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Kickoff Weekend

Join us September 21-23 as Family Weekend, Homecoming, and the Colgate Bicentennial converge in one spectacular weekend of events.

Schedule of events

Download Schedule (PDF)

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All Kickoff Weekend events

All Bicentennial events

Registration and Ticketing

Register now

Colgate University's Memorial Chapel amidst autumn foliage

The Bicentennial Kickoff Weekend is free to attend. In lieu of a registration fee, we ask that you make a gift to support the Kerschner Family Series Global Leaders at Colgate or the Colgate Fund.

Football Tickets

Discounted with Advanced Purchase

Non-refundable tickets for the Colgate vs. Lafayette game on Saturday, September 22 are available for early, discounted purchase with registration for the weekend.

Families, please be advised that your student can attend home games for free by showing their Gatecard and, therefore, no tickets need to be purchased on their behalf.

Tickets are available for discounted purchase through Sunday, September 16; thereafter, tickets may be purchased for full price at the Welcome Center on Friday or at the gates on Saturday.

Tickets: Earth, Wind & Fire, presented by Kerschner Family Series Global Leaders at Colgate

Registering for the weekend does not guarantee tickets to Saturday evening’s concert featuring Earth, Wind & Fire. You will be redirected to Eventbrite upon completion of the weekend’s registration, at which point you can claim tickets to the concert. Those who register may reserve up to a maximum number of tickets:

  • Parents: 2 tickets
  • Alumni: 2 tickets
  • Faculty/Staff: 2 tickets
  • Students: 1 ticket
  • Community Members: 2 tickets

Bring Home the Celebration

When Through Thy Valley: Colgate in 200 Images

Take home a Bicentennial keepsake to mark this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. When Through Thy Valley celebrates the beauty and history of Colgate University's campus over 200 years through 200 images, both archival and contemporary. All profits from sales of this Bicentennial publication will support financial aid for Colgate students.

Buy the book now

Also on sale in the Colgate Bookstore

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Family Weekend and Homecoming still happen?

Yes. The Bicentennial kick-off weekend will include classic Family Weekend and Homecoming programming — as well as Bicentennial events and fanfare.

When and how do I register?

Starting on August 20, you can register here.

Where do I check in?

Check in at the Welcome Center on Friday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. or Saturday between 9 a.m. and noon. The Welcome Center is located on the patio along the College Street side of James C. Colgate Hall by Donovan’s Pub.

Where can I obtain a program for the weekend?

Programs will be available in the Welcome Center, which is on the patio along the College Street side of James C. Colgate Hall by Donovan’s Pub. The program will also be available on this website and through the Colgate Mobile app.

Where do I park?

Parking is available in many locations during the weekend. Parking will be available on Whitnall Field for the Bicentennial Kickoff Celebration on Friday.

What is the plan for poor weather on Friday?

We will make our best efforts to host events on Whitnall Field, while maintaining the safety of our guests and performers. If there is poor weather, the Symphoria concert will be moved to the Colgate Memorial Chapel.

Will there be seating at the Symphoria concert?

There will be areas for sitting and standing on Whitnall Field with views of the stage. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. There will be a limited number of chairs available in front of the stage on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage guests to make those seats available to those who need them.

I bought football tickets when I registered for the weekend; where can I pick them up?

If you purchased football tickets when registering for Kickoff Weekend, they will be available for pickup:

  • Friday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.: Available in the Welcome Center, which is on the patio along the College Street side of James C. Colgate Hall by Donovan’s Pub
  • Saturday, 11 a.m.–2:00 p.m.: Available in the tailgate give-aways tent in the tailgating area behind the visitor's stands at Andy Kerr Stadium

Will there be seating at the Earth, Wind and Fire concert?

Given the demand for this concert and the nature of the event, limited seating will be available for those who need it. We encourage those attending to stand and enjoy the music.

The concert is presented by the Kerschner Family Series Global Leaders at Colgate.

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