the brothers needed.
“Really it was just a perfect time for the alumni and the current chapter to grow and get closer together because the band, the music,” he said. “The atmosphere it was just a perfect night.”
While the Tent City change worked out in Lambda Chi’s favor, Pittman is worried this could impact the funding of other organizations next year.
“Our alumni really enjoyed it having it at our house better,” he said. “But overall I don’t think it will be a good idea for the other organizations.”
A few blocks away on Wabash Avenue, home of “The Walk”, increased security kept festivities under control.
“We feel like these measures worked. There was one arrest and that was by an off-duty officer at one of the local bars,” explained Terre Haute Police Department Public Information Officer Ryan Adamson. “So that is very good compared to years past.”
City and University officials believe the changes made to homecoming were needed after last year’s incident.
“Public safety is important,” said Rogers. “As is the universities reputation.”
University officials will meet next week to discuss homecoming as a whole and decide whether to keep the changes for years to come.
“Homecoming is an event where we absolutely want students and alumni and community members to be able to come out and to celebrate and to have a good time,” explained Rogers. “But it has to be a safe environment.”
