September 9, 2025, Press Release from Bowling Green State University:
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – As part of its 2025 Homecoming festivities, Bowling Green State University invites alumni, families, students and community members to celebrate beloved mascot Freddie Falcon's 75th birthday from Sept. 11-14, featuring multiple activities, events and performances.
The four-day celebration will blend long-standing Homecoming favorites and traditions with birthday-themed surprises for people of all ages, including birthday cakes and performances by the Falcon Marching Band, one of the nation's largest college marching bands.
Along with events on campus and in the community, Falcon football fans can cheer on their team led by Head Coach Eddie George as they face Liberty on the gridiron at Doyt L. Perry Stadium at 5 p.m. on Sept. 13, followed by a post-game fireworks show. This year's celebration also includes the return of Homecoming Tailgate Park, which opens prior to the game with alumni reunions, family-friendly activities and a free concert by popular regional band The Grape Smugglers.
Additional BGSU Homecoming activities to celebrate Freddie Falcon's 75th birthday include:
- Welcome Back Party featuring live entertainment, games, food and more
- Falcon Marching Band concert on the lawn near Alumni Gateway
- Dave Wottle Homecoming 5K race beginning at Alumni Gateway
- Falconland featuring giant games, interactive experiences and the family-friendly Kid Zone
- Falcon Flames Vow Renewal Ceremony outside Prout Chapel
- All-Alumni Celebration at the BGSU letters
- The Student Green ribbon-cutting dedication outside Perry Field House
New this year, BGSU and Downtown Bowling Green are partnering to enhance the Homecoming celebration and support local businesses with the launch of an all-new Homecoming Passport.
With the free digital Homecoming Passport, people can earn points toward giveaways of BGSU-themed gear by checking in at Homecoming events or any of 30 participating Bowling Green businesses, which will also offer exclusive deals and discounts for passport users. The mobile-friendly passport also serves as an all-in-one source for BGSU Homecoming event information, maps and rewards.
For a full list of Homecoming events and information, visit BGSU.edu/Homecoming.
