The wait is over. Tickets to Brock University’s largest alumni and campus community celebration are now available for purchase online — with prizes up for grabs for Badgers eager to secure their spot.

Taking place over two weekends from Sept. 16 to Sept. 24, this year’s event offers a variety of activities combining beloved traditions, new experiences and virtual educational programming on a wide range of topics.

“With a blend of virtual and in-person programming, we aim to engage alumni from all corners of the globe,” says Christine Richard, Interim Manager of Alumni Programming.

Homecoming 2023 features the return of fan-favourite events, including the Steel Blade Classic alumni VIP experience, the Alumni Recognition Reception and Brock Night at the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival. New additions to this year’s celebration include the Badger Bazaar, Sip and Yoga, and Alumni Pub Night events.

Alumni VIP ticket holders for the Steel Blade Classic will experience an exclusive view of the game from the fourth-floor alumni section, complete with access to a private bar and complimentary stadium snacks. Graduates are encouraged to register for the Alumni Pub Night, taking place at Trust Beer Bar after the game, to indulge in tacos, premier craft brews and slushie margaritas.

Brock Night at the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival will return to the Harvest Lounge Pavilion in Montebello Park on September 23, the Saturday of the big-ticket concert weekend. Guests can purchase tickets for the two-hour exclusive alumni event or all-night access to the pavilion, while quantities last.

A highlight of Homecoming 2023 is the inaugural Badger Bazaar, which will transform St. Catharines Market Square into a bustling marketplace showcasing the products and talents of Brock entrepreneurs and makers. Vendor applications are still being accepted online until Thursday, June 15.

Brock’s Sip and Yoga event will offer an elevated yoga and wine tasting experience in Niagara. Guests will embark on a tour of Cave Spring Vineyard after a rejuvenating yoga session led by certified instructor and alumna Sonia Reynolds (BA ’13). The experience will culminate in a lunch catered by Revalee Brunch Café, accompanied by a flight of four curated wines described by Winemaker and Viticulturist Gabriel Demarco (BSc ’13).

“Homecoming is more than a gathering of Brock graduates. It is also a celebration of the strong bonds that are formed within the Brock community and the ongoing value Alumni Relations can provide in their lives after graduation,” says Kim Post, Interim Director of Alumni Relations. “These types of events are key in providing the opportunity for alumni to stay connected to not only their alma mater, but also to one another.”

For alumni celebrating milestone anniversaries, the 25- and 50-year reunions offer a special opportunity to reconnect with classmates from the classes of ’73 and ’98. The celebrations include a pinning ceremony and a reception, where alumni will receive gold and silver cameo pins symbolizing their enduring connection to Brock University and their achievements since graduation.

By registering for Homecoming this summer, alumni and members of the Brock community have the chance to win one of three prizes: a Canadian Craft Brewery Tour gift card valued at $500, a Crush on Niagara Wine Tours gift card valued at $500 or a VIP Cabana Experience at the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival. Names will be drawn on July 10, August 10 and September 10 for each prize, respectively.

For more information and to register for events, visit brocku.ca/homecoming